Chasing Him - Kat T. Masen Page 0,47
lip as I continue to be rendered speechless.
He knows he has my attention—my knees threaten to buckle under his gaze.
“He is very aware of how hot and sexy his girlfriend is, and that she doesn’t realize that men actually turn around to look at her.”
A shy grin escapes me, my cheeks flushing at the sentiment. Did he just say girlfriend?
Penny is fanning herself in her usual flamboyant way. “Mmm… damn! Why can’t a man say that about me?”
Hazel offers to take Andy inside for some milk, allowing us to have some private time. As soon as they enter the house, my body moves toward Julian. He places his hands on my cheekbones, kissing me deeply. Even with Penny watching, I find myself melting into him, my hands trying ridiculously hard to behave themselves.
“I miss you,” he says with his lips brushing against mine.
“You mean you miss your girlfriend?”
He steps back with his palm cupped into my cheek. “I hate that word, but socially, yes, you are.”
“Like OMG,” I brag. “I got myself a boyfriend.”
Penny is laughing until she realizes her wig has shifted, and in a blind panic, she is busily arranging it so it’s back into position. This sight alone causes us to erupt into laughter. I rest my hand on Julian’s chest trying to compose myself and also as an excuse to touch him again.
It’s refreshing to be open with our friends. Penny has known we’re seeing each other for a while. She isn’t one to judge, and knowing our history, she embraces our relationship with open arms. Julian and Penny are great friends, and unlike others, she understands him and got to know the real Julian much like I did. He never treats Penny any less than she deserves. They resumed bingo night with Eric in tow, and Julian always speaks highly of their friendship. On a few occasions, he mentions writing a few pieces for an LGBTQ website, a topic he is extremely passionate about.
Hazel is also happy to see us together, giving much-needed advice to both of us on several occasions. Having lost her husband, I rely on her wisdom to help me overcome the guilt of being with Julian. I have to admit she is biased—Julian is like a son to her. She admits that having him around gives her peace—he has so many qualities like her son, and because of that, she has grown to love him like her own. How can you not love him? He is perfect.
“You understand we can’t be so open with Andy, right?” I quickly remind him.
“Of course. We talked about this. One step at a time. I can keep my hands off you.”
“Wait, you know how to do that?” Shocked, I withhold a smile and put on my poker face.
“You got me there.” He wraps his arm around my waist, pulling my body in flush with his. “Two minutes, down by that bush, it’s all I need.”
I swat his arm. “Two minutes now? It’s getting shorter and shorter.”
“Like you can talk. One minute and fifteen seconds,” he teases.
“You time me?”
He appears to be amused as the corner of his lips rise, flashing his beautiful teeth.
“Oh, that’s nothing, honey. Once, I only looked at a guy’s schlong, and I jizzed right on the spot,” Penny admits.
“Wow!” I exclaim. “How big was it?”
“Okay, ladies. I’m going inside to fetch Andy. This conversation is all yours.” Julian has left us, happy to walk away and avoid Penny’s wild stories. They make Eric look like an amateur.
Penny and I sit on the wicker chairs as we both stare into the valley. It’s a beautiful day, only a few scattered clouds in the sky. Hazel’s house is located a fair distance away from the city, enough that the hazy smog has disappeared, and only beautiful nature surrounds you.
“There’s something about this place that calms me, you know? I don’t know what it is, but just when I think my life isn’t worth living, this place reminds me how fortunate I am,” Penny says wistfully.
I sigh dreamily. “Maybe it is not the place, it’s the people.”
She nods. “Honey child, you wanna talk about it?”
Penny is easy to talk to, non-judgmental and wise. She has led a rough life, one that has beaten her down in unthinkable ways, but if you know her, you’ll know she is made of steel.
“Sometimes I feel like I’m living a double life. Actually, a triple life. Being a single mother is a lot. I mean, I’m so lucky