...Joshua was almost packed. Two suitcases, a backpack, and Ciro’s shaving kit lay on the bed in the guest room. Funny how moving in together hadn’t felt nearly as real as packing to go on vacation together. It was just a little lakeside resort a few hours away—Ciro couldn’t afford to be away from work for too long—but it was the real thing.
A soft sound caught his attention. Ciro stood in the doorway; the first thing Joshua noticed was that the man had on his damn suit.
“Joshua…” Ciro wasn’t looking at him, he was looking at the luggage. “As soon as I’m out of the meeting, Joshua. Really.”
No. Oh, no. Just no.
“We’re going away for four goddamn days, Ciro.” Joshua was pissed off right out of the gate. “A long weekend and one damn Friday. Can’t you make it Tuesday?” This wasn’t the first time The Meeting had screwed up their plans.
“I didn’t pick today.” Ciro held out his hands, placating, but that wasn’t going to work anymore. “If it was up to me, this would’ve been done weeks ago. You know that.”
“Of all the fucking times they decide not to cancel on you…” Joshua slammed his suitcase shut. “We’ve been planning this thing for months. Longer than you’ve been trying to get that contract. Before you knew that damn company existed.” Joshua turned to close up the backpack so Ciro couldn’t see his face.
“I know.” Ciro sighed. “But they finally settled on a date. No more rescheduling. I can’t back out now.”
It was so hard to wring any time out of Ciro’s schedule. Joshua had fallen for the suits and the briefcase and all that, but he’d convinced himself Ciro would eventually put him first. He’d been wrong, and it hurt and he was pissed off at himself for being hurt.
“I can’t stay home just because you can’t get your priorities straight.” He turned around to face Ciro, hoping he’d at least see some remorse on Ciro’s face. “We made the reservations. Together. I’m going. If work means that much to you, I’ll see you after my vacation.”
“I’m sorry, Joshua. Can’t we just…” Ciro held out one hand, palm up, his expression pleading.
“I should get going.” Joshua shouldered his backpack and picked up his suitcase. “We can’t just anything, Ciro. I’m ready to go. On our vacation. Our time. I hope the meeting is worth it.” He headed for the door and Ciro got out of his way...