I didn’t bother to tell him I visualized him often, whether I wanted to or not. Once I’d teased him, though, it opened the flood gates, not only on the texting front, but also on the gift-giving.
Me: Kit Baker, why is there a florist at the sanctuary gate?
Kit: Guess you’ll hafta go and see for yourself.
Me: But I was all comfy for a nap. *pouts*
While it was true that I’d been napping, I’d really been wearing an old pair of UT sweatpants and a stretched-out T-shirt. Wanting to get a rise out of him, I changed into my prettiest satin boxers, then took a sleepy selfie and sent it to him. Kit did not disappoint.
Me:
Kit: Please put on some clothes before you go down there.
Me: . . .
Kit: Sorry. Not my place.
Kit: I just want you to be safe.
Me: That’s okay, I put on a robe.
Me:
He didn’t respond to that picture, and I knew the gig was up, which only made me laugh even harder.
Kit: I hope you like Calla lilies. I saw them in the window of that plant shop on the square and they reminded me of you.
Me: They’re beautiful.
I posted that last picture on my account and immediately got another message from one of Rich’s throwaway accounts. Ugh. Seriously, find another hobby, dude.
Anyway, I had given myself this morning off to take care of administrative work. Since I was busy, but not that busy, the admin work didn’t take very long. Which meant I was once again stuck in this cabin, not sure what to do with myself. I was considering sending Kit a text of me working at the table, but then my phone buzzed with Sam’s number. I’m not too proud to admit that I lunged for it.
Sam: My buddy Desi is in town. We’re going to lunch today if you wanna join.
Me: Desi, that’s Trip’s uncle who married his dad after his mom died?
Sam: One and the same. You’ll love him.
Me: Honestly, I could use the company. Send details.
An hour later, we were in Bee Cave, eating at a cute lunch spot right off the highway. Sam had been right; Desi was great. He was on the smaller side, with an elegant style and a gorgeous pattern of vitiligo that bleached out one of his eyebrows and part of his hairline. He also had Trip’s same electric blue eyes and a troublemaker smile he flashed often.
Mostly, it was just nice hanging out with other queens, and we came out of the gate talking about our favorite hair and makeup trends. I’m sure the three of us made quite the spectacle in that small café, but we did not care.
I needed this.
It was clear Desi and Sam were like brothers at this point, and once we made it past some light banter, I got to hear all about how Desi and Wyatt came together. Their story was emotional as hell, and I was wiping away tears by the end of it.
It also gave me a different perspective on what was happening with Kit.
“So, you’ve heard my tale of woe and redemption,” Desi said, tapping the table. “What’s your story?”
“I’m surprised Sam hasn’t told you.”
Desi gripped Sam’s hand. “He told me there was a story, but said he’d let you tell it.”
I smiled at Sam. “Thank you.”
