Merry Cherry Christmas

Their knees bumped occasionally under the table, and they laughed and strategized, and Jeremy was relieved he hadn’t had to give his life story and talk about his family. He just said he wasn’t going all the way back to Victoria for the holidays. He asked Levi about drumming and learned he played in a local band and was attending college in Barrie for mechanics.

They chatted and tried to save the world from zombies, and eventually had sandwiches and pints of beer. Jeremy thought he was doing okay on this date after all. But did he want to kiss Levi? While Levi pondered his next move, stroking his beard absently, Jeremy tried to imagine making out with him. It wasn’t that it would be bad, but…

It wouldn’t be Max.

An ache filled him, and he told himself this longing was ridiculous. It was his turn, and he tried to focus on the moves he could make and what would be best for their characters.

“Hey, do you know that guy?”

Jeremy turned in his chair to follow Levi’s gaze—and blinked in surprise to see Max on the far side of the cafe whipping his head down. “That’s my friend,” Jeremy said. “I guess he’s done his shopping.”

“Sure he’s not your bodyguard? He’s been watching us pretty closely.”

A thrill sang through Jeremy, and he tamped it down, forcing a laugh. “He knew I was nervous, so he’s probably just being…” What, exactly? Jeremy waved his hand, unable to think of the right word.

“Hmm. Okay. Do you need to get going, or…”

“No, I’m sure it’s fine. Let’s finish the game.” He glanced back over his shoulder, but Max was engrossed in his phone.

They played on until Levi said, “Okay. This has been fun, but it feels like I’m the third wheel here.”

Jeremy whirled his head back from peeking at Max again to face Levi guiltily. “I just wanted to make sure he was still good over there and didn’t want to leave or anything. I’m sorry.” He cringed. “I’m a terrible date. I have no idea what I’m doing.”

Levi softened with a sigh. “It’s okay. Are you sure you two are only friends? Because you can’t keep your eyes off each other.”

“Really? We only met a week ago. Although he did give me my first kiss. And blow job.” Did I just say that out loud? Oh my God. “But we’re just friends!”

“Your first…ah, okay.” Levi laughed. “I dunno, man. Because he looks jealous as hell.” He raised his hands. “Look, it’s cool. I’m not about to get in the middle of whatever this is.”

“I don’t blame you.” Jeremy shook his head. “I’m so confused.” He took off his glasses and cleaned them on his soft sweater, which only made a smear worse. Head down as he tried a napkin on the lens, he sighed. “You seem great, but I really like Max.” It was the truth and there was no point fighting it.

“Fair enough. It’s too bad, because you’re damn cute.”

Feeling his face go hot, Jeremy put his glasses back on. “Um, thank you.”

“I’m pretty sure Max shares this opinion.”

“What? No.” Jeremy shrugged and fiddled with the crust of his sandwich. “He’s so out of my league. Look at him! Literally captain of the football team and a senior. I’m a skinny frosh with no friends. I mean, I only met him because I wiped out on some ice and he took pity on me.”

Levi laughed. “Ouch. But I’m not getting pity. His vibe is more like he’s wanting to punch me and haul you off over his shoulder.”

“No way. He’s the one who pulled the plug on teaching me. Or put it on pause. We’re paused.”

“Teaching you?”

“Forget it.” Why on Earth had he brought that up?

“Ah. Got it.”

“Anyway, back to the game. So, our food stocks are really low. I think we should go to the grocery store, although there’s a pretty high risk to making that move.”

But Levi would not be deterred. “So your friend Max over there was giving you private lessons?”

Tips of his ears burning, Jeremy nodded. “But now we’re staying with his family, so it’s all on hold. Because of the house rules and because it would just be weird. Which was fine with me because it’s only a couple of weeks until January, and then we can…pick up again. But he encouraged me to meet with you, so maybe he doesn’t actually want me? I’m not sure. It’s so confusing.”

Levi frowned. “Sounds like he’s playing games with you.”

“No, it’s not like that.”

“Hmm. Maybe you should teach him a lesson in not taking you for granted.” He beckoned Jeremy closer. “Here, I’ll tell you a secret.”

Not sure what to expect, Jeremy leaned in across the table. Levi whispered, “He’s watching us right now. I bet if I touch your hair or something, steam’s going to come out of his ears.” Winking, he barely touched Jeremy’s head. “Probably looks like I’m going to kiss you from where he’s sitting—oh shit, I’m good. He’s coming over. Don’t look. Laugh like I’m amazingly funny.”