Bishop: A True Lover's Story

“Have you eaten at any of these other restaurants?” Edison asked, pointing at the upper level, “There’s Ruth Chris up there, but personally, I think their steaks are way overpriced. I mean, come on, it’s still beef, not escargot. But, McCormick & Schmick’s right there is a really good seafood place. We should go there sometime.”

Bishop let go of Edison’s hand and wrapped his arm around his shoulders. “No. I haven’t eaten at any of these places. Living in Norfolk, I rarely drive twenty minutes to get my dinner.”

“You drive that long to eat dinner at my house,” Edison said cheekily.

Bishop curled his arm, pulling Edison towards him so he could whisper in his ear while they walked. “I’d drive even further than that for a taste of you.”

They got a few glances from some men, but nothing that made Bishop have to give anyone a hard look. Virginia Beach was a friendly and diverse place to hang out and the city had zero tolerance for disturbances, especially in its Town Center. Besides the Oceanfront, it was one the biggest tourist attractions, with twenty-four blocks of stores, restaurants, cafes, and clubs—absolutely something for everyone.

He held the door for Edison and let him walk inside before him. While they waited to give their name to the host, Bishop stood close behind Edison with his hands on his shoulders. He wanted to be in contact with him at all times, or at least most of the time. And it wasn’t just to prove that Bishop wasn’t afraid of being out with him, in fact he was proud, but he caressed Edison because both of them were starved for touch.

“Welcome to Bravo. How many, sir?” the host asked Edison. Thank goodness it was a guy on shift this evening and not the girl who’d been there at lunchtime.

“Two please,” Edison replied.

“Sure. Right this way.” He grabbed two of the dinner menus and told them to follow him.

Bishop walked with one hand at the small of Edison’s back as they were led to a four-top table midway through the busy dining room. Edison was all smiles when he sat and positioned the menu in front of him. Bishop glanced around, noting how elegant the restaurant looked from this side with its high ceilings and murals of Italy on the walls.

“Good evening. My name is Darla and I’ll be your server this evening. What can I start you with to drink?” she asked with a broad grin on her face.

“I’ll have a Guinness and a water, thanks,” Bishop said, then looked at Edison who ordered a sweet tea. Darla left them alone to browse through the menu which Edison had left lying on the table.

“You gonna eat?” Bishop smiled. He realized he’d been doing that a lot lately. While he didn’t flash a row full of teeth, it still felt good to him.

“Of course. But, I kinda know this menu backwards and forwards. So, I already know what I’m getting.” Edison blushed. “You want me to recommend something? I think I know what you like now.”

“I think you do too.” Bishop stroked the top of Edison’s hand. He watched as Edison adjusted in his seat, his top teeth sinking into his bottom lip.

“Bishop,” Edison whispered. His cheeks were pinking but it wasn’t overly noticeable in the dim lighting, only to him. “When you said public affection, I didn’t think you were talking about me not being able to stand all night.”

Bishop chuckled, he loved the sound of that. “I just wanna touch you, Eddie. Your skin always feels so—”

“I don’t believe it. It’s such a small world,” a smooth voice said close to him—too close.

Bishop didn’t immediately turn away from Edison’s eyes, even though they’d left his and were focused on the person speaking behind him. Bishop couldn’t believe his damn luck, he should’ve played the lottery—because what were the fucking odds of his ex being in the one place he was in, in all of goddamn Town Center. Over twenty-two places to eat around there and Royce had chosen Bravo.

Edison frowned slightly, a pleasant smile on his lips as he glanced back at Bishop. “I think he’s speaking to you.”

Unfortunately. Bishop looked up when Royce came from behind him and stood next to their table. His ex had a broad, sinister grin on his face as he watched him and Edison. Bishop cleared his throat not knowing what the fuck. “What are you doing here, Royce?”

“I’m here to eat dinner, of course. I’m not here to watch a movie.” Royce cocked his head to the side as if Bishop was an idiot. He assumed it was a dumb thing to say. Royce refocused on Edison, his sharp eyes assessing him in such an obvious way that Edison ended up sticking his hand out.

“Royce was it? Nice to meet you, I’m Edison Scala, a friend of Bishop’s.”