"Well, I thought after a long shift, you'd want to be comfy."
"You're not wrong," I admit as I guide him to the couch.
He pulls out whiskey and a bottle of cider. The whiskey is expensive.
"You didn't have to bring that. I've got whiskey at home."
"Do you have a cider?"
"No, I don't."
"I drink only shots and cider. The cider's for me and the whiskey's a gift for you."
"Thank you. I'll grab some snacks and glasses, and I'll be right back."
"Do you need help?" he asks, rising.
"No. Sit. I'll take care of it."
He obeys, and I head to the kitchen. Tonight feels like the right chance to talk about the Daddy thing. Though I noticed that… he hasn't said it tonight.
I return with glasses, then snacks.
Once we're settled, sipping our drinks, I ask, "Do you like working at the Vicious Vines?"
His face lights up instantly. "Yes! I love it. I knew Ethan from before, so it was easy to get the job."
"I'll be honest, I wondered how you managed it. Getting hired there isn't easy."
"I know. You need connections."
"I'm still surprised Ethan hired me," I admit. "A friend of mine vouched, but I didn't expect much."
"Are you happy there?"
"I am. Initially, it was tough, but the more time passed, the more I loved it. Now, as a manager, I love it even more."
"I'm happy for you, Daddy."
Now's the perfect opportunity to bring up the topic, but the words get stuck in my throat. Instead, I ask, "Tell me more about your life."
"What would you like to know?" he asks.
Everything.
"I don't know," I shrug, aiming for looking casual. "Whatever you're willing to share."
"This narrows it a bit, but not much, Daddy." He chuckles and gets this distant look as he's thinking.
I give him space.
"I like to play," he blurts.
"Play? What kind of play?"
He shrugs, almost shy. "I like toys. Fluffy ones. Legos. Sometimes I paint. Things like that." He looks around, frowning. "You don't even have small toys."
I chuckle, not at him but at his expression.
