“GEE WHIZ,” Gay said as Charlie wrapped his elf, then moved to help him. “That must be the reason women watch gay porn. The way the two of you were eyeballing each other?” She put the elf down long enough to fan herself with her hand. “Whew! What did that girl say? Eye fucking?” She covered her mouth. She’d say shit, but she didn’t like saying fuck.
Tory came into the room then, and Charlie held his breath. Caught those eyes (eye fucking?) for a second. There was caution there now. Caution to meet his. But more. Desire. He saw it. Desire to meet his own.
This wasn’t flirting. Somehow, it was something much more.
He cleared this throat. Gulped. “Thank you for this evening, Tory.”
A nod in return. “Sure.”
“I will cherish my elf.”
“I’m glad.”
“What do I owe you?”
Tory totaled the numbers to a ridiculously low price.
“Tory, are you doing it again?”
Tory shook his head. “No. Really.” He laughed. “Really!” And then to prove it, showed Charlie the written receipt. It was all there, nine napkin rings and the elf, with the cost of the studio and glazes, just at twenty dollars. “I told you it was cheaper to come do it yourself.”
“That’s what I said,” Gay added. “I can’t figure out how he pays his rent!”
“Sometimes it’s a close call.” Tory shrugged. “Thankfully I have a lot of shows this time of year, and I bank a lot of what I make. I’ve got a show at the midtown VFW hall this weekend.”
“But my eyes, Tory….” And Charlie blushed, thinking about their… moment. Their endless moment. He’d meant Tory’s paint job, but his mind was filled with….
Eye fucking, Aunt Charlotte said. He could hear her laughter and smiled.
“I mean, my elf’s eyes. What about your time? Your talent—”
“Free of charge,” Tory said, interrupting.
“Tory!” You do have rent!
“It was a pleasure,” Tory replied, and then he blushed (adorable!), and that made Charlie’s cheeks burn all the more.
“Well,” Charlie said, “I’ll be back next week. To do my part in keeping your roof over your adorable head.” Now his face felt feverish, he was blushing so hard. Had he actually said adorable out loud?
“I’ll be waiting,” Tory said.
And then Charlie fled, trusting Gay to follow. One moment more and he didn’t know what he might say!