Page 9 of Love Limits

Mr. Isling started a whole story about Mrs. Lawson’s daughter who he was sure fancied one of the doctors. Who knew if it was true? But Ash should have definitely asked earlier. It was a surefire way to change the conversation.

They couldn’t even understand half of it, since they had to look downward, but it made Mr. Isling happy to share.

Ash finished up with the lotion and wheeled Mr. Isling out to the garden across the corridor.

Later, they would psych themself up to look at the pictures of Soren and Maya’s new house and make appropriately supportive comments. They would send cute GIFs and pretend their chest didn’t hurt and their eyes didn’t prickle thinking about what they’d lost or what it could have been. They were sure it would be a gorgeous home.

As long as Soren didn’t make any Daddy comments at them and Maya didn’t show them any pictures of her toys, they would probably be fine. Mostly.

It just didn’t seem fair. They’d worked so hard at the relationship. They’d been so good. And in the long run, none of that mattered.

Ash checked the computer to see who was next on their schedule. Ah, Mrs. Muller. She was a handful, but not as funny as Mr. Isling.

Still, she would be a good distraction.

Ash squared their shoulders as they walked down the hall. They made a resolution to themself. No more short-term relationships. No more being the secondary.

No more settling for less than what they wanted.

After this, they would only date someone who would stay.

Chapter 3

Zhong

February

A pulsing blue light drew Zhong’s eye on his monitor and his face lifted to a grin. With a few shortcuts, he saved his work, stopped his time clock, and switched over to answer the Skype call. It was Sunday morning and he wouldn’t usually be working, but someone had sent him a quick project.

He could take the time, though. His best friend was always worth it.

Dustin’s dark hair and sharp cheekbones filled the screen. He looked radiant, like he could barely contain his happiness.

Well, Zhong had known that moment would come. This Landon guy had been dicking Dustin around after their first date or scene or whatever, but it must have worked out yesterday. Zhong had gotten it right when he insisted that Dustin go to the munch.

Zhong wanted Dustin to be happy. It was really important to him. He was proud of Dustin for trying out this kink thing, too. Especially after Dustin’s ex, Alan, had flipped out about it.

It was just that every time Dustin got like this, all excited over someone, it was like Zhong fell off his radar. New Relationship Energy, it was called.

And yet, Zhong couldn’t fight the smile that rose to his lips when he saw his friend so happy.

Hey. How was the munch?

It wasn’t just the munch. We spent the whole day together. I just got home.

Wow. Tell me all about it.

Dustin’s hands flew, his face glowing with emotion as he launched into the story.

So first, I went to the munch yesterday and I thought Landon wasn’t there. And I was kind of annoyed. But then I saw this beautiful woman… and it turns out that Landon is genderfluid. He spelled out the word and then signed it.

So, sometimes male, sometimes female?

Yeah. Either one or the other, not both. Oh, and she goes by Lena when she’s female. He spelled it and gave her name sign at his cheek, the feminine region of the face.

Got it. OK, so then what?

Well, she was doing her usual thing, kind of flirting with everyone. And we both hung out with this other Deaf person, Ash, who you’d really like, I think. The two of them together are hilarious.