Why the Straight One? - Chapter 8: Chapter 8

"So you're saying that your favorite color is black? But that's it even a color!"
"Okay, technically it's the absences of all colors, but I don't know why you are mocking me. I didn't make fun of your favorite color!"
"Because it's just like you to have black as your favorite color! It's a good thing I'm here to bring color into your life. You didn't make fun of it because you secretly know that pink is the best color in the world."
"Pink cannot be your favorite color!"
"Why? Are you one of those people who think pink is only for girls?"
"Well, no, but-"
"You are! I can see it in your eyes! Well guess what?"
"What?"
"Pink is my favorite color, and my favorite sweats happen to be pink, so you'll have to get used to it." He looked at me for a few moments, trying to make up his mind as to whether or not I was being serious. Let me tell you, I definitely was.
"I can't tell if you are pulling my leg or not, but I wouldn't be surprised if you had pink sweats."
"I look amazing in them, just saying!" Thomas shook his head, and looked down at his menu.
"So, I don't see any cameras. What's the point in this lunch?"
"The point is that we get to know each other, obviously." He looked at me as if I had missed a really obvious point, then laughed. "Actually my dad doesn't give a damn if we know each other or not. The point is to be seen by people in general, and for there to be pictures of us arriving and leaving."
"Oh, I see. Speaking of colors though, do I get to pick out anything for the wedding? Like colors or anything like that?"
"To tell you the truth, I haven't even thought about that at all. But I can ask if you want."
"That would be really awesome if you did. I'd like to be able to have a say in something, especially since I didn't have a say in who I was marrying." He nodded, and unreadable expression in his eyes.
"In totally understand that. And I only heard about it the same day you did, so I didn't have a say either." I figured now was as good a time as any to ask some of the questions I had.
"Is there someone you would rather have married?" Pain filled his eyes, and I wished I hadn't asked. He looked down at his hands that were folding and unfolding his napkin.
"I...um..."
"You don't have to talk about it if you don't want."
"No, it's alright." He paused, and looked off into the distance. It was so long before he spoke, that I almost tried to change the subject. Just then, he answered.
"Her name is Joan. I met her when I was nineteen and fell head over heels." He smiled, and looked back down at his hands. "But she is only the daughter of a lord, not half good enough for the second son of a king." He spoke bitterly.
"And so we kept out relationship a secret for three years, always telling each other that we would make my dad come around in the end. Only for this to happen." His fist clenched. "I'm sorry, but I think you'll understand why this whole wedding is so hard for me."
So I really had no hope of this ever becoming anything more. It's a little depressing if you think about it.
"Yeah, this whole thing is pretty messed up." I forced a laugh, surprised at the tight feeling in my throat. I think I just then realized how lonely this was going to be.
"What about you? Did you have some guy somewhere?" He looked relieved to have moved past the subject of him.
"Nope. I was definitely a single pringle. You were the only guy who would have me." Now I didn't think it was that funny, but he burst out laughing.
"Well that doesn't say much for you if the only guy who would have you is straight!"
"Oor, it says quite a bit about my charms and attractiveness. Even the straight prince couldn't resist me."
"Apparently. He seems eager to get the wedding underway."
"That's because he's afraid he'll lose me if he waits too long. You can't be too careful when dealing with someone of my level of charm."
"Wouldn't want someone falling under your spell and sweeping you away."
"That would bring the ruin of everything, and I'm sure it would crush your heart. Don't worry, dear prince, it is only three weeks. Not much could happen in that time."
"Nevertheless, we shall keep a close eye on you." He laughed. Suddenly my phone rang, and I glanced down to check who it could possibly be.
"Shit!" Thomas raised his eyebrows.
"Who is it? Another admirer?"
"No, it's my best friend who I haven't told about this."
"Oh I see. Well I'm sure they've seen it on the news. Go ahead and answer if you want."
"Do you mind if I walk over where it's quieter?"
"Not at all." I smiled gratefully at him, and quickly answered the phone.
"Oh hi, Alex? What's up? Anything new or exciting happening in your life?" The voice of my best friend, Cameron, came sarcastically through the speaker.
"Cameron, I'm so sorry I didn't call you about this. It's been so crazy." I was standing in the hallway by the bathrooms now, and no one was around.
"So crazy that you couldn't let your best friend know that you are going to marry a prince?"
"No, I should have told you. Sorry."
"Forgiven. Now, I need the details! How the hell did you get Prince Thomas? That man is perfection manifested in human form!"
"It's kind of complicated, and I'll explain it more to you later, but I really need to go."
"Oh hell no! I haven't heard from you all week, and I will have the details."
"Okay, fine, but no interrupting."
"I wouldn't dream of it."
"I got this letter that summoned me to court, and then the king basically said that I had to marry one of his sons and then he would make gay marriage legal."
"Dude! How is that even a deal? It's a win win for you!"
"No it's not, you idiot. Thomas is totally straight, and is actually kind of scared of me, I think."
"Oh yeah, I forgot about that. Still could work, but whatever. Continue."
"So first I thought he was talking about Elliot-
"Oh my god! That-"
"Cameron, shut up!"
"Oh yeah, sorry."
"So, first I thought he was talking about Elliot, and I was kinda cool with that, cause he's actually gay and great to hang out with. But then he said it was Thomas-"
"Lucky!"
"And now," I continued, despite the interruption. "I'm actually on a date with him, and I'm trying to get him to stop being so scared of me."
"You're on a date right now? I can't believe it! Jay and I thought you'd never get a man."
"Haha, very funny. Speaking of Jay, when are you going to ask him out?" It's been obvious for years that they liked each other, but for some reason, neither one of them wanted to be the first to say something about it.
"Eww, never! We are friends! But we had better be both invited to your wedding, or I swear we will crash it."
"Of course you will be invited!"
"I'm not so sure about that. Certainly took you long enough to tell me you were getting married. Just try and remember your peasant friends every once and a while. Oh, and while your at it, put in a word about me to Prince Raymond, because that man is freakin hot, and if you got a prince there's still hope for me."
"Why does everyone think that I can do
anything here? I literally have no say in anything."
"You'll figure it out. And maybe you could try and get a tax cut for single bi men who are friends of the prince's husband."
"Oh yeah, that's a large group of people. I could totally see that happening."
"That's what I was thinking. Well, I suppose I should let you get back to your prince. Don't forget about your old friends that you put out of a job now that you made gay marriage legal."
"Protesting was not a job. You still have a job."
"Yeah, but I really saw a future for me in protesting. I'm still gonna. There's got to be something I can still protest about."
"I'm sure there is. Goodbye, Cameron. I'll make sure you guys get invited."
"Okay, bye." I hung up, and walked back over to Thomas.
"Why does everyone think that just because I'm marrying you, I can somehow hook them up with one of your family members?" He looked taken aback at the forcefulness of my remark.
"I have no idea. I'm guessing your friend is interesting in someone in my family?"
"Yes! Everyone is interested in Raymond!" He chuckled.
"Yeah, it's been like that for a long time. I think that's part of why he enjoys being single so much. So many people think they have a chance with him. I wonder who Dad's gonna have him marry."
"Do all of your guy's marriages have to be arranged?"
"Well, I guess not, but so far they all have been."
"That's bizarre."
"Yeah, I guess." He sat there for a minute, looking at me. Finally, I had to break the silence.
"What?"
"What do you mean?" I sighed.
"Why are you staring at me?" He blinked, and looked away.
"Oh sorry. I was just trying to imagine what life with you would be like."
"Freaking awesome! Consider yourself blessed."
"That's what I'm talking about!" He gestured towards me. "I spend all this time trying to think of reasons to not like you, and to be rude or something, but then you say stuff like that, and you're hilarious. At least life won't be boring with you."
"At least. Now imagine how boring my life is going to be."
"I'm not that boring!" I raised my eyebrows at him.
"Okay, maybe I am a little. I'll work on that."
"See! We can totally make this work. That right there is compromise!" He laughed.
"Yeah, I guess we can. Maybe this won't be as terrible as I thought it would be."
Now that might not sound that optimistic to you, but for me, that was the beginning of my hope that maybe someday he might like me.