As for what I’d be doing to him later… well, I hoped we’d be getting highly inappropriate.
We fitted the last of the double-size bunk beds we’d made during our test run. Hendrix had sent a donation to pay for the mattresses, while Sawyer donated new linens and blankets.
“Wow, this place looks less like juvie and more like an actual home,” Leo said, running his hand along the wood Walker and I had carefully sanded and polished.
Leo and I had spoken again about his stress over not knowing where he’d go once he aged out of Lupe. He still had the entire school year ahead of him, but the Lost Boys had come up with a plan to give him the security he needed now.
I eyed Major, and he nodded.
“Hey, Leo,” Ginger called from the living room.
“Yeah?”
“We’ve got two new kids coming in tonight from our Hill Country friends, so we’re gonna need you to make them comfortable.”
The calculation was visible in Leo’s eyes. “But we’ve only got one bed available.”
“That’s true. I guess we’re going to have to free up another.”
Leo fought to keep a neutral face, but he couldn’t hide his anxiety.
Major shook his head. “I’m sorry, guys, I can’t do this to the poor kid.”
We laughed, and Beckett beckoned Leo closer. Leo took a few nervous steps toward us as Major dug a small box out of his tool belt. Handing the box to Leo, he said, “Consider this a belated birthday present.”
Chewing on his lip, Leo ripped open the box. His eyes flew to Major, confused. “It’s a key.”
“It’s the key to my house.”
“I don’t get it.”
“You’re eighteen now. While you are welcome to stay at Lupe for the rest of the school year, you have the option of moving in with me. You can stay in my guest room until we clean out the spare. There’s nothing but a bunch of boxes there right now, but we’ll fix that.”
“I can stay in the guest room,” Leo said, stuffing his hands into his pockets. “No need to make up a whole ’nother room for me.”
Major pulled him into a hug. “I won’t have you acting like a guest in your own home, Leo.”
Leo swallowed thickly. “Oh.”
Major released Leo and put an arm around Walker’s shoulder. “Besides, Walker here is trying to improve his woodworking skills, and we figured the three of us could work together to build furniture for you.”
“Are you serious right now?” Leo asked.
Major’s smile was so warm, even I felt reassured by it. “We are. You’ve been apprenticing with me for over a year now, and I know you very well. You’re a joker, but you know how to get down to business when it’s time. I’ve talked to Ginger and some of the other folks here, and they agree that you’re a good housemate. You’re kind, you’re clean, and you support the new kids.”
“But if I move into your house, how can I help the kids here?”
“The thing is, moving into my place officially makes you a Lost Boy. And Lost Boys help out at Lupe.”
Leo swallowed tightly, then dropped his chin to his chest. “Bastards. Making me cry in front of everyone.”
“You’re welcome, buddy.” Major dragged Leo into a hug, holding him as he cried into Major’s shoulder. “Ginger took the initiative and packed your clothing. So, if you want, you’re moving in right away.”
Sniffling, Leo stepped back, wiping his eyes. “Really?”
“Yes, really. Besides, we weren’t kidding. Our friends out at Wild Heart have two kids, thirteen and fourteen, who need beds. If we get them here tonight, they can start school on time.”
“Okay, then… Wait. Does that mean I don’t even get to sleep in the bunk beds I helped make?”
