tennis slash - Smart People (8)
Title: Smart People (8)
Author: Kris S.
Fandom: Tennis RPS
Players: Rafael Nadal, Richard Gasquet, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Ernests Gulbis, Marin Cilic, Evgeny Korolev, David Ferrer, Andy Roddick, Mardy Fish
Rating: PG13
Disclaimer: This did not happen.
Summary: College AU. Richard and Rafael are geniuses who are roommates in a suite, though they’re different as could be. Inspired by the movie Real Genius. This chapter: Ernie utilizes information from Marin's mother; Rafa, Andy and David hang out; Roddick tricks Richie into meeting his childhood friend
Chapter 8 - Friendly Outings
Ernie leaves his room, wanting to tell anyone he sees in the main room his news. Problem is, there’s already drama going on there.
“Cut it out!” Rafael complains as he backs away from Richard. Andy is leaning against the door to his room, shaking his head.
Richard is trying to hold a plate in front of the Spaniard’s face. “Oh come on, Rafa. You know the chocolate cake is calling out to you. That is why you went to the gym at such an ungodly hour. Novak wanted to give you this gift but he had to leave early…”
Rafael nudges Richard toward the couch. “You and Novak need to stop this stupid game. Anyway, I didn’t ban chocolate from my life.”
“No. He did,” Richard using the plate to gesture toward Andy, “and soon he will have convinced you it's a good idea. That is simply wrong.”
Andy crosses his arms over his chest, snapping, “Give a good reason to have chocolate cake and I’ll join in. You being a brat isn’t a good reason.”
Richard remarks, “How about you lighten up and stop being so hard on yourself?”
Ernie sees this as a chance for a truce, calling out, “How about a birthday cake?”
This captures everyone’s attention. Rafael says, “Much as I appreciate the idea, didn’t you say the very first day about how your going-away party doubled as a birthday bash?”
Richard says, “Yeah and, in a terrible stroke of luck, the three of us and Novak all have birthdays in a one month stretch that isn’t until May. So unless Marin's is soon…”
Ernie interrupts, “As in Monday?” Richard sets the cake on the table and everyone turns toward Ernie. “I just got off the phone with his mother. Did you know he is not yet eighteen?”
Rafael exclaims, “This Monday?”
“The day of the first Chem exam,” Richard mutters, then shakes his head. "Bad timing. Had to move the tutoring to Saturday night so on Sunday they’re just reviewing instead of cramming. That was Marin’s idea, if you couldn’t guess.”
Ernie says, "We do have to do something for the occasion. A party makes no sense as he barely knows anyone beyond the suite... but he should feel as if he's now an adult."
Rafael says, "The way Marin acts, he already thinks he's an adult. I say we go the opposite direction. Have him be childish." He glances at his watch then readjusts his backpack. "I have to get to class but let me know what you come up with. Store that cake in the fridge; I'll probably eat it tonight if Novak doesn't first."
After Rafael leaves, Richard declares, "That's a pretty good idea, actually. The kid needs to make a mistake." At Ernie's widening smile, Richard corrects himself, "A small mistake, not one that will scar his precious record or land him in jail."
The phone rings in Ernie's room. "Hold on," Ernie says, then rushes in. After a few moments, he calls out, "It's my dad. I have to take this," then shuts the door.
Once Ernie is gone, Andy says, "Marin seems to believe that Evgeny is interested in you."
Richard's eyes widen and he screeches out, "Are you kidding?" Andy shakes his head. "I thought the only reason I was tutoring him was so he and Marin would be in the same place without the poor kid ducking out of it. Well, and because Evgeny needs tutoring, of course."
"Does Evgeny really need someone in the middle in order to make a move?"
"Possible. Guys like him date from the same pool of people. Football players with cheerleaders, for instance. Marin is clearly different from anyone he's been interested in. Evgeny is used to dealing with pretty, vacant people."
"So you believe Evgeny does like him?"
"At least in the privacy of this room, yes. Might be different with his friends around, of course."
"Marin is also concerned about what you intend to use as payment for these sessions."
"Yeah, I have no clue. I'm hoping it's a love connection but I can't admit something like that to them, obviously." Richard looks to the cake, then places the slice back in the box before putting it in the mini fridge.
“Wow. That’s actually rather selfless of you.”
"I don't mind Marin twisting around in the meantime,” Richard finishes with a grin. “He seems to believe I'm certifiable so if he's worried that... I got it! Karaoke!"
"Huh?" Andy is beginning to think Marin is on to something regarding the Richard-is-crazy assumption.
"The mistake! Karaoke contest in the building. Robin has an unhealthy weakness for that machine so if we convince him to have a gathering downstairs as a way for people to loosen up... this can work!"
While Andy agrees with the logic regarding Marin, dealing with Robin is something he's been meaning to avoid at all costs. "I suppose. I’d better get going to class though. You going to deal with him?"
Richard shrugs. “Sure, why not. I saw him downstairs doing scheduling with Roddick and Blake so the timing is ideal as well.”
* * * * *
After Chemistry lecture on Friday, Marin is surprised to see Evgeny trying to weed his way through the crowd as he heads down the stairs, waving to get his attention. When he reaches to the bottom level, Evgeny says, “Richie is pushing me to go to this karaoke event in the building on Monday evening.”
“Oh?” Marin is stuck in place, unsure what to say to that information. He doesn’t remember hearing about anything happening this Monday; he’d been hoping to have a quiet birthday and that had seemed achievable until now.
“We’re supposed to attend three programs throughout the semester in order to keep in the suite and this apparently qualifies.” Evgeny rolls his eyes. “I guess it would be worth it to see some of these people make idiots of themselves, plus a way to unwind from the stress of this test. Leo and Thomaz seem to be planning a duet or something. Are you going?”
Marin shrugs. It’s not as if he has any plans for that night. Might as well watch Evgeny and Richard get closer together. “I suppose.”
* * * * *
Rafael had figured to make Andy’s sudden date with David as simple as possible: pizza for lunch before Rafael had his shift in the lab. This is something that Rafael has done with Andy enough times not to be suspicious, especially if there was a morning workout beforehand. True, it meant waking up a little early on a Saturday but Andy is an early riser anyway.
David had agreed to come alone, intending to get takeout but working his way into joining them so he’d stay around. Rafael could skip out when he really had to leave and let everything go from there.
None of this fools Andy.
It isn’t as if Andy is rude to David. In fact, they do have topics in common. Andy may have even convinced David to join in on the Soccer Sunday games, something Rafael should have realized sooner so he didn’t have to go through this ruse. They probably could have become friends just through that connection.
The problem is that Andy knows Rafael too well. Andy hasn’t actually said a word to end this ruse, maybe to spare David’s feelings, but Rafael will definitely hear some snide comment tonight.
Rafael says, “I have to get to work.” It really is time for him to go, time has been passing quickly. Andy glares at Rafael as he makes a show of standing up. “Thank you for letting me know there’s been problems involving the group from the Multimedia class.”
Andy watches as Rafael leaves then asks, “Did you agree to this because he’d be joining us?”
“What?!” David’s eyes widen, looking very deer in headlights.
“You’ve wanted to hang out with Rafa outside of classes. I see how you always glance his way, even in the lab.”
“No! This is a group simply hanging out.” But David bows his head, hair falling in front of his eyes.
Andy shakes his head. “All three of us know that’s not true. I’m supposed to believe this is a ‘just friends’ outing but you and I are on a date. You agreed to this only because Rafa would also be here. Of course, he doesn’t see that yet but he’s single now and this is your chance.”
“Look, he’s trying to help you, not me. You’re just twisting this situation so you get out of dating.”
“Would you rather date me or Rafa?” Andy waits a beat, sees David search for a diplomatic reply, then says, “Exactly.”
* * * * *
Roddick wakes up early Sunday morning, knowing there will soon be a knock on the door to ruin the quiet. He sits up, propping himself against the wall as he watches Richard sleeping next to him. Roddick isn’t quite sure what’s changed but everything has felt different between them since this semester started.
That may be what made Roddick push regarding wanting his childhood friend Mardy to visit and have them finally meet. In the past, Richard would make excuses to avoid the encounter. In fact, he did this time as well - he had research to do though did agree to treat on an early breakfast - but Roddick was going to make sure that wouldn’t work this time.
It wasn’t just Mardy either. Richard shied away from any contact with Roddick when either of their groups of friends was around. Roddick thought that was over once Andy Murray discovered the truth but they were still casual when around other people. Richard agreed to breakfast knowing his friends would be at the soccer game and Roddick’s friends don’t wake up until afternoon on the weekend.
In the middle of the night, Roddick texted Mardy, asking if he’d come around for breakfast instead. Luckily, Mardy saw the message immediately and had no problem changing his plans.
Roddick was just beginning to fidget when there were two loud bangs and a lighter knock on his door.
Richard mutters into the pillow, “Some people in this building have no consideration for sleeping in on the weekend.”
Roddick climbs over Richard to get out of bed and throws on his bathrobe, snapping, “Your roommates and their soccer game is the usual cause of the noise.”
“But they don’t bang on your door,” Richard replies, throwing the blanket over his head as a precaution.
It isn’t until Roddick looks through the peephole that he remembers he’s not supposed to know about the change in plans. He opens the door and tries to act surprised as he exclaims, “You’re early!”
Even though Mardy doesn’t know why he was told to come early, he’s much better at this innocent act. “Yeah I have to get back tonight so thought I’d surprise you with a morning wake-up call.” He holds up a bag. “I have my mom’s lasagna from last night.”
Roddick says in a low voice, “Can you give me five minutes?”
"Do you really think it matters to me if you didn’t get dressed yet?” Mardy tries to push through but Roddick strong-arms him. “Besides, how many times have you complained about being woken early by residents? I mean, unless you have company…” Mardy smiles brightly as Roddick tries not to answer. “You do have company. Now I’m definitely not budging.”
Roddick grabs onto Mardy’s arm and drags him into the room, grumbling, “You want to start the rumor mill, idiot?”
Mardy looks around, sees the mound, and says with a grin, “Please tell me that’s who I think it is.”
Richard says from under the blanket, “Can he step outside?”
Mardy looks from Roddick’s robe to the blanket, realizes what had been going on, and nods. “Fair enough,” then hands Roddick the bag before stepping out of the room.
Richard drops the blanket and narrows his eyes on the RA. “He seems convincing but you’re a terrible actor.”
“Okay so the plan may have changed.” Roddick can’t resist smiling at how Richard’s hair is sticking up in all directions first thing in the morning, even though he has a right to be annoyed. “But you promised breakfast with me before you go off to your studies.”
“So that I would meet him," Richard says dryly, snatching his clothes off the floor and getting dressed.
Roddick teases, “It would be nice for him to see the person I’m usually complaining about.” Richard doesn’t appear the least bit amused. “What is your deal about keeping us secret? I admit it can be fun but this has become ridiculous. Mardy is my closest friend and the fact that I had to trick you into meeting him just should not be the case.”
Richard looks down, struggling to figure out how to form the words. Roddick turns to his closet to get a button-down flannel shirt and jeans for the day, giving a chance for an answer. Richard’s voice is soft when he admits, “It’s… I’m sorry. I’m sure Mardy is a great person, given everything you’ve told me. It’s just… he’ll make you realize you’ve wasted your time.”
Roddick stops what he’s doing and turns around, watching carefully. He doesn’t remember ever seeing Richard let his guard down. “Why do you say that?”
Richard shuts his eyes and shakes his head, everything jumbling together. He looks completely confused and unsure how to answer, making Roddick wish he’d backed off. “Nothing, Andy. It’s just tough to answer questions from others.”
Roddick would rather forget about Mardy and continue this conversation. But that simply isn’t possible right now. “You ready?” Richard runs his fingers through his hair then gives a slight nod. Roddick opens the door and says, “We got a bit sidetracked. Sorry about that.”
Mardy glances at Roddick fidgeting with the buttons of his shirt and Richard sitting on the bed, having a very different interpretation of the delay, then snickers. “You’re not the least bit sorry but no worries. I wouldn’t admit I know Roddick either if I could avoid it.”
* * * * *
Ernie wakes up early Sunday morning to find Novak laying down on the couch, notepad in his lap and twiddling around a pen. Television off, no music, no food. He hears someone, probably Andy, in the bathroom but no other milling around. Ernie has to ask, “You okay?”
“Yeah. Just realizing something about this suite. Everybody is stupid. For all the dating advice going on in this place, nobody has anybody! As we speak, Rafa and Andy are trying to one-up each other regarding blind date arrangements, Richie is probably asleep in Roddick’s room comfortably in denial about whatever the fuck they really have, and Marin doesn’t realize this karaoke idea is meant as a birthday gift in which he looks like an idiot.”
Ernie doesn’t know what Novak means by the blind date thing and, given the people involved, suspects it’s better that way. “Your original statement is supported. Everyone is lonely and dumb.”
“You know what this means?” Novak leans back on the armrest to look up at Ernie.
“We’re the least screwed up of the bunch.” Ernie tilts his head at Novak’s look toward him. Those hazel eyes are teasing him and he senses Novak’s mind is zoned in on him. “Have you determined what to do about us?”
“Yeah. Still want to kiss you again,” punctuating that with a smile. “But if you no longer feel that’s a good answer…”
Ernie makes quick work of the space between them and captures Novak’s mouth in a kiss. He murmurs against Novak’s mouth, “I don’t want them interfering any longer.”
Author: Kris S.
Fandom: Tennis RPS
Players: Rafael Nadal, Richard Gasquet, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Ernests Gulbis, Marin Cilic, Evgeny Korolev, David Ferrer, Andy Roddick, Mardy Fish
Rating: PG13
Disclaimer: This did not happen.
Summary: College AU. Richard and Rafael are geniuses who are roommates in a suite, though they’re different as could be. Inspired by the movie Real Genius. This chapter: Ernie utilizes information from Marin's mother; Rafa, Andy and David hang out; Roddick tricks Richie into meeting his childhood friend
Chapter 8 - Friendly Outings
Ernie leaves his room, wanting to tell anyone he sees in the main room his news. Problem is, there’s already drama going on there.
“Cut it out!” Rafael complains as he backs away from Richard. Andy is leaning against the door to his room, shaking his head.
Richard is trying to hold a plate in front of the Spaniard’s face. “Oh come on, Rafa. You know the chocolate cake is calling out to you. That is why you went to the gym at such an ungodly hour. Novak wanted to give you this gift but he had to leave early…”
Rafael nudges Richard toward the couch. “You and Novak need to stop this stupid game. Anyway, I didn’t ban chocolate from my life.”
“No. He did,” Richard using the plate to gesture toward Andy, “and soon he will have convinced you it's a good idea. That is simply wrong.”
Andy crosses his arms over his chest, snapping, “Give a good reason to have chocolate cake and I’ll join in. You being a brat isn’t a good reason.”
Richard remarks, “How about you lighten up and stop being so hard on yourself?”
Ernie sees this as a chance for a truce, calling out, “How about a birthday cake?”
This captures everyone’s attention. Rafael says, “Much as I appreciate the idea, didn’t you say the very first day about how your going-away party doubled as a birthday bash?”
Richard says, “Yeah and, in a terrible stroke of luck, the three of us and Novak all have birthdays in a one month stretch that isn’t until May. So unless Marin's is soon…”
Ernie interrupts, “As in Monday?” Richard sets the cake on the table and everyone turns toward Ernie. “I just got off the phone with his mother. Did you know he is not yet eighteen?”
Rafael exclaims, “This Monday?”
“The day of the first Chem exam,” Richard mutters, then shakes his head. "Bad timing. Had to move the tutoring to Saturday night so on Sunday they’re just reviewing instead of cramming. That was Marin’s idea, if you couldn’t guess.”
Ernie says, "We do have to do something for the occasion. A party makes no sense as he barely knows anyone beyond the suite... but he should feel as if he's now an adult."
Rafael says, "The way Marin acts, he already thinks he's an adult. I say we go the opposite direction. Have him be childish." He glances at his watch then readjusts his backpack. "I have to get to class but let me know what you come up with. Store that cake in the fridge; I'll probably eat it tonight if Novak doesn't first."
After Rafael leaves, Richard declares, "That's a pretty good idea, actually. The kid needs to make a mistake." At Ernie's widening smile, Richard corrects himself, "A small mistake, not one that will scar his precious record or land him in jail."
The phone rings in Ernie's room. "Hold on," Ernie says, then rushes in. After a few moments, he calls out, "It's my dad. I have to take this," then shuts the door.
Once Ernie is gone, Andy says, "Marin seems to believe that Evgeny is interested in you."
Richard's eyes widen and he screeches out, "Are you kidding?" Andy shakes his head. "I thought the only reason I was tutoring him was so he and Marin would be in the same place without the poor kid ducking out of it. Well, and because Evgeny needs tutoring, of course."
"Does Evgeny really need someone in the middle in order to make a move?"
"Possible. Guys like him date from the same pool of people. Football players with cheerleaders, for instance. Marin is clearly different from anyone he's been interested in. Evgeny is used to dealing with pretty, vacant people."
"So you believe Evgeny does like him?"
"At least in the privacy of this room, yes. Might be different with his friends around, of course."
"Marin is also concerned about what you intend to use as payment for these sessions."
"Yeah, I have no clue. I'm hoping it's a love connection but I can't admit something like that to them, obviously." Richard looks to the cake, then places the slice back in the box before putting it in the mini fridge.
“Wow. That’s actually rather selfless of you.”
"I don't mind Marin twisting around in the meantime,” Richard finishes with a grin. “He seems to believe I'm certifiable so if he's worried that... I got it! Karaoke!"
"Huh?" Andy is beginning to think Marin is on to something regarding the Richard-is-crazy assumption.
"The mistake! Karaoke contest in the building. Robin has an unhealthy weakness for that machine so if we convince him to have a gathering downstairs as a way for people to loosen up... this can work!"
While Andy agrees with the logic regarding Marin, dealing with Robin is something he's been meaning to avoid at all costs. "I suppose. I’d better get going to class though. You going to deal with him?"
Richard shrugs. “Sure, why not. I saw him downstairs doing scheduling with Roddick and Blake so the timing is ideal as well.”
* * * * *
After Chemistry lecture on Friday, Marin is surprised to see Evgeny trying to weed his way through the crowd as he heads down the stairs, waving to get his attention. When he reaches to the bottom level, Evgeny says, “Richie is pushing me to go to this karaoke event in the building on Monday evening.”
“Oh?” Marin is stuck in place, unsure what to say to that information. He doesn’t remember hearing about anything happening this Monday; he’d been hoping to have a quiet birthday and that had seemed achievable until now.
“We’re supposed to attend three programs throughout the semester in order to keep in the suite and this apparently qualifies.” Evgeny rolls his eyes. “I guess it would be worth it to see some of these people make idiots of themselves, plus a way to unwind from the stress of this test. Leo and Thomaz seem to be planning a duet or something. Are you going?”
Marin shrugs. It’s not as if he has any plans for that night. Might as well watch Evgeny and Richard get closer together. “I suppose.”
* * * * *
Rafael had figured to make Andy’s sudden date with David as simple as possible: pizza for lunch before Rafael had his shift in the lab. This is something that Rafael has done with Andy enough times not to be suspicious, especially if there was a morning workout beforehand. True, it meant waking up a little early on a Saturday but Andy is an early riser anyway.
David had agreed to come alone, intending to get takeout but working his way into joining them so he’d stay around. Rafael could skip out when he really had to leave and let everything go from there.
None of this fools Andy.
It isn’t as if Andy is rude to David. In fact, they do have topics in common. Andy may have even convinced David to join in on the Soccer Sunday games, something Rafael should have realized sooner so he didn’t have to go through this ruse. They probably could have become friends just through that connection.
The problem is that Andy knows Rafael too well. Andy hasn’t actually said a word to end this ruse, maybe to spare David’s feelings, but Rafael will definitely hear some snide comment tonight.
Rafael says, “I have to get to work.” It really is time for him to go, time has been passing quickly. Andy glares at Rafael as he makes a show of standing up. “Thank you for letting me know there’s been problems involving the group from the Multimedia class.”
Andy watches as Rafael leaves then asks, “Did you agree to this because he’d be joining us?”
“What?!” David’s eyes widen, looking very deer in headlights.
“You’ve wanted to hang out with Rafa outside of classes. I see how you always glance his way, even in the lab.”
“No! This is a group simply hanging out.” But David bows his head, hair falling in front of his eyes.
Andy shakes his head. “All three of us know that’s not true. I’m supposed to believe this is a ‘just friends’ outing but you and I are on a date. You agreed to this only because Rafa would also be here. Of course, he doesn’t see that yet but he’s single now and this is your chance.”
“Look, he’s trying to help you, not me. You’re just twisting this situation so you get out of dating.”
“Would you rather date me or Rafa?” Andy waits a beat, sees David search for a diplomatic reply, then says, “Exactly.”
* * * * *
Roddick wakes up early Sunday morning, knowing there will soon be a knock on the door to ruin the quiet. He sits up, propping himself against the wall as he watches Richard sleeping next to him. Roddick isn’t quite sure what’s changed but everything has felt different between them since this semester started.
That may be what made Roddick push regarding wanting his childhood friend Mardy to visit and have them finally meet. In the past, Richard would make excuses to avoid the encounter. In fact, he did this time as well - he had research to do though did agree to treat on an early breakfast - but Roddick was going to make sure that wouldn’t work this time.
It wasn’t just Mardy either. Richard shied away from any contact with Roddick when either of their groups of friends was around. Roddick thought that was over once Andy Murray discovered the truth but they were still casual when around other people. Richard agreed to breakfast knowing his friends would be at the soccer game and Roddick’s friends don’t wake up until afternoon on the weekend.
In the middle of the night, Roddick texted Mardy, asking if he’d come around for breakfast instead. Luckily, Mardy saw the message immediately and had no problem changing his plans.
Roddick was just beginning to fidget when there were two loud bangs and a lighter knock on his door.
Richard mutters into the pillow, “Some people in this building have no consideration for sleeping in on the weekend.”
Roddick climbs over Richard to get out of bed and throws on his bathrobe, snapping, “Your roommates and their soccer game is the usual cause of the noise.”
“But they don’t bang on your door,” Richard replies, throwing the blanket over his head as a precaution.
It isn’t until Roddick looks through the peephole that he remembers he’s not supposed to know about the change in plans. He opens the door and tries to act surprised as he exclaims, “You’re early!”
Even though Mardy doesn’t know why he was told to come early, he’s much better at this innocent act. “Yeah I have to get back tonight so thought I’d surprise you with a morning wake-up call.” He holds up a bag. “I have my mom’s lasagna from last night.”
Roddick says in a low voice, “Can you give me five minutes?”
"Do you really think it matters to me if you didn’t get dressed yet?” Mardy tries to push through but Roddick strong-arms him. “Besides, how many times have you complained about being woken early by residents? I mean, unless you have company…” Mardy smiles brightly as Roddick tries not to answer. “You do have company. Now I’m definitely not budging.”
Roddick grabs onto Mardy’s arm and drags him into the room, grumbling, “You want to start the rumor mill, idiot?”
Mardy looks around, sees the mound, and says with a grin, “Please tell me that’s who I think it is.”
Richard says from under the blanket, “Can he step outside?”
Mardy looks from Roddick’s robe to the blanket, realizes what had been going on, and nods. “Fair enough,” then hands Roddick the bag before stepping out of the room.
Richard drops the blanket and narrows his eyes on the RA. “He seems convincing but you’re a terrible actor.”
“Okay so the plan may have changed.” Roddick can’t resist smiling at how Richard’s hair is sticking up in all directions first thing in the morning, even though he has a right to be annoyed. “But you promised breakfast with me before you go off to your studies.”
“So that I would meet him," Richard says dryly, snatching his clothes off the floor and getting dressed.
Roddick teases, “It would be nice for him to see the person I’m usually complaining about.” Richard doesn’t appear the least bit amused. “What is your deal about keeping us secret? I admit it can be fun but this has become ridiculous. Mardy is my closest friend and the fact that I had to trick you into meeting him just should not be the case.”
Richard looks down, struggling to figure out how to form the words. Roddick turns to his closet to get a button-down flannel shirt and jeans for the day, giving a chance for an answer. Richard’s voice is soft when he admits, “It’s… I’m sorry. I’m sure Mardy is a great person, given everything you’ve told me. It’s just… he’ll make you realize you’ve wasted your time.”
Roddick stops what he’s doing and turns around, watching carefully. He doesn’t remember ever seeing Richard let his guard down. “Why do you say that?”
Richard shuts his eyes and shakes his head, everything jumbling together. He looks completely confused and unsure how to answer, making Roddick wish he’d backed off. “Nothing, Andy. It’s just tough to answer questions from others.”
Roddick would rather forget about Mardy and continue this conversation. But that simply isn’t possible right now. “You ready?” Richard runs his fingers through his hair then gives a slight nod. Roddick opens the door and says, “We got a bit sidetracked. Sorry about that.”
Mardy glances at Roddick fidgeting with the buttons of his shirt and Richard sitting on the bed, having a very different interpretation of the delay, then snickers. “You’re not the least bit sorry but no worries. I wouldn’t admit I know Roddick either if I could avoid it.”
* * * * *
Ernie wakes up early Sunday morning to find Novak laying down on the couch, notepad in his lap and twiddling around a pen. Television off, no music, no food. He hears someone, probably Andy, in the bathroom but no other milling around. Ernie has to ask, “You okay?”
“Yeah. Just realizing something about this suite. Everybody is stupid. For all the dating advice going on in this place, nobody has anybody! As we speak, Rafa and Andy are trying to one-up each other regarding blind date arrangements, Richie is probably asleep in Roddick’s room comfortably in denial about whatever the fuck they really have, and Marin doesn’t realize this karaoke idea is meant as a birthday gift in which he looks like an idiot.”
Ernie doesn’t know what Novak means by the blind date thing and, given the people involved, suspects it’s better that way. “Your original statement is supported. Everyone is lonely and dumb.”
“You know what this means?” Novak leans back on the armrest to look up at Ernie.
“We’re the least screwed up of the bunch.” Ernie tilts his head at Novak’s look toward him. Those hazel eyes are teasing him and he senses Novak’s mind is zoned in on him. “Have you determined what to do about us?”
“Yeah. Still want to kiss you again,” punctuating that with a smile. “But if you no longer feel that’s a good answer…”
Ernie makes quick work of the space between them and captures Novak’s mouth in a kiss. He murmurs against Novak’s mouth, “I don’t want them interfering any longer.”