Chapter 18
Julie and Reggie spent longer than they thought in Valencia. After they finished their programs, they were invited to join the school’s post graduate programs. Flynn had finished at her design school, moving out to join them. It was six months into their third year away, and three months since they’d been home. The two of them planned to go back every weekend, being an hour away, but they didn’t expect so much work. It had been over a year since Reggie and Nick had time off school together. But they still video chatted every night, sometimes as they did schoolwork, sometimes streaming a movie together, and the two of them almost always fell asleep before being able to disconnect. Just whispering little ‘I love you’s to each other in the night, and texting all day. “Hey, Reggie.” Julie nudged them, “We’re still on for dinner tonight right?” She asked as they were heading to class.
“You mean our every Friday dinner at Tai Wei’s? Obviously.”
“Great.” She beamed, running off in the direction of her vocal class. Reggie raised an eyebrow, but decided to ignore the odd behavior.
Reggie got the restaurant they met Julie and Flynn at every Friday. Tai Wei’s Japanese had the best sushi in the city, at least by their standards. Being the only sushi place they tried. Reggie was already confused, they could see Julie and Flynn, but there was someone else and the lights hung from ceiling above the table made it hard to see who they were talking to. Reggie ignored it, pushing through the weird to walk to the table. When they got there, they thought they were hallucinating.
“Hey, babe.” Nick grinned, standing up to hug Reggie. Reggie squeezed him back, eyes pooling with tears.
“Baby, what are you doing here? You should be in class right now!” They knew each other’s schedule so they knew when the other would available to video chat.
“Oh, did I forget to tell you?” Nick grinned like he had a secret, pressing a short but sweet kiss to Reggie’s lips. “The reasons I had so many classes last year and over the summer were so I could graduate early.”
“You did what?” Reggie cried, “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“So I could surprise you obviously. Julie knew I was coming, but she didn’t know that.”
“No I didn’t and I can’t believe you never mentioned it!” Julie exclaimed in mock anger, “I’ve been helping you plan this drop in three weeks!”
“I’m sorry.” Nick held up his hands in surrender. “You’re good with secrets, but I didn’t want you to change the plan to try to do something special, cause we all know you would have.”
“He’s got you there, love.” Flynn laughed. Reggie was still stunned their boyfriend was here with them. Just running their hands over his hand and forearm.
“I promise this is real, babe.” Nick smiled, leaning into his partner. “And I hope it’s okay, but Julie said I can stay with you guys.”
“Is it- You think I’m gonna let you stay anywhere else when I haven’t seen you in a year? I’m not letting you out of my sight!”
Reggie went to sleep that night with Nick’s arms around them, and they never wanted to be without it again.