Total pages in book: 137
Estimated words: 127213 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 636(@200wpm)___ 509(@250wpm)___ 424(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 127213 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 636(@200wpm)___ 509(@250wpm)___ 424(@300wpm)
“You may as well have the one you really enjoy,” Frank told him and pushed the cart along the area with clothes, which never had anything in his size anyway.
“Oh, look at that,” Ezra said, jogging up to a stand with sunglasses. He picked up a pair with forest green frames and smoky lenses before striking a pose for Frank. The shades not only went well with Ezra’s toned down yet elegant outfit featuring his favorite Burberry coat but also complimented his tan skin and dark hair.
“You like them? Would be great for the winter,” he teased, fighting the smirk.
“Perfect for a winter vacation in the sun,” Ezra quipped back and grabbed a pair of thick tortoiseshell frames before putting them on Frank’s nose. “You look like you’re a character on Mad Men.”
“Is that like Mad Max but gay?” Frank asked but glanced in the mirror, unsure if Ezra’s comment was a compliment or a joke.
Ezra snorted and placed his hand on Frank’s, where it still rested on the cart handle. It was discreet enough to remain unnoticed by the other customers, but the warm touch of perfectly smooth hands smoldered against Frank’s skin.
“No, it’s a show set in the fifties, and it’s full of well-dressed guys in suits,” Ezra said and pulled out his phone. “You could be an executive, I could be your secret beatnik lover. It all checks out,” he said before leaning against Frank to snap a quick picture of them.
Frank made a serious face to go with his role, but he looked more like an 80s mobster than anyone who might work in an office. “Should I get a suit? Would come in handy when I take apart the next rusted car.”
Ezra chuckled, his face relaxing with pure joy. Nothing was better than seeing him like this—truly at ease. It fueled a part of Frank that previously hadn’t been satisfied, and he was only now starting to realize just how much he needed to take care of somebody this way. It made his heart full.
“If you want to roleplay that scenario I just mentioned, let’s thrift for one. Otherwise, no need. You look so good the way you are,” Ezra said, watching him with sparkling eyes.
Frank grinned. “Look at you, first couponing, and now thrifting. Who have you become?”
Ezra sighed, and his face stilled behind the glasses as he contemplated the question. When he responded, his voice sounded even and earnest. “I think being at your place made me realize that all that fancy stuff never made me happy. You do.”
Frank gave him a brief hug. He’d kiss him too but didn’t want to risk someone causing a scene. “You’re so sweet. So what else do we have on the list?”
Ezra pulled the shades off Frank’s face. “Other than those two pairs of sunglasses? I think we’re done.”
Frank chuckled and pushed the shopping cart in the other direction, but he’d been too hasty and it bumped into someone else’s.
The young woman looked up at him with a scowl. “Watch where you’re—”
Ezra stared at her as she blinked, adjusting the silk scarf she had tied around her neck in a fancy manner.
“Carmen? I thought I wouldn’t see you again! We should catch up.”
She gave Ezra a flustered look that lingered on the scarred face for a bit longer than was polite, then glanced at Frank. “Oh yeah, we should. I’m just so busy, you know. I don’t even usually shop here, it’s just that my mom wanted this specific cake.”
Frank’s gaze swept over the pile of stuff in her cart. She definitely hadn’t come here just for a cake, but there was no reason to point out her lie.
Ezra rubbed his shoulder and smiled at her. “This is Frank. Remember? I told you about him.” He then introduced the woman as his old friend, but the energy Frank was getting from her suggested she’d rather not have met them at all.
Carmen gave Frank the fakest smile he’d ever seen. “Oh yeah! Of course, the prince charming. I’ve only heard good things. I’m sorry I can’t chat too long. I’ve got to go, but call me, Ezra, let’s catch up!” she said and rushed off, blowing Ezra a kiss in the air.
He watched her go but didn’t bother replying to the goodbye, contemplating the sudden silence that didn’t get any less loud because of the white noise of other customers. Frank swallowed, worried if Ezra’s feelings hadn’t been hurt, but he rolled his eyes, facing Frank.
“She’s running like a cat caught with its face in the butter dish. You think we’ll find her cart abandoned, so she doesn’t have to endure standing in line now that she’d been caught shopping for bargains?”
Frank chuckled, leaning against the shopping cart. “She had much more than cake in there, I’ll tell you that. What’s up with her?”