“So tell me about the party business and how it’s going. Did you like what I did for the website? All the pictures I put up? You get why I didn’t show the kids’ faces, right?”
“Yeah, totally understandable. And it’s really going pretty well. The word-of-mouth from the party I did for Tristan’s goddaughter has been amazing. And it turns out that your friends know families in the city, so they’ve hooked me up.” Sean scrolled through his calendar. “This is the last weekend I have free in three months. I’m booked solid.”
“Oh my God, that’s amazing. I knew you could do it.”
At her effusive praise, warmth settled in his chest. “Thanks. It means a lot coming from you.” He slid the phone into his jeans pocket. “What does Ray think?” Tristan met his eyes in the rearview mirror and smiled. He knew how much his brother-in-law’s respect meant to him.
“He’s anxious to hear more about it.”
The ride took them past the pastoral homes of Long Island’s North Shore, where leafy trees and thick hedges did their best to keep private the lush green lawns surrounding the rambling single-family homes. Sean couldn’t believe what a difference an hour’s drive out of the city could make. When they pulled up to the house and heard the kids’ laughter from the backyard, he understood the appeal for a family.
“You did good, you know?” He put his arm around Charlotte’s waist as they walked up the winding path lined with colorful flowers to the front of the house. It was a two-story Tudor home, the dark timbered beams offsetting the creamy stucco. Rose bushes swayed in the breeze, while giant rhododendrons spread out under the front porch rails. Charlotte gazed up at her home with satisfaction.
“Yeah. Sometimes I lay awake at night and think it’s all a dream. I peek into the kids’ bedrooms, and I want to cry, I’m so happy.” She faced him at the door. “And you look like you’ve done pretty well too. I’m sensing there’s something you want to talk about besides being the king of the New York City kiddie parties.” Her brow arched high, disappearing under the sweep of her hair.
His lips twitched. “Maybe. But I’m hungry. Feed me.”
“Ugh, you’re such a jerk.” She pretend-huffed and opened the door.
Tristan placed a hand at the small of his back, and Sean loved those little touches that belonged only to him. They followed her through the long hallway to the kitchen and dropped off their gifts before entering the backyard. Ray waved his spatula, and both Sean and Tristan snickered at his apron:All the meat that’s fit to eat.
“Don’t ask,” Ray warned, pointing his spatula at Charlotte, who couldn’t stop laughing. “I lost a bet, and she’s forcing me to wear this.”
“The things we do for love.” She patted his cheek, and Sean hoped he and Tristan would have the easy, loving relationship they did. “Now let’s eat, since someone’s hungry. Afterward we can talk.”
The afternoon passed without them finding much time to speak. First, the children asked Sean to sing, and then he tried out the new hand puppets he was incorporating into his parties.
“If this is any indication of how your business is going, I’d say it’s a success. I can’t remember the last time they sat still for so long.” Ray held each sleepy twin in his arms, while Carlo snuggled in Charlotte’s lap.
“And now it’s time for their naps.” A middle-aged, red-haired lady waited by the door. “When I knew you were both coming, I asked Silvia, my housekeeper, if she’d help me so we could visit a little.” With Carlo clinging to her neck, she rose to her feet, and Ray followed. “We’ll be right back.”
When they disappeared, Sean grabbed himself two more hot dogs and corn on the cob. Balancing them and coleslaw on the plate, he plopped himself on the chaise next to Tristan, who’d kicked off his sandals. Already barefoot, Sean reached across with his leg and ran his toes around Tristan’s ankle.
“Hey.”
“Don’t. Someone might see.” Tristan jerked away.
A little hurt, Sean ducked his head and plowed through his two hot dogs. Sure, they hadn’t told Charlotte and Ray yet, but Tristan didn’t have to act as if they were complete strangers.
His chaise pillows sank, and he raised his eyes to meet Tristan’s. “Be careful. Someone might see.”
“I’m sorry. I’m not good at this. I don’t know how to behave with…all this. I just wanted to talk to Ray and Charlotte first.”
“About what?” Ray stood at the door with Charlotte a step behind him, but from her smile and sparkling eyes, he figured she might’ve guessed. Ray, on the other hand, seemed clueless.
Tristan rose to his feet. “I’ve found a place to live, and after all the paperwork and stuff is sorted out, which should take about another month, I’ll be moving in. I’m preapproved for a mortgage, so it should go pretty smoothly. It’s in Brooklyn, where I hadn’t thought to look, but it’s perfect and not outrageously priced.”
“Great news.” Ray walked over and offered his hand. “I know you must be relieved. And Sean, don’t worry. You can stay at the condo as long as you need. Hopefully, this new business venture will pan out, and you’ll be able to save some money and find a place too.”
Charlotte sat across from him, trying to catch his eye, but Sean was more interested in what Tristan had to say to Ray.
Tristan shifted from side to side. “Well…I don’t think that’s going to be an issue. For Sean, I mean.”
Ray leaned against the picnic table set up with the platters of burgers, hot dogs, and corn, along with bowls of coleslaw and potato and macaroni salads. Bags of chips sat open, and Ray dug into one and came out with a handful, which he started crunching. “You have something in the works, Sean? Did you find a place as well?”
Sean’s gaze found Tristan, who gave him a faint nod. “In a way. I’m going with Tristan. He asked me to move in with him.”
Ray’s brow furrowed, while behind him, Charlotte squealed and jumped to her feet.
