Chapter 55 Unexpected truth
He felt uncomfortable about the fact that Lucas and Nathan knew each other. His countenance changed on seeing Nathan’s name but he covered it up immediately, dropping the phone back without answering the call. Then he turned back to Lucas with a light smile.
“Maybe in the future we’ll get practical together,” he added quickly, lips curving into a teasing smile. “Or even compete over who can create a better recipe. I believe I can win you over.”
“Hm. Don’t be so sure about that,” Lucas shot back, scrunching his face into an exaggerated, playful glare.
They burst into laughter, the sound easy and unguarded, filling the small space between them. The conversation drifted on with short stories, jokes, light confessions, but carefully avoiding anything too deep. It was just enough to feel close but not enough to feel dangerous. Later, the car slowed at Lucas’s stop.
“What about your friend, Nathan?” Alex asked out of curiosity, though his eyes flicked toward Lucas. “Is he around?”
“No,” Lucas replied, shaking his head. “Work took him out of the city. He’ll be back in a few days.”
“Oh. Okay.” He said briefly.
At that exact moment, Alex’s phone buzzed again with Nathan's call. He sighed inwardly, answered, and said shortly, “I’m busy now. I’ll call you back later.”
He ended the call and turned back just in time to see Lucas reaching for the door handle. Alex caught his hand, fingers closing around it before Lucas could pull away.
“Aren’t you forgetting something?” Alex murmured, eyes locking with him.
Lucas blinked, caught off guard. “Forgetting what?”
“Oh, come on, my Lucas,” Alex said, spreading his arms wide in mock offense.
It clicked instantly. Lucas’s lips curved into a soft smile and he leaned forward, wrapping his arms around Alex. The hug was brief but warm, lingering just enough to mean something.
Then Lucas’s phone buzzed.
He pulled back slightly and glanced at the screen. Nathan’s name flashed. His face lit up at once; he had been waiting for that call for two days now.
“It’s my friend, Nathan,” Lucas said brightly. He opened the door and stepped out of the car. “I need to thank him for recommending me to the person who helped me get this job.” Then, a little shyly, he added, “Thanks for the ride, my Alex.”
The phone stopped buzzing in his hand.
Alex smiled, but instead of driving off, he stepped out of the car. Lucas barely had time to react before Alex walked around and pulled him into another hug, firmer this time. It was protective and almost urgent.
“My Lucas,” Alex murmured near his ear. “No matter what happens in the future, just know you’re very dear to my heart. Okay?”
“Okay,” Lucas replied softly, though confusion stirred in his chest. What does he mean?
Was it about his secret, or did Alex have something to hide too?
His phone buzzed again. Lucas started to pull away, but Alex leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead before letting him go.
“Goodnight, my Lucas,” Alex said quietly, his voice caught somewhere between happiness and worry. He turned and walked around back to the car.
“Goodnight, my Alex,” Lucas replied, then swiped the answer button on his phone.
“Hello, Nat, hold on a bit,” he said into the phone before the buzzing could stop again. His happy voice didn't escape Alex and it made his heart twitch.
Lucas cheerfully lifted his hand, waved once more at Alex as he entered his car, and drove off. He turned and headed towards the apartment.
“Okay, Nat, I’m listening now,” Lucas said once he was safely inside the apartment. He lowered his voice as he leaned against the wall. “You disappeared on me for two whole days and refused to pick up my calls.”
Nathan chuckled on the other end. “Missing me too much already?”
“Obviously,” Lucas replied with a grin. “I was starting to think you had forgotten about me.”
“Never boyfriend, work just went crazy,” Nathan said, then paused. “So, how did it go? Did you get the job?”
Lucas walked over to the room to drop his bag as excitement bubbled up again. “It went really well. Better than I expected, actually. They were welcoming, impressed…except for one crazy Zenith.”
What? OH dear, be careful with him, he is troublesome.
He exhaled, relief and gratitude mixing together. “Nat, thank you. Truly. That recommendation changed everything for me.”
“I’m glad,” Nathan said warmly. “I knew you would do great.”
“No, really,” Lucas insisted. “I’ve been meaning to tell you this since the first day. Whomever you recommended me to, he is incredible. I guess he must be ridiculously kind.” He smiled to himself. “I owe you big time.”
There was a brief silence.
Then Nathan said casually, “Well, you can thank him yourself.”
Lucas frowned slightly. “I would like to do that. What is his name?”
“Well,” Nathan paused, a little crack creeping into his voice, “the person I recommended you to was my friend.”
Lucas, who had been leaning on the wall, pushed off the wall, suddenly alert. “Your friend?”
“Yeah. The one that just broke up with me, Alex.”
Lucas froze for a while before whispering, “…Alex?” as if saying the name might change it.
“Yes, Luc, my Alex,” Nathan confirmed.
Lucas’s heart began to pound, pieces snapping together too quickly. The rides. The interest. The warmth. That strange phone call. Nat’s name on Alex’s screen a few minutes ago.
“No,” Lucas said faintly. “This can't be happening.”
“What did you say? Have you met him already?”
“Yeah, he is the executive chef”
Nathan laughed. “Huh, wow. Guess it slipped my mind to tell you he is the one I recommended you to. Small world, right?”
Lucas swallowed, his back pressing against the wall again.
“Yeah,” he managed, mind spinning. “A… very small world.”
“Wait,” Nathan said, suddenly curious. “Why do you sound weird? Don’t tell me he has indicated interest in you.”
Lucas hesitated, images flashing through his head—Alex’s smile, the hugs, the kisses, the words you’re very dear to my heart.
“Oh no, he didn't,” Lucas lied quietly. How could he explain to Nathan that they were close already?
Nathan’s tone shifted, intrigued. “Well, I won't be surprised if he tries because you're almost the perfect description of the guy that saved him years back.”
Lucas closed his eyes, exhaling slowly. “I think,” he said, voice barely above a whisper, “We need to talk when you get back.”
“Is everything alright? You sound worried. Did he bother you?”
“No, but Zenith does. We will talk when you come back.” Lucas lied again.
“Well now you’ve got my attention,” Nathan replied. “I might be back in two days. Don’t worry about him. If he tries nonsense you're not okay with, threaten him with punching his face. He likes keeping his face clear of bruises.”
Lucas smiled faintly, though his chest was tight. “Alright.”
“So, what do you think about my Alex? Isn't he the cutest in the kitchen?” Nathan asked proudly.
Lucas swallowed hard as his heart pounded in confusion.