Two months later
Neil couldn’t believe his eyes as he scrolled through his email in his office. He had a job interview. He grabbed his phone and shot Jax a text. I have an interview. Can’t believe it.
The reply came quickly. I can. You’re the bomb! Let’s talk after work.
Neil was excited and already nervous. It was a great company. It could be an amazing opportunity, but he wasn’t sure how Jax fit into that.
They met at Neil’s place after he got off work. Jax was sitting on the little sidewalk that led to his door. “Sorry I made you wait.”
Jax stood and moved in for a kiss. Every time their lips met, Neil felt like he was not only kissing Jax, but also touching that something between them that felt exceedingly important. “I haven’t been here long. Let’s go in.”
As Neil opened the door, he noticed Jax was carrying a small white box. “What’s that?”
“Something for you.” His face turned pink.
“For me?”
He nodded and handed Neil the box. He didn’t know what to expect, but from the shy expression, he knew it meant something to Jax. He sat on the couch and opened the box. He lifted the tissue that was inside. A sand dollar. But not an ordinary one. This one was large and painted. “Did you do this?”
He had to have. It was a scene of the night they’d spent on the beach when Jax had made the water come alive for their bonfire. The blues and greens were spectacular in the background, and little figures of Neil and Jax, one with short brown hair and the other with wild blond locks, stood holding hands and looking out at the spectacle of color.
“Jax. This is beautiful.”
“I, uh, wanted to give you something to remember us by.”
“You say that as if I’m leaving.”
Jax got on his knees in front of Neil. “I don’t know if you are or not. You haven’t even had the interview yet, but...” He rubbed his hands up and down Neil’s thighs. “I want you to know that I’d be willing to follow you. Go with you. Whatever.”
“I’m surprised. I don’t know what to say. But I couldn’t ask you to give up the water if I take a job away from here. Your dad. The water.” Neil shrugged.
“I don’t want to be left behind.”
“And here I’d been thinking you’d end up leaving me.”
“I told you. You changed me. I never saw it coming, but when I think about this, about you getting a new job, it’s more important to me to be with you than to be near the water.”
Neil couldn’t accept that. He put the box on the couch beside him and scooted to the edge. “That’s like saying I’m more important to you than who you are—the water is a part of you, Jax. I know that much.”
“Yeah, you get me. You know me. Better than I thought anyone ever would.”
“You can’t move far from the water. That’s all. Anyway, this is only an interview.” He grabbed Jax’s arms, holding him at the elbows. “If it’s not for us, I don’t have to take it.” Maybe Neil was falling in love, but he was unsure of it. Was it the adventurous feel of their relationship that he loved about Jax? Was this all real? Whatever the case, he wouldn’t let Jax sacrifice his life. He felt that down to his soul.
“Okay, but don’t go into the interview knowing you’re going to say no. That’s self-defeating.”
“Agreed.”
They stared at each other for a beat too long.
Neil should tell him, wanted to, but still held back.