Acts of Service

Chapter 2-1

Chapter 2

Tom

He usually walked naked to his bedroom after showering, because it was so much easier to pull clothes on once he’d left the humidity of the bathroom. In this case, it seemed like a bad idea, so Tom reluctantly yanked clothes over his wet skin.

He hadn’t seen Alex again the night before, but he was out late on a call. Next paycheck would be nice, as after-hours work earned him a bonus.

Once he was presentable, he headed to the kitchen. A big breakfast was definitely in order for him, but evidently not for Alex, who was eating cereal at the table.

“Good morning,” said Tom, heading for the fridge.

“Good morning.”

“Sleep okay?”

“No, but that’s not a statement about you or your apartment.”

Tom turned, bacon in hand, to look at his guest. Sure enough, Alex was sporting some dark circles, which were all the more notable because of his pale skin. “What’s the matter?”

“Me.”

That was very unhelpful. “Anything I can do?”

Alex shook his head. “I’ll sleep better tonight.”

“Getting used to a new place?”

“It’s more that the fire extinguisher, carbon monoxide detector, and gas leak alarm will be in.”

Will wasn’t kidding about those anxiety issues.

“Okay, that’s good, I guess,” he said, for lack of a more insightful comment.

Alex sighed. “I know. I’m weird.”

“Whatever helps you sleep at night.” A change of subject was in order, so he asked, “Will said you work in the city?”

“I’m a graphic designer at a boutique advertising company.”

Tom knew zilch about such things. It involved more technical ability with computers than he possessed, not to mention artistic talent. He dropped three pieces of bacon onto the frying pan. “You want some bacon?”

“I didn’t come here intending to eat your food.”

“Is that a yes or no?”

Alex almost smiled, and wouldn’t you know, he got a lot cuter once he lightened up. “Yes, thank you, I’d love a strip.”

“You’re welcome to make yourself some.”

And the hint of a smile disappeared. “I, uh, don’t think so, but thank you.”

Tom had no idea what was going on in this guy’s head, and he started to think he should’ve asked Will or Charlene for more of an explanation. Oh, well. It was only for three weeks.

Alex scrolled through his iPad. “Apartment listings,” he explained.

“Is it slim pickings now?” He’d been in his place for close to four years, so he didn’t know about the current rental climate. It’d been pretty decent when he was looking.

“Yes and no. There are plenty of apartments, but most of them are questionable.”

“I held out for a dishwasher and this.” Tom waved towards his washer-dryer. “Which you’re free to use, of course. It’s half size so you can’t do too much at a time, but it means no laundromat for me.”

“Thank you. A dishwasher and laundry facilities are preferred but negotiable for me.”

“If a dishwasher is optional, it can’t be that hard to find a place.”

“You’d be surprised,” said Alex. His tone suggested that further questions wouldn’t be welcome, so Tom left him to his apartment hunt and focused on breakfast.

It didn’t escape him that Alex double checked to ensure the burners were off before he left the kitchen.