“Here we are,” Jeff announced as he parked.
“Obviously.”
Jeff patted his arm. “Hey. Something’s clearly bothering you. What is it?”
Chad jerked away his arm as if he’d been burned. The last thing he needed right now was Jeff touching him. He’d never get through the evening. “Just a bad day. I’m fine,” he lied and climbed out of the truck.
Jeff followed Chad to the front door. When they entered, a little bell rang above their heads.
“Be right there,” a voice from the back called.
Rugs were stacked everywhere. It was almost like a maze. One side also had rugs hanging out from the wall, and there were smaller rugs on display on the other side. Rugs of every color and design covered the floor and Chad wasn’t even sure where to begin looking.
“Welcome to Casper’s,” a good-looking young man said as he came toward them from behind a particularly tall stack of rugs. He extended his hand to Chad. “I’m Steven, Casper’s son.”
Chad eyed the man as he clasped his hand. “Chad. And this is—”
“Oh, my God! Jeff! It’s been ages,” Steven exclaimed as he stood in front of Jeff. “How have you been?” He wrapped his arms around Jeff, and Chad felt like he’d been punched in the stomach.
“Steven! I didn’t know you were working for your dad! When did you start?”
Chad watched closely as the two of them talked. Steven’s hair was so black it was almost blue, and it curled around his face. His blue eyes sparkled as he talked with Jeff. He looked in good shape and obviously had no qualms about touching Jeff. Chad narrowed his eyes as he noted that, although Steven had stopped hugging Jeff, his hand remained on Jeff’s arm. And Chad didn’t like that one bit.
“Chad,” Jeff began, “Steven and I grew up together. Went to elementary school through high school together.”
Jeff explained to his friend that Chad needed a rug and gave him the dimensions.
“You want to show him the paint sample?” Jeff asked.
Chad pulled his eyes from Steven’s hand, still resting on Jeff’s arm. “What?”
Jeff gave him a half-smile. “The paint chip? Do you still have it?”
“Yes,” Chad answered.
“Well?”
“Oh, right. Sorry.” Chad pulled the sample from his pocket and handed it to Steven.
“Great color. What type of rug are you looking for?”
Chad shrugged. He had no idea, honestly.
“Well, what about you, Jeff? What kind of rug are you guys looking for? Is this for your house? Or an apartment?”
Jeff chuckled. “It’s not for me. It’s for Chad’s house.”
Steven brought his hand to his lips. “Oh, I’m sorry. I’ve put my foot in my mouth again. I tend to do that. I just assumed you two were together.”
Jeff glanced at Chad. “We’re not.”
Chad felt bile rise to his throat and he couldn’t stop the drop he felt in his stomach. He steadied himself on a stack of rugs and shuddered. Jeff’s words sounded so…so final. It hit him hard in the gut.
“Well, follow me. I’ve got some beautiful rugs in several designs that might go well with this color.” Steven turned on his heels and led them toward the back.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” Jeff hissed at Chad when Steven was out of earshot.
“Nothing.”
“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were jealous”
Chad stopped in his tracks. “Jealous?” he barked, a little too loudly.
“You’ve been pissy since I picked you up and now you’re shooting daggers at Steven. What the fuck is going on?” Jeff’s eyes darkened with anger.
“I already told you—nothing is wrong. I’m just in a bad mood. Why do you care anyway? It’s not like we’re dating. Just go find your friend and have a nice visit. I’m walking home.”
“You’re being ridiculous. You know that, right?” Jeff raced after Chad and grabbed his wrist.
Chad whirled around, his eyes huge. “Just leave me alone. I need some air.”
Jeff stepped back, his palms raised. “Okay. I’m not sure what’s going on, but I’ll let you go.”
Chad stared at him a moment as anger, jealousy, and fear rumbled around inside him. He’d never felt like this before and had no idea how to react or make it stop. What he wanted to do was punch Steven for touching Jeff. What he wanted to do was grab Jeff and kiss him. But what he did do was walk out the door.
* * * *
It started raining about five minutes after he left Casper’s. Of course it did. Because when you throw a tantrum in a store and storm off like a petulant child, gray clouds seek you out and follow you home. He almost laughed at the absurdity of the situation. Almost.