Awkward Love (Stumbling into Love 2)

“I did, Mr. Crane. I got them done last night, and put them in a folder on your desk, and emailed them to you as well. I can send them again if you didn’t get it.”

“No, no. I’m sure I did. I noticed that folder. I didn’t think that could be it since we talked about it just yesterday, and then it was on my desk first thing this morning.”

Well, the reason for that was that I’d spent half the night doing them because I was fucking awesome. “It didn’t take very long, and I wanted to get it finished up.” Lie. My eyes were grainy as hell due to lack of sleep, but I wanted to impress him. “The email not being there is weird, though. Here, let me send it again, Mr. Crane.”

I turned to my computer and got it done as he approached my desk. “Kid.” He put a hand on my shoulder. “You’re doing great. It’s only been a month, and I’m impressed. Take that as a compliment because I don’t dish them out often. I don’t bullshit people, and I expect great work. Give yourself a pat on the back, keep it up, and you’re going to have a bright future with Crane Entertainment.”

My heart was racing, a loud thump, thump, thump in my ears. I wanted to say something cocky about how good I was, but I also wasn’t an idiot and didn’t want to lose this job I already loved. It was one thing to be confident, which I tried to show in front of him, and another to be full of myself. “Thank you. That means a lot to me. I love it here, and I’m looking forward to my future with your company.”

He nodded. “Good man. And you can call me Leon, okay? Everyone around here does.”

“Thank you, Mister—Leon.” I smiled. I was fucking killing it.

“Now get out of here. Have a good weekend. You should get this one off, and that won’t always happen, so you better enjoy it while you can.” He laughed.

“I will. Thanks.”

He said goodbye and then was on his way out the door. I packed my stuff, biting my cheeks so I didn’t cheer out loud, and went for the elevator. I waited until I was in my car before screaming, “Fuck yes!” and doing a little dance in the driver’s seat.

This day would be perfect if it wasn’t for the fact that it was the night of the date auction I’d promised Elijah I’d take part in. It was benefiting queer organizations, and I was helping out a friend, which were the main reasons I was doing it. Plus, I liked dating, was good at dating, but I also liked choosing the people I went on dates with. That was kinda the point, right?

It’s for a good cause, it’s for a good cause, I reminded myself as I made the drive to my midtown apartment. Also, Shaw would owe me.

Atlanta traffic was no joke, and I was about ready to jump out of my moving car and take my chances that way, but then I remembered I loved my job, and Leon said I had a bright future, so I didn’t want to jump into traffic. Plus, he paid a lot more than my job at the bank had, so I was able to start saving. Hopefully soon I’d be able to help my mom pay off bills.

When I got home, I ordered dinner, then jumped into the shower. My food arrived not long after I got dressed. I ate and then called for a car to take me to this damn event. It was close by, and when I could, I tried to use a car service rather than my own vehicle.

The car was close, so I grabbed my suit, another change of clothing, made sure I had the card with my notes on what I would say on that damn stage, then left.

I texted Shaw: On my way. Wait for me.

Heading there too. Will wait outside.

When the car stopped, I saw him leaning against the building with that damn cocky Shaw grin in place.

“Man, this is gonna be great.” Shaw rubbed his hands together as if plotting. “My biggest worry is that no one will bid on you, but I guess since I’m not involved, you’re the next best thing.”

“Has anyone ever told you you’re annoying?”

“Hmm…not that I can recall.” We walked inside. “Wait, there was this one time. No, no, that wasn’t annoying. It was another A word. Awesome.”

“Asshole?”

“Adorable? Amazing?”

“A pain in my ass?” I countered.

Shaw laughed and put an arm around me. “Seriously, man. Thanks for doing this. It’s important for E.”

It was crazy sometimes to see Shaw with Elijah or talking about him. I never thought I’d see the day where he was in a serious relationship and in love. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for Elijah, and it was pretty incredible to see. “Just know you owe me.”