(from ch. 20: Greatest Hits)
Isak keeps apologizing via text until Even starts bombarding him with links about sperm whales, pangolins and chameleons. It soon lures out that specific snarky short commentary, and Even smiles, eventually making his way around to the front of the house to meet him. Even kisses him in greeting and Isak pushes his head into Even’s chest for a moment, before taking the bags from him and opening the door to let them in.
Even leans against the wall in the kitchen, watching Isak settle into being at home. “You know, this house isn’t very secure. Any random person can wander into your backyard, stay forever.”
Isak stands there holding a jar of tomato sauce and looking at him in the oddest way. Perhaps not that odd, just new, and as much Even adores all these little expressions, he knows nothing will compare to the thrill of eventually knowing each and every single one like the back of his hand.
“You’re beautiful,” Even says and Isak’s eyes widen. Hurriedly, he turns from Even and puts the pasta sauce away, reorganizing several things in the cupboard to make it fit. Even shuffles closer, touches Isak’s shoulder with his own. “Hey. Does no one say that to you?”
Isak looks up with an exasperated sigh. “Of course people say it to me, Even.”
“Naturally.”
“I’m very handsome.”
Even laughs, tucks some of Isak’s errant hair away. “You are. So why are you blushing?”
“I’m not. It’s warm in here.” Isak’s eyes are too wide, his tone too incredulous and about a moment later, almost as an afterthought, he lifts his hand and fans himself. Feebly.
an excerpt from this coming Sunday’s chapter of The Boyfriend Experience. only two more left. 😥
