Chapter 20

CHAPTER 20

Reuben

R euben couldn’t take it any longer. It had been a full week and he was tired of dodging Stella’s questions about his next date and worrying about the status of his relationship. If Amber wasn’t going to call him, he would call her. She may not have a hard deadline on her novel, but if he needed to move on to Plan B? He needed to know now . Not to mention, he missed her. Badly.

As tempting as it was to just text, Reuben knew this wasn’t exactly a texting-type conversation. And so he tapped Amber’s contact and held the phone to his ear. With each ring his planned script changed, right up until her voicemail message began to play.

Nope. That was not going to do. If he knew anything about Amber by this point, it was that the likelihood of her actually being busy right now was incredibly low. So rather than leaving a message, Reuben hit redial. And redial. And redial. “Stop ignoring me!” he grumbled as the fourth attempt rang and rang.

And finally, Amber picked up.

“Oh thank the gods,” Reuben breathed, every one of his speeches immediately flying out the window. “Amber, I am so sorry. I’ve been an idiot.”

“Yes. Yes you have,” came the reply. Amber’s voice sounded rather cold and Reuben felt his heart sink. “But…so have I. I’m sorry, too. I definitely overreacted the other day. It was just too much too fast, and I needed some time to process. And then it felt more and more awkward to call so I just didn’t.”

The sheer amount of relief that washed over Reuben threatened to drown him. He had to clear his throat a couple of times before he could get any words out. “I was waiting to hear from you every day,” he admitted, not caring if he sounded desperate. “I missed you so much.”

“I missed you, too. I’m glad you called. Even if I ignored you three times.”

They both began to laugh, and Reuben felt the tension in his muscles melt away. “So…before the whole cafe debacle, you said you’d be willing to come over to my place. Is that still on the table? Because I would love to have you over for a quiet movie night to make up for all the public nonsense.”

There was a slight pause on the other end of the phone. Reuben’s shoulders tightened again, but finally Amber replied, “Sure. How about tonight?”

* * *

Amber

T he eight hours between Reuben inviting her over and the agreed meeting time had been torture. Amber hurriedly opened her ride share app, entered the address Reuben provided, and glanced at herself in the mirror. Would her baggy pajama pants and oversized band tee be acceptable for spending time with a politician? Would Reuben think she wasn’t taking this seriously enough?

In the end, she decided she didn’t care and simply slipped her wallet into the pocket of her cotton pants. The driver arrived minutes later and Amber climbed into the car, a mixture of nerves, curiosity, and excitement rushing through her veins.

It was a moderate distance between their homes; usually in a car ride of this length, Amber would have fallen asleep. However, she was too worked up to even close her eyes this time. The city rolled by in streetlight-illuminated normality outside the car windows and she daydreamed about who might be behind the building walls. Normal humans? Vampires? Werewolves?

It was interesting to think that from the outside, there was no way to know. Nor did it matter. The apartments could contain anyone, but they were all equally peaceful in the nighttime quiet. If only other people could see that!

The car drove up to a gated community and, after confirmation that Amber was on the guest list, the gate opened. They pulled up in front of the unit Reuben had indicated and Amber stepped out of the car, thanked the driver, and strolled up to the door. She hesitated a moment with her knuckles hovering over the wood before she worked up the courage to knock three times.

The neighborhood was much, much fancier than her own. Not that she didn’t like her neighborhood; well, her apartment at least. There were constantly sirens outside her building reminding her that she never left the sketchy building she’d moved into for college, but hey. It was home. She heard a sound behind the door, the lock disengaging, and squashed the obnoxious voice in her mind which told her she was probably at the incorrect address.

* * *

Reuben

R euben provided his address to Amber the moment she asked to make good on the movie night rain check, despite needing to finish his workday first. While he probably could have waited until the next day, he’d missed Amber and insisted they meet up that night. And besides, the gated community in which he lived was quite effective at keeping unwanted guests out. If this second attempt at a relationship went south, he could take Amber off the visitor list.

He didn’t really need to tidy up much, either. The few glasses he’d left in the sink went into the dishwasher and a quick vacuum removed the dust which had settled in while he’d been too depressed to care. Reuben glanced into the fridge and pantry, finding he had plenty of drinks…but only an open box of microwave popcorn for snacks. “I should have picked up some human food before I drove home,” he mumbled. “I don’t want to be a bad host…”

Dressed in a pink Nike shirt and black joggers, Reuben began preparing the upstairs living room for their movie night while he waited for Amber to arrive. His windows were tinted, but he still pulled the thick curtains shut to give them full privacy. He placed two folded quilts on the large, L-shaped couch and turned on the flat screen which was hanging on the wall.

The five battle-ready replica lightsabers hanging on the wall and tall, dark bookshelves received a quick dusting as well. Said shelves were lined with mostly romance novels sorted by the author’s last name. A few spots were empty; their occupants made their home on the coffee table for the time being. Beneath Caribbean Skies by Henry Allan Spencer graced the top of the stack. It was well-worn and had been read repeatedly.

By the time Reuben was done preparing the living room for their date, he heard footsteps approaching his front door. They paused for a moment before a soft knock rapped against the wood. With a grin, Reuben flashed down the stairs and answered the call.

Amber’s hand was still in a knocking position as the sturdy door was opened. “Gem, it’s so good to see you again.” Reuben took a step back and motioned for his maybe girlfriend to come inside. His eyes glanced at his guest’s attire, and he approved. This was a comfy movie date night and Amber passed the vibe check.

“Please come in,” Reuben exclaimed with a big grin tugging at the corner of his mouth, despite his attempt at calming his excitement. He couldn’t believe Amber was in his house. And that she had finally contacted him again. This was one of the only places Reuben could be himself and he was glad he could share it with someone important.

By the front door, there was a little black rug for shoes and hooks on the wall for jackets. Most of the rest of the walls were bare. His way of decorating was unique, to say the least. Random pieces that only he could consider art sat on end tables and a single plant sat on the kitchen counter next to a sizable bowl of assorted candies. Books, glazed clay pots, old records and movie memorabilia were scattered around the house.

Amber smiled at the nickname and stepped inside, removing her shoes and stepping with her stocking feet onto the soft carpet of the rug before following Reuben deeper into the home. As soon as the door closed, she pushed her luck and wrapped her arms around Reuben’s neck. She kissed him softly on the cheek before letting go and taking a step back. “It’s so nice to see you again.”

With the warmth of Amber’s lips still lingering on his cheek, Reuben allowed his grin to widen. “So, this is my house... HOME built it and allowed me to live here. Whether it was to keep me protected from death threats or keep the media away from my windows, I don’t know, but I appreciate the privacy nonetheless.”

Reuben walked up a few stairs, looking back to watch Amber checking out his house. Surprisingly, he cared about what Amber thought. A lot. “I can give you a quick tour if you’d like or we can save that for another day. The best part is my living room.”

Amber’s eyes scanned every visible surface and she smiled at the subtle nods to nerd-dom which were sprinkled here and there. “I guess tours are most logical for a first visit. But we can do that later, if you want. HOME didn’t spare any expense, did they?"

“They definitely treat me well. I think it’s mostly so they can test models of products that will go into future supernatural-friendly households, though. They wanted to make sure their products would be useful, and I was their guinea pig. The tinted windows, for example. The organization had to make sure it would block out enough sunlight during the day while still maintaining a somewhat normal appearance on the outside. They work wonderfully after a few failed attempts.”

Amber nodded and followed Reuben up the stairs. “This is like, the ritzy part of town, too,” she said. “Maybe someday I’ll move out of my little apartment and into something half this nice. I think you’d be mortified by the amount of stuff I have covering my walls...”

Reuben shook his head. “Oh, I don’t think it will bother me. I’m just not a great decorator. I buy things that look cool that I can touch or use.” As he entered the living room, Reuben spoke again. “I didn’t plan that far ahead, but I have microwaveable popcorn and hard candies for food. However, I do have a bunch of drinks. Juice, beer, wine, soda, Capri Suns... if you get hungry, I can order a pizza or some Chinese food.”

The sweet scent of vanilla drifted through the air as Reuben listed the food and drink options; Amber listened to this part with rapt attention. “Capri Suns are like...my favorite thing. I don’t care that they are for children. There’s something amusing to me about stabbing the little pouches with a straw.

“And I’m not really an alcohol person, but juice and I are best friends. And orange soda. And Chinese food, the crappier the better. It’s like you’ve already found the road map to my heart. Not that it’s that hard.”

Reuben laughed and held out his hands, spinning in a slow circle to show off the living room. “It’s not much, but it’s my little comfort zone. Soft couch, books, this huge TV... well, huge from when I was a kid. These things can hang on walls, now.” He chuckled as he thought back to the black and white or box TVs that he grew up seeing.

Amber stood on her tiptoes and leaned over the couch to get a closer look before getting distracted again by the sheer number of books in the room. And the TV which wasn’t from 2005. “Yeah, I’ve seen like, 120 inch TVs. Who needs that? At that point, you might as well set up a movie theater in your house and charge admission.”

Amber's eyes widened at the light sabers. “Are these the battle-ready kind?!” she exclaimed, seeming to teleport over to the couch to stare at the shiny objects. Her hand reached out for them automatically, but she quickly regained her control and sucked it back to her side. “Can...I mean, do you mind if I examine them more closely?”

Reuben nodded. “We can play with them if you want! Nobody has been willing to before.” He then motioned to his wall of books. “And this is what I think you’ll like the most. I have a bunch of books; I like keeping basically every book I read. Plus, cracking open a new print is a guilty pleasure of mine. The crisp smell of fresh ink and paper tickles the brain perfectly.”

“There’s something amazing about new book smell,” she agreed. “Though old book smell is just as intoxicating.” She moved to another bookshelf then another, until she’d made a full circle and found herself standing in front of the coffee table.

She stared at the intimately familiar cover of the first book on the stack. The color immediately drained from her face and her eyes widened like a deer faced with oncoming traffic. “Oh, you read Henry Allan Spencer? How do you feel about his book?” Amber managed, somehow, to eke out in a casual and definitely-not-panicked tone. She sat down on the couch and picked up the book, running her hand over the cover for a moment before setting it back down. “Have you finished it yet? If so, how did you feel about the ending?”

Reuben followed Amber over to the couch and plopped down next to her. “Oh? Beneath Caribbean Skies ? Yeah. The ending is great. He’s a fantastic writer. Somehow, Spencer knows the right words to use at the right times. He really believes in the romance of the story instead of popping out another bland replica novel. Too bad he’s only released one book. I always felt like he could have done a sequel if he wanted, but maybe that’s where the story needed to end. It could be me craving more."

Reuben pointed at the book and flicked his finger up, as if telling Amber to take it. “I’ve read this one at least a dozen times while keeping my eye out in case he ever releases another book. Do you want to read it? You can borrow it if you want. I would like it back when you’re finished, though. I’ll definitely read it again.”

“Oh, I have more than one copy already, thanks though. I’m so glad you liked the ending, too. I felt like they’d established enough of a foundation before they became a couple that it would be believable. Romances are more impactful when they’re capable of being real, don’t you think?"

Amber's eyes got a faraway look in them and she sat on the arm of the couch. "Yes, most of them are an exaggerated and unlikely scenario, but I don’t feel like I can get into the story when I don’t believe it could happen in a perfect world.” She sighed and blushed at Reuben’s touch and the high praise. “I’ve read it far more times than I would be willing to admit, even if I had kept track.”

It didn’t seem odd to Reuben that Amber owned multiple copies of such a good book. Hardcover, paperback, special editions…they were all worth something to someone who loved the tale within the pages. But he froze for a moment as Amber’s words struck a chord.

Romances are more impactful when they’re capable of being real.

Reuben felt those words applied both to the novel and to his girlfriend arrangement. The harder they tried to make the relationship look real, the more impactful it would be. Reuben knew he’d be simmering over that phrase for quite some time.

But rather than sit in awkward silence, Reuben jumped into host mode. “How about I go get some takeout menus and a juice or two for you? And I can order whatever you like.” Money wasn’t an issue as long as it made Amber happy. He didn’t think of it as a waste, nor did he intend on asking for it back. A little cash was a small sacrifice to keep his human companion comfortable.

Just as Reuben was about to flash down the stairs, he froze. He had shown off his speed to Amber before, but the usage of his powers was usually less filtered in his own home. “Um…I’m sorry, I never asked if flashing makes you uncomfortable. Are you okay with it? It might be disorienting or disturbing to some people.” He knew that Amber wanted to live the experience of dating a vampire for her book, but knowing and seeing it happen were different things.

Amber had settled against the arm of the couch and curled her feet up next to herself comfortably, draping the blanket over her legs. A surprised look colored her features. “I don’t mind at all. You be you, Benji. Flash away! As in, around your house. Moving at high speed. Not like...flash in the other meaning. Because I know that’s what you didn’t mean. I don’t need to see anything like that yet.”

Amber pulled the blanket up over her head for a moment as her face burned. “I’ll hang out here for the next point five seconds.”

The smile on Reuben’s face widened at Amber’s poor choice of words and stumbled recovery. He couldn’t resist; he had to say something. “Aww babe, if you want me to take my pants off, all you’d have to do is ask.” His tone was simultaneously flirtatious and teasing, but meant as a joke.

There wasn’t much time for Amber to wallow. “I think we’re firmly in ‘pants on’ territory still,” she giggled from beneath the blanket.

Not that Reuben heard her. He was gone only two seconds before he set a handful of cold drink pouches on the table and handed over the menu for his favorite Chinese place. "You can order anything you want. Don't worry about the price or anything. I've got it."

Amber pulled down the blanket and examined the menu. After an awkward amount of time, she settled on something safe. “How about orange chicken, chow mein, and egg rolls? Is there anything you like in particular? Though I guess you can order for yourself without having to tell me the order first.”

She laughed at herself and handed Reuben the menu, holding out one arm so he could tuck himself into her side while he ordered. Reuben plopped himself into the indicated place, originally leaving two or three inches between their thighs. However, he ended up snuggling under Amber’s arm only moments later. “I can’t eat a lot, so I stick to the soup.” He pulled his phone out of his pocket and opened the Wok In app.

It suggested his usual order, a container of easily-digestible chicken mushroom soup, but he swiped it away, choosing instead to call the store. “Hello. Ah, yes, hello Wendy! It’s me.”

The excited voice on the other end of the phone caused Reuben to chuckle. He loved this family-owned restaurant, especially because they never treated him poorly for being a vampire. “I would like to place an order for delivery, please. Oh, yes, the usual would be fine. But can I also add orange chicken, chow mein, and a side of egg rolls?”

There was a few seconds’ pause before Reuben spoke again. “You know, can you double that order and bag it separately for my gatekeeper? Yes please. Thank you. Yes, you too. Have a great night.” Reuben placed his phone on the table, as if showing it would not be a distraction.

Amber stretched a little to wiggle into a more comfortable position and spoke. “You must really like your gatekeeper to order him dinner, too.”

“Oh, that. I have my food dropped off at the gate and he keeps it safe until I come pick it up. It’s only fair to feed him after taunting him with food while he keeps the neighborhood safe.” With food taken care of, his mind flipped to the next order of business. Though both parties had done their best to shove the elephant out of the room, they needed to discuss the last week.

Rather than continuing to hope Amber would bring it up, Reuben cut his misery short. “I am glad that you answered the phone.” He buried his face in Amber’s curls, savoring the warmth and scent he’d grown so fond of. “And not because I was worried about the election. After a week apart, I realized how much I’d already grown used to your presence in my life. It was lonely when I couldn’t call or text you to talk about my day.”

“I am sorry that I ghosted you. I let my fear get in the way of what I now know I wanted.” Amber took the vampire’s hand into her own and began massaging the palm in slow circles. “But…do you really forgive me?”

Reuben pulled his head back enough that he could make direct contact with Amber’s large, pleading eyes. “Of course I do, Gem. And I also believe we have both learned everything we could from the experience, so we should leave it in the past. What do you think?” He ran his free hand through Amber’s hair and down the side of her neck to settle on her shoulder.

That sounded wonderful.