Elisha kept his eyes on Henry instead of looking up. "Yes, it is. The prettiest thing I’ve ever seen."
Henry blinked and tilted his head. "Which star are you even looking at?"
"The star right beside me," Elisha murmured. "He’s really quite breathtaking."
Henry’s breath caught as he looked at Elisha, their eyes meeting in a silent, lingering gaze.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. Elisha’s gaze slowly moved over Henry’s face, from his forehead to his brow, then down to his eyes and the sharp line of his jaw. He lingered there for a moment, simply taking him in. He shifted slightly, his shoulders tightening as he leaned a fraction closer. For a brief second, it seemed like he might close the distance between them.
But he stopped himself. He drew in a slow breath and pulled back, breaking the moment before he could give in to the urge. His gaze finally left Henry and settled on the distant city lights below.
"You know, Henry..." he began softly. "We started making money at such a young age. We were winning million-dollar contracts before we even fully understood what we were doing." He paused, a faint smile touching his lips. "But then again, we were lucky. We were born into wealthy families. Our fathers already had the businesses, the connections, everything in place. We had opportunities most people could only dream of."
His voice grew quieter toward the end, and he lowered his gaze for a moment. "It really is a privilege. A blessing."
Henry looked at him, his expression becoming more serious. He could hear something behind Elisha’s words, something that had nothing to do with money. "Then why are you thinking about it like that?" He asked.
"Because sometimes I wonder if having everything we’re supposed to want is really enough." He paused, his eyes lowering. "Do you ever wonder if we’re actually happy with the lives we were born into?"
Henry scoffed softly. "Money brings comfort, and comfort brings happiness. So with my money, I’m happy."
Elisha chuckled. "You’re right about that. But what about freedom?"
"I built my wealth, so why can’t I build my own freedom?" Henry replied. "I have no business letting the place I was born dictate my life. I choose who I become, and I choose my own freedom. I was born free to choose my own path, and that’s exactly what I’m doing."
Elisha was quiet for a moment before speaking again.
"What if one day my happiness means choosing a man, and when I finally tell my family, they refuse to accept it?" he asked. "What if the backlash is worse than I think?"
Henry turned toward him and stepped closer. "Your happiness is yours to create, and your freedom is yours to choose, Eli. Stop acting like you have to live your life for everyone else. If something makes me happy, I don’t care what anyone else thinks. I put myself first, and my happiness comes before anything else."
Elisha stared at him, taking in his words. "You’re right," he thought. "My happiness should come first."
He lifted his eyes to Henry’s, his heart pounding as he finally allowed himself to say what he had been afraid to admit. "Can I be honest with you? My happiness is choosing you, Henry."
He leaned a little closer, his voice softening. "But... you know how my family is. If I make that choice, will you be able to stand with me through everything?"
Henry didn’t look away. "Choose me first, Eli... and then see if I can."
Elisha’s heart raced. "What if I tell you right now that I want to love you as more than just a best friend... would you think I’m crazy?"
A faint smile touched Henry’s lips. "Love me first, Eli. Then you’ll have your answer."
"Can you forgive me first, then?" Elisha pleaded, taking another step closer. His hands hovered inches away from Henry, as though silently asking for permission to touch him. "Give me the chance to make it up to you."
"I already told you," Henry reminded him. "You have to earn it."
"You’re not even surprised that I said I want to love you?" Elisha asked, a bewildered, breathless laugh escaping him.
"Why should I be?" Henry replied, tilting his chin up with a small smile. "You obviously care about me, so I’m not surprised if you actually fall in love with me."
"Fine," Elisha let out a soft breath, unable to hide the adoring smile spreading across his face. "Tell me what impresses you. Is it luxury? Grand gifts? Extravagant surprises? Romantic letters? Name your options."
Henry tapped a finger against his chin, pretending to think deeply. "It all depends on my mood."
Elisha let out a soft groan. "Are you officially giving me permission to woo you, then?"
"No," Henry replied smoothly, stepping past him toward the passenger side of the car. He glanced back over his shoulder, his eyes dancing with mischief. "I’m giving you permission to follow your heart."
Elisha’s eyes followed him for a second before he quickly closed the distance in two strides, stepping directly in front of Henry and blocking his path.
"What if I told you my heart is right here with you? Would you give me yours?" Elisha whispered, looking down at him.
Henry’s breath caught, but he quickly composed himself and shook his head. "It’s not going to be that easy, Your CEO-ness."
"Then I’ll put in the work," Elisha vowed, his gaze fixed on Henry. "I’ll spend every single day showing you what I feel."
Henry gave him a knowing look. "Then do it first. Don’t just say it. I believe in actions, not words."
Elisha smiled. "Then let me start tomorrow. Can I pick you up after work?"
Henry raised an eyebrow. "For what?"
"A date," Elisha replied. "I want to take you somewhere special."
"And where exactly are you taking me?"
Elisha’s smile widened. "That’s a surprise. Are you free tomorrow evening?"
Henry narrowed his eyes playfully. "You’re not even going to give me a hint?"
"Nope. Just tell me if I’m allowed to come pick you up after work."
Henry looked at him for a moment. "Maybe."
Elisha smiled. "I’ll take that as a yes, then."
He opened the passenger door for Henry and waited until he got in. Once Henry settled into his seat, Elisha closed the door and walked around to the driver’s side.
As he climbed in, he glanced at Henry and smiled. Henry caught the look, and a small smile appeared on his lips.
Elisha quickly turned his attention to the road, started the car, and pulled away. After driving for a few moments, he reached for the audio controls and played some music.
🎵Can’t Help Falling in Love by Kina Grannis🎵began playing softly through the speakers.
The gentle melody filled the car as they drove back. Henry turned toward the window, smiling as the passing streetlights slipped across the glass. Elisha kept his eyes on the road, but every now and then, he glanced at Henry.
Each time their eyes met, they exchanged a small smile before Elisha turned his attention back to the road.
Neither of them said much on the drive home, but the silence no longer felt uncomfortable. The gentle music continued playing as the familiar roads passed by, until they finally reached Henry’s estate.
Elisha slowed down and pulled up in front of the house. He shifted the car into park and turned in his seat to face Henry.
"Thank you for coming out with me tonight, Henry. I really hope tomorrow is even better."
The music changed, and the soft acoustic notes of "Always Be My Baby" by Tim Halperin filled the car.
Henry looked back at him. "I hope so too. And... thank you."
"Goodnight, pretty boy," Elisha murmured, his voice soft. "I’ll text you as soon as I get home, okay?"
"Drive safe," Henry whispered.
He pushed the door open and stepped out of the car. Before heading toward the house, Henry turned back and gave Elisha a soft wave, expecting him to leave first.
Elisha shook his head. He rolled down the window slightly and looked at him. "Go inside first. I’ll leave after you get inside."
A shy smile spread across Henry’s face. "Alright. Goodnight, Eli."
Elisha nodded. "Goodnight."
Henry turned and walked up the stone pathway toward the house. He unlocked the front door and stepped inside. Elisha waited until the door closed behind him before finally driving away.
Henry walked toward the stairs, unable to hide the smile on his face as he climbed toward his room.
Meanwhile, Elisha drove through the quiet streets, the music still playing softly in the car. A small smile remained on his face as he thought about the evening. For the first time, he felt like he had finally found the courage to take a step toward Henry.
And as he drove home, he couldn’t help but hope that things would get better from here.
A few minutes later, he pulled into the driveway...