that would allow it.” He nods. “But…sometimes, I speak to the universe. Some people call it god.”
I nod, hanging on his every word.
“And I would say, please, universe, please make Apollo see me. Want me. Love me. I would scold myself for such fanciful desires. It made no sense to want such things when I thought you were straight.” He grips my hands, squeezing gently. “But the universe, she listened. She granted the wish and brought you to me. So maybe, these things really exist.”
“Babe, you’re so beautiful. Your heart astounds me. I don’t know about god and the universe or how any of it works, but I know that…” I swallow the lump of emotion in my throat. “I know that you and I are meant for big things together, and whether it was fate or god or some other supernatural power that brought us together, I’m gonna cherish it, nurture it, keep it.”
Felix smiles. “I know. It is why I trust you with my heart.” He lifts my hand and places it on his chest over his heart. “It is yours, mon amour.”
“I will treasure it.”
He kisses me again. “I will see you tonight. Text me when you are off, and I will meet you.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
“Me too. Have a good day, Apollo. I will count the minutes until we are together again.”
He leaves, taking my breath with him. I shake my head, scratching my scalp as I try to compose myself again. I remember the box and open it to see a gorgeous white cake with glazed strawberries on top. It’s small, as if made for just a few people. There’s a card taped to the lid. I pull it off and open the little envelope.
Apollo,
Mon amour, mon chouchou, mon rêve,
You are my love, my sweetheart, my dream. I show my love through my craft. I heard from a little bee that your favorite cake is strawberries and cream. I hope you enjoy my interpretation. Why your favorite cake? Because you deserve it.
Kisses,
Felix.
My heart flutters in my chest. He heard me. He made my favorite cake. He must have called Lucien to find out what it was. It’s even cute he confused bee with birdie. I like his version better. I open my drawer and grab a plastic fork and dig right in, nearly moaning in pleasure. Oh my god. It’s incredible. So light, perfectly sweet, decadent.
He shows his love through his craft. Well, Felix, I show mine with grand gestures. I can’t wait until tomorrow.
I’m going to blow his mind.
Felix
I twist in bed to gaze at Apollo while he sleeps. I always wake up before him. Last night was much needed. A week without being in his arms was too much, but now, being with him again, I feel restored.
My fingers crawl through his silky hair, as black as it ever was. He looks so peaceful right now, and it fills me with joy to know how comfortable he feels with me.
His eyes flutter open and he smiles. “Morning, gorgeous.”
“Bonjour, mon beau."
“What does that mean? You’ve said it before.”
“My handsome, basically.”
“Ah, I like that. What can I say to call you pretty?”
“Ma belle.”
“Is it appropriate to say to a man?”
“You can say anything you want to this man.”
“That’s good to know. I hope you don’t mind, but I planned a little outing for us today.”
“I think that sounds nice.”
“Good. Want to get up?”
“If we must.”
After getting dressed in jeans and a slouchy blue sweater, I put on some wedge boots, and just a little makeup—gloss, winged eyeliner, and mascara. Smiling at my reflection, I release a contented sigh. I’m so happy right now.
When I come out, Apollo is on the couch, clearly texting someone.
“I’m ready.”
He looks up, smiling, but it quickly fades. “Wow.”
“What?”
“You just look…fuck. You look so good.”
“Oh.” I shake my head. “I thought maybe you didn’t like it.”
“I don’t think you could do anything I don’t like, but you look super-hot. The blue is a really nice color on you.”
“Merci. Euh, you look...good enough to eat. Which happens to be accurate.”
Apollo laughs. “I’ll take you up on that later.”
A few hours later, after a nice morning window shopping, Apollo stops in front of a restaurant.
“Lunch?”
“Yes, I’m starved.”
“Good. Me too.” He pats my leg. “This place is supposed to have really good Greek food. I don’t know if it can compete with my mom’s, but we’ll see.”
I laugh. “Let’s find out.”
We walk inside, and even though the restaurant doesn't seem very busy, Apollo