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"So, is this one of your favorite places?"
"Yes," Asa replied as they walked through St. James’s Park along a path next to the pond.
"Do you just come here to take a walk?"
I often... erm always rather... have a book with me."
Anthony looked at him, raising an eyebrow and asked, "And today? Do you have one with you?"
Asa shook his head and replied, "No, of course not. I’m out for a walk with you. I wouldn't offend you like that."
Anthony laughed softly, but his expression turned serious again as he said, "Bring one next time."
"But..."
"Don't you think I can just enjoy your company? Hm?"
"Never hold back just because you think that’s what I want, okay?"
Asa could still hear Anthony’s words from the night before echoing in his head. He truly lived by his principles. Having a partner who stuck to his own rules was a whole new experience for Asa, and it would take him some time to get used to it.
"You know, you surprised me by inviting me on this walk."
Anthony's voice snapped Asa out of his thoughts.
They had only planned to see each other the next day, as Asa was working at the bookshop until 6:00 p.m. and Anthony had a meeting at the university at 6:30.
"Um...Derek gave me the afternoon off."
Anthony chuckled softly. "You'll have to thank him."
"The heart that sighs has not what it desires."
Asa frowned and turned to Derek as he put away the latest batch of used books that had just arrived.
"What?"
"It's a French saying," Derek replied mockingly. "Since you've been sighing nonstop all morning, I think it fits the situation."
"Nonsense."
"Asa..." Derek insisted.
Asa shook his head. "It’s really no big deal. Besides, you’re just going to make fun of me."
"What, because you miss Anthony?"
Derek winked.
"See, I knew it! You’re already mocking me."
Derek raised his hands. "Hey, I'd never make fun of your love life. Come on, tell me what’s bothering you."
Asa exploded.
"Of course I miss him! But I’m almost fifty; I’m not a prepubescent teenager!"
This time, Derek snickered.
"That's not it at all, you idiot! Yearning isn't just a feeling reserved for lovestruck teenagers. In your case, I’d even say it’s a sign that you care deeply about Anthony."
Asa grumbled, "That's the understatement of the century. But do you realize I’ve only known him for two days?"
"That's actually your problem, isn't it? It's the depth of your feelings even though you've only known each other for a short time. Sometimes things don't have to be complicated to work out. Don’t let your past disappointments stop you from listening to your heart."
Derek stood up from behind the register, put down his book, stepped in front of Asa, and placed his hands on Asa's shoulders.
"I'm going to ask you a question, and you're going to answer spontaneously, without thinking. Just let your heart speak." He pointed his finger at Asa’s chest.
Asa nodded.
"If someone told you the world was ending today, where would you want to be?"
"With him."
Derek smiled kindly and said, "You got it."
He glanced at his watch and told Asa, "Take the afternoon off."
"What?"
"You heard me. Come on, go. Call him, text him, or do whatever you want. Go be with him."
Asa smiled before pulling out his phone. "Thank you, Derek."
"Come on, what are you still doing here?"
That’s how they found themselves strolling through one of Asa’s favorite places.
Anthony asked, "Where do you usually sit when you come here to read?"
Asa pointed to a bench across the pond, where a few ducks were swimming.
"Shall we go?"
Happy to share this place with Anthony, Asa nodded. A few minutes later, they were both sitting on the bench in question.
They saw a group of ducks swimming toward the edge of the pond near them. Anthony asked, "Do people feed them?"
Asa muttered, "Yes."
Amused, Anthony asked, "Why are you making that face?"
Asa mumbled, "People give them anything."
Anthony sighed. "I guess those idiots feed them bread when frozen peas are best for them."
Asa looked at him in surprise and said, "Yeah, that's right."
Anthony answered the unspoken question: "Near the research center where I worked in Cambridge, there was a small park with a pond. An old lady came to feed the ducks there every day and explained that to me. I guess you don’t have any on you."
Asa shook his head. "Not today."
"Next time, I'll bring some."
"Next time?" Asa asked, sounding surprised.
Anthony nodded and replied, "Of course. Another time, we could have a picnic. Yet another time, I’ll be grading papers, and you’ll have your nose buried in a book."
Moved, Asa said in a slightly hoarse voice, "That would be nice."
Anthony looked at him with concern and asked, "Are you okay? Did I say something wrong?"
"No, no. It's just that... er... you're talking about the future."
Understanding what Asa implied, Anthony turned to him and said in a gentle but firm tone, "Asa, I'm too old for this to be casual. Like I said yesterday, I don’t know where we’re going. But what I do know is that I intend for this to last."
Asa nodded with determination. "Me too."
They sat in silence for a few moments, relishing the feeling of being on the same page. Their hands lay between them on the bench. Suddenly, Anthony moved his hand and Asa felt it rest on his, seeking to slip his fingers between Asa’s.he simply turned his hand beneath Anthony’s, and palm against palm, their fingers intertwined.
Anthony asked gently, "Is that okay?"
"More than okay," Asa replied, grinning widely.
After a few moments, Anthony broke the silence and asked, "Can I tempt you to come to my place for a cup of tea or coffee?"
Asa laughed and replied, "Temptation accomplished."
"Well, let's go then."
Anthony stood up and held out his hand to help Asa up. Once they were standing, Asa tried to let go. However, Anthony tightened his grip and started walking toward the park exit.
He didn’t let go when they hailed a taxi. He finally let go when they got into the back of the car, but he took Asa's hand again as soon as they were both inside.
Later, when they ran into one of Anthony’s neighbors in the building, and Asa tried to let go of Anthony’s hand, he squeezed even tighter.
Anthony said gently, "I chose long ago to live without censure or apology, Asa. If you want to be more discreet, I have no problem with that. I’ll accept it without any reservations. But don’t do it for my sake."
Asa squeezed Anthony’s hand tighter in return and didn’t let go until he opened the door to his apartment.
But as soon as the door closed behind them, Asa didn’t have time to see anything of Anthony’s apartment because he had pulled him into an embrace and captured his lips in a passionate kiss.
When they pulled apart to catch their breath, Anthony apologized. "I’m sorry," he said. "I just couldn’t help myself."
Asa laughed softly and said, "Don't apologize, or I'll have to apologize as well."
"Why?"
"For that."
Asa wrapped his arms around Anthony’s neck, pulling his face toward his own to kiss him.
After a lingering kiss, both content, Anthony took Asa’s hand and led him on a tour of his apartment.
When they arrived in the living room, Asa exclaimed, "Wow, so many books!"
There were four bookshelves, all filled with books.
Anthony chuckled and said, "I had these delivered before the main furniture."
Asa, already busy perusing the books, hummed in approval.
"Book nerd," Anthony muttered before saying aloud, "Take your time looking around while I go make some drinks. Tea or coffee?"
"Tea."
"Sugar and milk?"
"Just a spoonful of sugar."
With his hands behind his back, Asa browsed the bookshelves. From the kitchen, Anthony heard him exclaim several times over one volume or another.
"Anthony?"
"Yes?" Anthony walked into the living room, holding two cups in his hands. He stopped short when he saw where Asa was standing in front of the bookshelf. He realized why Asa had called him over.
Anthony set the cups down on the coffee table and walked over to Asa, who had turned to face him and was holding two identical books.
One of the books was the one Asa had sold to Anthony the day they met.
"You bought a book you already had."
"Busted," Anthony muttered.
Asa frowned.
"Why did you do that? They’re not even first editions."
Anthony scratched the back of his head and said in a slightly sheepish tone, "I needed an excuse to prolong this delightful moment, didn't I? I told you it was my lucky day. It just wasn’t the book that made it lucky."
Asa blushed slightly, then softly replied, "Just as it wasn't the reason for my lucky day either.
Anthony took the books from Asa's hands, placed them on the shelf behind him before cupping his face in his hands and pressing his lips to his' in a tender kiss.
Then he led him to the couch, and they sat down to sip their tea. The conversation flowed easily, just as it had from the beginning of their relationship.
Before they knew it, it was time for Anthony to leave for his meeting and for Asa to go home.
Neither of them wanted to part, so their goodbyes dragged on at Anthony’s doorstep.
After several kisses, Asa finally decided to leave, though his steps were anything but determined as he walked away from the building where Anthony lived.
He had barely taken a few steps when his phone vibrated.
He pulled it out of his pocket and saw that it was a message from Anthony.
I miss you already.
Asa was so startled that he almost walked into a streetlight.
He had always dreamed of having a kind and thoughtful partner, but he could never have imagined someone like Anthony. So considerate.
He typed quickly.
I miss you too.
Asa grew bolder and added a line.
If your meeting doesn’t end too late, come over for one last drink.
Then he added again.
Even if it ends too late, you can still come.
He watched the three dots dance across the screen, indicating that Anthony was typing a reply.
The message finally appeared.
What’s written is written.
I’ll come.
I’ll be waiting for you.
Asa put his phone in his pocket and, buzzing with anticipation, his steps were almost dancing as he headed home.