Free Vincent's Thanksgiving Date by R. Cooper Page B

has feelings for all these people, boys, girls, everyone, even if he doesn’t act on them. And it’s like, not a big deal to him. You can tell it in how he treats people.” Ricky stopped expectantly.
    Vincent realized he was supposed to talk. “Well, I, I didn’t want to hurt anyone. I’ve always needed to have feelings for people to be intimate, and if you care….” He had no idea what he was saying. “Even if those feelings were more emotional than physical, you can’t deny them. And if they are physical, Lando isn’t the type to lie about it.” Speaking was getting a bit easier because it wasn’t about Vincent. “Lando has this veneer to protect himself, but he does what he does because he likes people, all people. He’s protective of almost everyone he meets.”
    “That is the most beautiful shit I’ve ever heard.” Ricky came over to him. “Are you ever going to deal with that directly? Like, if he gets into a settled relationship, people will be rude about it and he will have to defend himself? Would he settle down?  Lately he doesn’t get around as much, does he? Ooh.” Ricky widened his eyes. “Are you leading to something romantic?”
    Vincent turned his head but considered Ricky carefully from the side. He seemed genuinely invested in Vincent’s answer. Vincent took a breath. “I’ve been thinking about that lately. Not that he needs to settle down, but he’s been afraid, I think. He gets so attached even to the clients he’s trying to save that he’s been avoiding a real attachment to someone else. Deliberately missing what’s in front of him, I think. But it’s so obvious when I look back on it.” His own writing surprised him all the time with what it revealed. He could only imagine what people reading his books must think about him.
    “Could you write that now? Forget dinner.” Ricky gave him an impish grin, then twisted his lush mouth. “Or don’t. If you don’t go over there, I don’t even want to think about the moping that will occur.” He paused. “I didn’t scare you, did I? I was warned not to scare you. I have on a harmless hat and everything. And I don’t want you to think I only read your books for the sexy protagonist. I like the mysteries too, but I just wanted you to know there’s something about Lando. I would marry that man.”
    “Oh.” Vincent’s stomach dropped. He pushed out a slow breath. “Oh.” This was a set up after all. Cory had done this so Vincent could meet his friend. He’d arranged it very nicely. Cory probably always arranged things this neatly. Vincent admired that, even if he knew he must have been so obvious in hoping that Cory had liked him.
    Vincent had dared as much as he’d ever dared anything and this was the result. Cory thought Vincent was good enough to date, but not for himself.
    He made himself smile. He should be grateful. Ricky was pretty and already knew about his books. Cory had probably even warned him about all his anxiety.
    Ricky waved him forward. “Did you want to go over now? I’m supposed to ask if you needed anything.”
    “Cory’s instructions were thorough,” Vincent remarked, wishing he could sound bitter about that.
    “You have no idea. He wasn’t about to leave this to chance.” Ricky snorted, then took another moment to look Vincent over again. “So how about it? Need anything?”
    Vincent thought about dashing to the bathroom to take the rest of that pill. He thought about wine. Then he clenched his hands at his sides and nodded. He’d been set up on blind dates before. He could get through this and come back here later to hide in the blankets on his couch and consider moving to a new apartment building.
    “The pies,” he began after clearing his throat. “I need help carrying them over.” They had long since cooled, and he didn’t have any decorative trays or anything. All he needed was a way to get them down the hall. He handed Ricky the apple pie, blushing at Ricky’s doubtful glance