“Can I get your opinion on something?”
“Of course.”
It had been weighing on his mind for several days, and Armi figured Nikki was the perfect person to tell him if he was doing the right thing.
“I, uh, was thinking of asking Hayden to move in with me. I’m here all alone in the house, and I know he’s got his apartment, but we’re together all the time now…” He chewed his bottom lip.
“It hasn’t been that long, has it?” Her brow furrowed. “Only a few weeks or so?”
Face flaming because there was no way in hell he’d ever tell her he and Hayden had hooked up that first night, he ducked his head. “Well, uh…not really. It’s been longer than that.” He wanted to be truthful. “I’ve liked Hayden from the first time I met him, and the feeling has only gotten stronger.”
She took his hand in hers and squeezed it. “I understand. It was the same when Jim and I met. But maybe…take it a little slower? Give it a bit more time?” She paused, and Armi sensed she was choosing her words with deliberation. She didn’t know Hayden had revealed his past to him. “I’m sure there are things you both need to learn about each other.”
Armi appreciated her wanting to protect Hayden, and though they’d only just met, Armi felt a special closeness with her. “I understand. We’re not kids, and both of us come with baggage.”
“Everyone does, but the trick is to find that one special person you want by your side for a lifetime of adventures. They can help you carry the load.” She hugged him again. “Let’s go inside. I bet those two are hungry. I know I am.”
The sun came out, and the roses nodded in the light breeze, as if in agreement with what Nikki said. In the family room, Hayden and his father were talking about the latest innovations in computers. His heart squeezed tight, envying their sharedlaughter and the easy friendship and love. Something he’d always wished for with his own father but never had. And never would.
Hayden met his eyes, and as if sensing Armi’s thoughts, spoke a few words to his father and crossed the room to join him. “Everything all right?”
No way would Armi ruin their good time with depressing thoughts about his relationship with his parents. “Absolutely. Your mom and I were in the garden. I’m going to send her some rosebushes, but she doesn’t know it yet.”
“She’ll love them.” Hayden slipped an arm around his waist. “And after they leave, you can tell me what’s bothering you.”
**
It was harder saying good-bye to Hayden’s parents later that afternoon than waving off his mother for her yearly six-month trip to Europe for the fashion shows. He gave Jim some of his father’s collectible memorabilia—signed jerseys from Hall of Famers and a Joe Montana personalized football.
“These are very valuable.” Jim regarded everything as if they were fragile works of art. “Are you sure you want to give them away?”
“I think you’ll appreciate them more than I ever could. And don’t forget you’re going to come to the season opener with us.”
“Thanks, Armi. This is incredible. I’ll treasure them.”
Nikki held the bag of garden goodies he’d given her, and he whispered in her ear, “I hope you have room in your garden for some more rosebushes. I’m having half a dozen sent to your home tomorrow.”
“Armi.” She squealed with delight and flung her arms around his neck. “That’s the sweetest thing anyone’s ever done for me.”
“Hey,” Jim protested good-naturedly, and they all laughed when Nikki blew him a kiss.
“I heard you like to enter your roses in some local contests, so you’ll have to let me know if they win.”
“If?” Nikki scoffed. “You mean when.” She kissed him again. “Thank you.”
He’d arranged for them to travel home by car, and he watched them both hug Hayden tight before climbing into the back seat. The limo drove away, and Hayden put an arm over his shoulder.
“I think you’re now the favorite son.”
Armi laughed. “Don’t be ridiculous.” He leaned into Hayden’s chest. “You’re so lucky to have parents who love you.”
Hayden kissed his neck. “Let’s go inside. It’s a workday tomorrow, and I have things to go over tonight.”
They stopped by the kitchen to pick up some beers, then settled on the couch in the family room. “You’re going to go to your apartment now?”
“Yeah, why?”
Armi sighed and drank some more of his beer. “Just that we had a great weekend, didn’t we?”
