Bewitched Read online

  “Is that my bestie?” he sighed. “Is that Floyd?”

  “Yes, it's Floyd. He's come to save the day. Caffeine alert for Tanner.”

  The familiar sound of a mug greeting the top of the desk prickled Noah's ears, causing him to smile knowingly in the direction of his best friend.

  “You're my savior,” he claimed while raising the mug. His vision was still muggy around the edges, reminiscent of a misty fog clouding over the windshield of a car. He blinked again and said, “God, what a day.”

  “How's that security system coming along?”

  “I don't even know yet. Can you take a look?”

  Floyd pursed his lips and nodded while sitting in the chair next to Noah. He scooted close, pressing his left shoulder to Noah's and humming a dulcet tune.

  “Omaha First, is it?” he pondered aloud. “And they want these specific criteria to be met for their system...Hmm, okay.”

  He tapped the keys of the board in front of Noah without shifting it over, the proximal warmth inspiring Noah to sigh.

  “God, I want my bed.”

  Floyd laughed. “Already?”

  “It's been a long morning. I'm glad the boss trusts us to develop the rest of this system, but it's been racking my brain.”

  “That big, beautiful brain needs more rest. What are you doing at night? Aerobics?”

  Noah chuckled. “Ugh, I wish I were being that productive. I've been developing my own code system at home.”

  “For what?”

  “I've been working on a new software application for phones that can monitor blood pressure purely by touch. It would alert the local EMT system should someone suffer a heart attack, stroke, or even an aneurism.”

  Floyd abruptly stopped typing, his fingers perched over the keys as he turned slowly to look at Noah. His eyebrows were high on his forehead. Would they have been able to rise further, they might have disappeared into his curly hair.

  “You need a haircut,” Noah joked. “Are you depressed again?”

  “Don't deflect. When the hell were you going to tell me you were working on such a program?”

  “Oh, I was just tinkering with the system on my phone and trying to figure out a way to develop an outer shell that could pick up on blood pressure.”

  Floyd hummed. “Through touch alone?”

  “I mean, we have the technology to unlock our phones by the touch of a finger, right? Who says we can't apply that to the shell of a phone?”

  “That's a pretty high goal to try to reach without much practice.”

  Noah laughed. “I could use some help with the rest of the coding if you want to double-check my work.”

  “I'd be honored to participate. When were you going to tell me?”

  “Well, your father just died a few weeks ago. I didn't want to...”

  His excuse faded much like the recollection of the taste of water. His clear thoughts dropped away as he observed Floyd's knowing expression.

  “Come on,” Floyd groaned. “I'm in therapy now. I can handle a little code adventure.”

  “Did you go to that office I recommended? Aw, geeze, Floyd. That's great!”

  “Yeah, it's been...Well, it's been something.”

  Noah smiled wide. “I'm so proud of you, buddy.”

  “Don't get too proud yet. I'm taking baby steps here.”

  “Even facing the right direction is still progress.”

  Floyd grinned warmly and nudged Noah with his shoulder. “Thanks.”

  “Are you allowed to talk about what you tell your new therapist?”

  “I mean, I guess so. We just went over what happened with my father.”

  Noah nodded. “I know it's been hard on you lately. I'm glad you're taking steps forward. I'm seriously proud of you.”

  “We should go out to celebrate.”

  “I'm game! When do you want to go?”

  Floyd relaxed back in the office chair as his eyes swept back to the computer monitor. The screen illuminated his scruffy features, the stubble sitting on his chin and the dark circles beneath his eyes. Though he appeared rather exhausted, his demeanor had improved significantly in just a few short minutes spent with Noah.

  “How about tonight?” Floyd suggested. “I have those season passes for the zoo and they're doing a brewery thing this evening.”

  Noah whipped out his phone and scrolled to his calendar. He noticed his evening was highlighted in blue, black letters signifying the plans he had noted for later.

  He sighed. “Well, it seems I'm booked.”

  “With what?”

  “A blind date.”

  Floyd laughed though the light in his eyes seemed to dull slightly. “A blind date, huh?”

  “Yeah, it's probably weird, but Pauline wanted to set me up.”

  “With whom?”

  Noah shrugged. “I have no idea. I didn't ask for a bunch of details. I figured I needed to get back on the scene and this was a decent opportunity.”

  “But you've been on this celibate thing for a bit since your last relationship. What changed?”

  “Don't mention him.”

  Floyd started to speak but stopped, his lips remaining parted as he dropped his gaze to his hands. He folded his hands together and pursed his lips thoughtfully.

  “Yeah, sorry,” he said quickly. “Sorry, Tanner.”

  “No, it's okay. I just don't...” Noah faded into a sigh. “I just think it's time I move on, you know?”

  “I know.”

  “I haven't had a nice date in a while.”

  Floyd smiled weakly. “That's why I offered.”

  “I appreciate that. Let's do it later this weekend, yeah? I think we could do with a little celebration.”

  “I'll cover the drinks.”

  Noah grinned. “That sounds like a plan.”

  “So,” Floyd said while pointing to the screen. “This code looks solid. We'll have to do a system test before working on the rest of it.”

  “Let's get that going.”

  Noah fell into silent concentration, poking his tongue out on the edge of his bottom lip as he started running the code through a test program. He sat back once the security testing had begun, folding his hands behind his head. His chest rose and fell rhythmically with soft huffs as he watched the screen erupt with all sorts of prompts.

  “The office is pretty empty today,” Floyd pointed. “We could have a party in here if we wanted.”

  “At the expense of our positions.”

  “That's poor spirit for the approaching holiday.”

  Noah laughed. “I don't think I'm feeling the holiday much.”

  “Really? But you love Halloween! We always dress up and celebrate.”

  “I don't know. This year feels different.”

  Floyd's face fell, the dark pools beneath his eyes deepening. “Well, it's up to you what you want to do. But we always do something. Can't we hit the cemetery and drink wine around the gravestones?”

  “Maybe we could do that.”

  A dark cloud shifted over Noah's shoulders, the familiar tingle of goosebumps erupting over his skin as he considered another Halloween spent with his best friend.

  His drinking has gotten so much worse lately, he considered. Which means he'll be drinking extra hard at the cemetery. I don't know if I want to deal with all of that.

  “Maybe a picnic,” Floyd added. “We could open up that constellation app and look at the stars.”

  “That sounds nice.”

  “And then we could grab take-out and pig out in my apartment.”

  Noah hummed. “I thought you were staying at your father's house?”

  “I think I want to sell it.”

  “What about the dogs?”

  Floyd shrugged. “Shelter.”

  “Oh, Floyd. That's a bad move.”

  “Why?”

  Noah shook his head. “They're familiar with you and comfortable with you. It would be better to keep them around.”

  “I don't know if th
e apartment complex will allow it. They're pits. You know how strict those places can be.”

  “But they're basically giant babies.”

  Floyd quietly chewed on the comment. “What if you took them?”

  “I don't think I can afford dogs right now.”

  “But can't you help me with it?”

  Noah focused on his best friend, noticing the helpless look that emanated from Floyd's eyes. It was the same look he had seen whenever Floyd's father had died, when Floyd nearly lost his job, when the laws around gay rights were being challenged. He knew that look.

  He sighed wearily. “I'll think about it.”

  “You're the best.”

  “Isn't that what best friends are for?”

  Floyd chuckled lightly. “You could even move in if you want.”

  “To the house you're about to sell?”

  “God, I don't know. I have no idea how to do this crap.”

  Noah smiled warmly. “You'll figure it out. I have faith in you.”

  “What if I don't? What if I'm just stuck with this place and these dogs?”

  “Is it so bad to have inherited a house that's nearly paid off?”

  Floyd rolled his eyes. “Actually, the whole mortgage is backed up. Dad left me with a huge mess to sort.”

  “I can't imagine how that feels.”

  “No, you wouldn't. Your family is perfect.”

  Noah turned away, hiding his hurt expression. He chewed on his lower lip while idly reaching for his mouse, clicking through a few prompts on the computer monitor. One of the lights above him flickered slightly, twitching over his shoulders and prompting his attention.

  He squinted at the light. “You would think they could afford repairs in here.”

  “Hey, I'm sorry.”

  Noah focused on Floyd. “I know.”

  “I'm just hurt right now and I'm tired.”

  “It's going to take a while to recover, but I'll be here every step of the way. I know you're struggling.”

  Floyd nodded gratefully. “I'll be better. I swear.”

  “I believe you.”

  “So, when is your date?”

  Noah shrugged. “7:00 PM. I'm meeting him at La Guarda.”

  “Oh, fancy Mexican cuisine.”

  “It's a top notch place and I'm stoked to have some good food.”

  Floyd smiled flatly. “You deserve it.”

  The computer beeped. Noah perked up, his eyebrows rising as he looked over the system analysis.

  “It failed the first round,” he announced. “Let's edit the code and send it through another security test.”

  Floyd cracked his knuckles. “I'm ready.”

  Noah chuckled as he dove into his work, the hours drifting by like clouds carrying a light rain over the city. After another round of tests, he swept his keys from the drawer of his desk, glancing anxiously at the clock above the door.

  “Crap,” he groaned. “Crap, crap, crap. I'm going to make such a bad first impression.”

  Floyd clapped him on the back. “Think positive, Noah.”

  “I'm positive this is about to be a disaster. I can't do this, dude. I don't think I'm ready to date.”

  “So, ditch.”

  Noah paused at the door. “Hmm?”

  “Yeah, just ditch the date and let's go grab something to eat.”

  Noah shook his head. “I can't do that. It would be rude. And I'm not the kind of guy to ghost. I'll just show up late. It'll be fine.”

  “Tell me how it goes tomorrow.”

  “You'll be the first to know!”

  Noah flew out the door, speeding down the steps with his satchel tightly clutched to his chest. He hadn't even slung it over his shoulder. When he sped past security, he raised his hand to bid farewell to the guard. His surroundings blurred as he darted to his car, the chilly evening pressing softly against his long-sleeve shirt. He tossed his bag in his car and drove off, hoping that his date wouldn't mind his tardiness.

  Chapter Three

  Ari

  La Guarda brimmed with activity as Ari sat in the center of it all, his dark eyes sweeping over the surrounding tables. Sounds greeted his ears, a medley of sizzling food, squeaking utensils, and idle chatter. As a waiter passed with a freshly cooked plate of food, Ari inhaled the scent, allowing his eyes to close as the mixture of spices wafted under his nostrils. He breathed deep the delightful smell and sighed.

  When he opened his eyes, he glanced at his pocket watch, the gold surface shimmering slightly in the dim restaurant light. It was nearly ten past the agreed time. A thought rose and fell like a tide, receding to the back of his mind as his eyes darted to the door.

  I could leave.

  He hummed away the consideration. After all, he took pride in his patience. He was more than forgiving with Omaha traffic, particularly considering how busy downtown grew after dark. The city beyond the gaping windows blinked back at him, lights glittering as the scene shifted in a predictable pattern of cars and people passing by.

  “Sir, I've got your tapas here.”

  Ari focused on the waiter standing near the table who was setting down two plates of steaming hot food. He smiled kindly and nodded, quietly returning to his staring match with the windows just across from him. The alluring scent of pulled pork tacos and Mexican corn salad greeted his nostrils which flared in response, the scent trickling down to his stomach that gurgled with hunger.

  He cleared his throat and checked his watch once more.

  Pauline did say he works late. Maybe this wasn't a great idea.

  He raised a slender finger to his mouth and traced his bottom lip thoughtfully as a flash of motion caught his attention. A young man had rushed into the restaurant, bright blue eyes lingering over each table in the vicinity before settling on Ari. A curious smirk crossed the man's lips. He tentatively approached, gripping the strap of his bag with one hand as he ruffled his blond hair with the other.

  “You must be Noah,” Ari greeted as he stood up and extended his hand. “My name is Ari. My sister says she knows you from work?”

  “Yes, Pauline—Oh, she's such a delight. It's great to meet you, Ari. I'm so, so sorry I'm late. I got caught up typing some code and, well, you know how it goes, right?”

  Ari chuckled politely and gestured to the empty seat across from him. After Noah settled into his chair, he rolled up his sleeves and focused on Ari. He appeared to Ari to have a calm aura, reflected in his wide-set eyes and relaxed features. His eyes were a much brighter blue than originally witnessed with a dark circle outlining the irises. His nose was wide and led down into medium thick lips, sat neatly just above his dimpled chin. The scruff decorating his square jaw made him look as if he had spent some time in the mountains.

  His thick brows rose up curiously. “Did I...say something?”

  Ari stared. His practiced smile appeared as his eyes twinkled with interest. He folded his hands in his lap and twiddled his thumbs beneath the table, allowing his smile to respond.

  “Thank you for ordering food,” Noah said while grabbing a cloth napkin. “I don't think I had lunch today.”

  “I'm sorry to hear that.”

  “That's alright. I appreciate having dinner. This is nice.”

  Ari chuckled lightly. “I agree. I haven't been out in a while.”

  “Do you think this is weird?”

  “What?”

  Noah laughed and gestured to the table. “A blind date—strange, right?”

  “I suppose it's an antiquated activity, sure.”

  “Yet here we are.”

  Ari hummed. “My sister is a rather convincing sort of person.”

  “Were you worried about meeting me?”

  “I see you don't like small talk.”

  Noah snickered as he lifted a taco and placed it on the plate in front of him. His calloused fingers twitched slightly as he lifted the taco and took a small bite, nodding with satisfaction as he chewed.

  After he swallowed, he said, “Why engag
e with pleasantries when you can lay everything out up front?”

  “I couldn't agree more.”

  “Are you hungry?”

  Ari perked up, realizing he had hardly touched the food in front of him. While wearing his professional grin, he loaded his plate and began eating slowly, mindfully enjoying each bite he took. When he finished his food, he dabbed his lips gently and reached for a bottle of sanitizer he kept in his pocket.

  “Clean. I like that,” Noah commented. “And forgive me, but I'm about to ask the most boring question that any date could ask.”

  “Go ahead.”

  “What do you do for work, Ari?”

  Ari chuckled as he tucked the bottle of sanitizer away. He rubbed his hands vigorously, noting the slight sting on his left knuckle. A paper cut must have gone unnoticed throughout the day.

  He sat up straight in his chair. “I'm a psychotherapist.”

  “Oh, that's interesting.”

  “And you?”

  Noah smiled. “I write code for a living. It's mostly for security systems, but if I gave you any details, I'd have to kill you.”

  Ari broke into a cackle, tossing his head back as he squeezed his eyes shut, aware of the fact this outburst could potentially invite attention. But he didn't mind the feeling. He was suddenly tickled, pleasantly surprised by the response from his date.

  As he settled back to average functioning, he squinted at Noah, a mischievous smirk playing over his lips.

  “What did Pauline tell you about me?”

  Noah shrugged. “Not a whole lot.”

  “I think we might get along.”

  “Were we not getting along before?”

  Ari snickered. “Oh, it's always strange at first, isn't it?”

  “Dates are weird. You have to determine who the person is in front of you without asking too many invasive questions.”

  “But I like those questions. I like when people are curious.”

  Noah nodded toward Ari's fingers. “Those silver rings look like they have a story behind them.”

  Ari raised his hand, his eyes focusing on his rings as if seeing them for the first time. He slipped one of them off—a rustic snake curled in a tight circle, jaw unhinging to swallow its own tail—and handed it over to Noah. Noah turned the piece of jewelry over in his hand, brows furrowed in curious concentration as he stuck his tongue out slightly.