Page 78 of All of Us

“Perfect. Enjoy yourselves. You should get Joe out here to take some pictures of that eagle family. Those three are amazing to watch working together like that.”

That was a good idea. People loved pictures of eagles I bet they would sell on his website.

“I’ll do that.” He shook his head and walked away like I was missing something. I headed out to pick up Joe and Amber for our trip.

Joe and I finally got to the hotel around 6:00 p.m., and we were both tired from the long drive. Even though we had been together for a little more than two hours in the car, nothing serious was discussed. It wasn’t tense or awkward, but it felt off. I hated that the natural rhythm we had was missing.

In the room, there were two double beds. Once we had our dinner, I got the nerve to talk about something other than the weather and his customers.

“Are you mad about the night the three of us were together?” After the words were out, I was no longer hungry, because I was terrified of his answer.

With his hamburger halfway to his mouth, he turned and looked at me, those blue eyes got glossy like he was about to cry, then he turned away. Looking down at his food for a long time, I started to feel sick. This was a problem because I hurt him, and I would never want that.

“No.” Then he said nothing else. He hadn’t finished eating, but stood up and put his leftovers in the bag the food had arrived in. “I’m going to go shower, then get some sleep.”

“Joe. We need to talk.” There was so much pain in his eyes, my stomach cramped, and I was afraid I would get sick on the floor. What was wrong?

“There isn’t anything to talk about. Being with you and Dusty was perfect. Having a couple of guys to hook up with regularly is incredible. Someday I hope to find someone who looks at me like you and Dusty look at each other.”

As he walked toward the bathroom, he pulled me up against him and kissed the side of my head. “It’s going to be a long week. I want to get to bed soon.”

With that, he walked away and quietly closed the door. It was sweet what he said about Dusty and me, but I think he was missing that I look at him the same way. My heart hurt especially when he made the comment about someone he was hooking up with regularly. There was more between us, I knew it, but now he was acting as if we had only been hooking up.

JACOB

Have you talked to Joe lately?

It took less than a minute before he responded.

DUSTY

Yes. A little. Only a few times.

No flirty texts, no memes, no nudes.

It's a little weird.

JACOB

Something is wrong.

DUSTY

What do you mean? Is he hurt?

JACOB

No. He is physically okay, but there is something else.

He is pulling away from me.

And I think you too.

DUSTY

Oh. But.

It does feel like he is pulling away.