“We need to talk, Austin. Lay down the ground rules and expectations first.”
Chapter Eight
“You’reinamuchbetter mood this week,” Jason remarks Wednesday morning.
It doesn’t surprise me,. I’ve had a couple of regulars, and even Tyler tell me the same thing since Monday. I am in a good mood, but it isn’t like I can announce to the general public, ‘Hey, yeah, I’m in a great mood because I finally have a Daddy again that plays with me and helps me through some big emotions’. Somehow, I don’t think people would look at me quite the same.
Remi, for what it’s worth, is constantly checking in with me. Before leaving on Sunday, he made sure to prep dinner for Monday and Tuesday. All I needed to do was put it in the oven. He also sent me funny texts throughout the day and called me on the phone to read me a story. It's nice, but I’m looking forward to him coming back to the house to stay tonight.
“It was a good weekend,” I finally answer Jason. He’s sipping on his morning coffee while I open the till. “I got to meet up with a friend and just have a relaxing weekend.”
“The old friend excuse, huh?” He raises his eyebrows over the rim of his cup. I roll my eyes.
“It’s not like that.” Okay, maybe it is exactly like that, but I’m not about to tell Jason about my life outside of work. “We just had a good time hanging out.”
“Well, whatever you millennials call it, you look happier than I’ve seen you in a while.”
I don’t say anything back because I don’t know what to say. I am happier. There’s also a small feeling of guilt in the back of my mind. I know it’s crazy to feel bad for moving on, but I know those that knew Paul and Remington might look at our new relationship dynamic as odd.
It makes sense to me. To us. I never once saw Remi in that light when I was with Paul. He was always the friend that came around and would play with me. Or, if we had company over, he would joke and be the life of the party. He worked hard at his business and helped people whenever he could.
I try my best to not overthink every moment of our weekend and compare it to how my relationship with Paul was. They are similar in a lot of ways, but Remi is definitely not the pushover Paul was. At least not yet. I’m sure I can wear him down. I didn’t lie when I said I’m not typically a bratty Little. Corner time is not fun; I much prefer the praises and rewards. That doesn't mean I won't try and find Remi's soft spots and push those buttons.
The day goes by smoothly. Tyler is more comfortable with the policies for the shop and making the food on his own. I showed him on Monday how to put in for time off, then gotconcerned when he sent in four different requests, all listed with comments for ‘doc appointment’. I don’t need to know why he’s taking off, but I hope everything is okay and I’m keeping an eye on him.
We stay busy enough that I don’t check my phone but once. I know Remi is meeting with a family today and won't have his phone much either. By the time I’m closing up for the night, there’s a single text from Remi.
Remington
Can’t wait to see you tonight.
I drive home with a smile on my face. There is a large box sitting on the porch, nearly my size, but the living room light is on and Remi's car is parked in the driveway. I park behind him, smiling wider because I know he’s staying tonight.
“You know there is a large package on the porch, right?” I call out when I open the door. The whole house smells amazing. I can hear music coming from the kitchen along with the smells.
Remi pokes his head around the door frame, smiling wide. He's already in his casual clothes for the evening. I can’t help the returning smile at the thought of him being so comfortable in my house. “It’s the chair that I ordered on Saturday. I figured once we eat and get you in your PJ’s, I’ll bring it in and put it together.”
I finally close the distance between us and plaster my body against his back. My hands snake around his waist and squeeze him in a hug. I’ve missed him. It’s only been two days, but call me selfish. “I missed you.”
“I missed you too,” Remi says. “Do you want to go change while I finish dinner?”
I kiss the back of his shoulder and pull away. I take a couple steps away before stopping. The one thing that has been on my mind all day. I’m scared to ask, though.
“Aussie?” Remi’s voice catches me off guard, but his hand on my lower back settles me. “What’s going on in your brain?”
I don’t turn around when I ask what is floating in my mind. I stare at the table and chairs. “Can we do bath time tonight?”
Remi turns me around and lifts my chin to meet his eyes. He’s smiling. His face tilts down and our lips press together tenderly. His fingers are still holding my head tilted back and I part my lips for him. I can feel everything slipping away. No thoughts of work or how people would see our relationship. Everything slips away but the feeling of being safe and cared for.
I’ve missed that feeling so much.
“We’ll take one after dinner, my little messy eater.” I smile at the words. And then giggle when Remi’s beard brushes against my skin as he kisses down my neck. He nuzzles into my shoulder with his own chuckle. “How about you just go change into some shorts for now?”
I’m well aware that shorts aren’t going to hide what is going on behind my work pants right now. But I remember the talk we had on Sunday, that I need to ask for what I want because Remi- Daddy- isn’t a mind reader. Maybe I’ll ask during bath time.
Dinner tonight is mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and fried chicken. Healthy? Not really, but the prepped dinners Remi left for me the last two nights were filled with veggies. Steamed carrots, thankfully. Daddy promised to respect myfood preferences and not make me try new things unless I ask to.
We sit in our usual seats now, on either corner so we’re close but can still see each other without having to turn our bodies. My food is arranged on a plate that has the different sections so none of it is touching. I have a sippy cup of orange juice tonight. I know Remi saw my mild collection of bottles in one of the boxes, but I only use those on rare occasions, on particularly stressful days when I really need comfort. The week of Paul’s passing, I drank almost exclusively out of one whenever I was alone.
