“A date? Sure. I can—” Milo’s brain caught up with his mouth and he let out a startled “Oh! A date? Likea realadult da?—?”
Elio shushed soothingly “Don’t worry! I was thinking we could have dinner at my place. Maybe another picnic. I thought about surprising you but I realized you’d be more comfortable if I gave you a heads up first.”
“Thank you!” Milo grabbed the front of Elio’s coat and rose on his toes and kissed him. “I’m still going to freak out but in a good way. I definitely prefer that to showing up in my pajamas again and being underdressed for our first date.”
“Why don’t we wear pajamas?” Elio said with a lift of his brows. “We can make it a sleepover.”
“A sleepover?” Milo nodded quickly. That sounded far more innocent than what had occurred in Milo’s room a few nights earlier, but at least he had an idea of what to expect and could bring his toothbrush.
The elevator stopped at the sixth floor and Elio stole one more kiss before stepping out. “Come over at seven,” he said, waving as the doors closed.
“See you at seven,” Milo said and waved back. The smile dropped from his face as he rode the elevator the rest of the way to the 8th floor and Milo yelped out a “Mom!” when the doors opened.
He hit the six button and chewed on his thumbnail as he waited for the doors to close and the elevator to take him back down. Milo peeked around the doors when they opened, relieved when he didn’t see Elio.
“Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom…!” He ran for the door to 6C and let himself in. “Mooooom!” he called out as he ran to thekitchen and turned for her bedroom when he heard her shout back. “I need your help!”
“What’s wrong?” she asked when they met in the hallway.
“Eli wants me to come to his place fora dateat seven.”
“That’s wonderful, baby!” Claire said and held up both hands so he could slap them.
He pressed his palms to hers gingerly. “We’re wearing pajamas and having a sleepover,” he added with a questioning look. “Can I sleep over at his place?”
She nodded, laughing as she cradled his face. “You’re not a little boy anymore, Milo. I’ll always call you ‘baby’ but you’re an adult and it’s your decision. Are you ready to spend the night with Elio?”
Milo didn’t hesitate. “Yes. I like being alone with him—like that—and it never feels like we have enough time.”
“It sounds like you are ready but you don’t have to…go all the way unless you want to. Do you understand what that means? Agreeing to a sleepover doesn’t mean you’re agreeing to anything but spending time with Elio andsleepingat his place.” she said carefully.
“I know.” Milo looked down, blushing. “You mean…sex. Eli has been very respectful and he’s really cool about my anxiety. He never makes me feel like a baby or a wimp and he explains things so I understand what’s going on.”
“I’mso glad,” Claire said with a relieved laugh. “I think the world of Elio and the von Hessens but I wasn’t sure if he was sensitive enough.”
“No! Elio’s way more sensitive than he looks or acts!” Milo whispered, not wanting to blow Elio’s cover. “He’s told me all about his parents and he getsmadwhen anyone’s mean to me at work.”
“Really?” She glanced in the direction of Muriel’s apartment. “Wait right here!” she said, then jogged back to her bedroom.Claire reappeared a moment later and handed him a box of condoms and foil packets of lubricant. “Take these just in case. We don’t have to talk about what you do with them unless you want to or you have questions.”
“Mom!” Milo instinctively hid them behind his back. “Idowant to but I’d rather let Elio be in charge of these.”
She groaned adoringly. “My baby is all grown up and he’s found himself a prince!”
“Mom!” he cried but she rested her hands on her hips.
“Why did you kick in my door with the mom siren blaring if you didn’t want my help?”
She had a point.
“Riley would probably do cartwheels and want to bake something for me to take and Luna would have so many questions,” Milo predicted and shuddered. “They’re a little too excited about me having a boyfriend.”
“Just because you’re so perfect for each other and because they want you to be happy,” she scolded gently. “Go get ready for your date. I’ll let Giles and Riley know you won’t be home tonight and to be cool about it tomorrow.”
“Thanks,” Milo said and ducked so she could kiss his forehead. “Any tips on what kind of pajamas I should wear? I don’t know what grownups wear to sleepovers.”
“Ha!” Claire covered her mouth and shook her head. “It really doesn’t matter and I think you’ll figure that part out on your own pretty quickly.”
“Okay… A T-shirt and flannel pants?” he said as he backed down the hallway towards his door so she couldn’t see what was behind his back.
