"That's great news," I say, genuinely excited for him. He'd mentioned the program before. I can't recall the specifics of it but I know it's for a degree he's been working toward. "I'm happy for you. You deserve it."
"I'm happy for you too," he says, catching me off guard. "Oh, don't play coy. You have a boyfriend, don't you? That guy that came in here?"
"Maybe." I choose to neither confirm nor deny. He laughs at the vagueness.
"You suck at lying. I'll be able to work through the week of Thanksgiving," he says. "Figured since we're off that Thursdayand Friday, I'll just do to Wednesday and have that be my last day."
"Well, I'm definitely going to miss you and your creations," I say. I stand up and hold my hand out to shake his. He pulls me in, on instinct, for that half-bro hug, pat on the back move. "I'll need you to write some of them down for the regulars that come through. They all ask for you on days you're not here."
We walk back out to the main floor. As I walk around, I check that everything is clean and ready to go. Amir is finishing up the last of the dishes and Jason already has everything cleaned up on the coffee side. I wave to the guys as they leave and make sure to lock the door back behind them.
I have to send an email to the owner, something I don't want to do after today's meeting, and work on some paperwork. I have a text on my phone from Remi asking if I've eaten and to let him know when I make it home. I look at the empty plate where I'd made myself a sandwich two hours ago. That is dinner enough, right?
I confirm that I have eaten and then get back to the tasks at hand. I read the resignation letter first, basic with the last day he'll work on there. It is weird to think that Thanksgiving is only two weeks away. The thought of it brings up my family and having to face them for the holidays. I've seen the pictures of my niece in her Bumblebee costume, but I haven't spoken to my parents or sister since last week.
My family isn't bad, but they don't understand. I know they didn't particularly approve of Paul when I introduced him the first time. They never said anything outright, but I got the vibe. After his death, I got texts and calls checking up on me. A few casseroles were sent. After I signed a lease with my cousin's friend's father, someone I had met twice in my life, the callsbecame less and it wasn't unheard of to go a week without talking to anyone in the family.
Last holiday season, my mom asked if I was back in the dating scene yet. Then proceeded to list all the things that I should be doing since I'm in my thirties now. I needed to grow up, pretty much. None of them know about the kinkier side of my life; they didn't know it with Paul and they won't with Remi either. They wouldn't understand that it was a mental thing for me as much as a physical one.
I get through four more reports before my phone starts ringing. The clock shows that it is almost nine-thirty. I have to be up at six the next morning again. Tyler has already called out for tomorrow too. I don't have to look at the screen to know it's Remi calling in.
"Hey." I put him on speaker and set the phone on my desk so I can keep typing. I just want to get all of this in tonight so we can focus on the inspection checklist tomorrow.
"Have you left work yet? I didn't know if you forgot to text me."
"No." I sigh inwardly. "The owner is requesting these reports a week earlier than expected and we have the health inspector coming next week so I'm just trying to get this done. One of my employees put in their notice today so I'm going to have to start looking for a replacement soon."
"I'm sorry, baby." Just hearing Remi calling me baby calms a little bit of the storm raging in my mind. I let my shoulders drop a bit and sit back in my chair. "Do you want me to come over tonight?"
"No, it's okay." As much as I want that, I know he has his own business to run. "My house is way out of the way for you and you have that meeting tomorrow. I'll be okay."
"Aussie, I don't mind driving." Remi's voice is taking on his Daddy tone and I can feel my dick jump at it. I'm so not getting hard at work, even if I am alone. I'm grateful when he changes the subject. "I had something to run by you, though. I spoke with the guy that sent me that email Friday, the one with the land a couple of hours away. He offered for a group of us to come spend the weekend there. It has cabins, running water, a chow hall, and everything we could need. I was thinking maybe the group you played with at the club might want to take a weekend away after Thanksgiving? I'll have to do some work and talk to the owner, but I wanted to make sure there would be someone around that you could hang out with too. If you wanted to join me, that is."
"I'd love to." The words are out of my mouth before I can even think them. Having a weekend away from everything, especially with other Littles, would be nice. "And honestly, I'm okay. It was just a lot thrown at me today but I'll get it done."
"I'm proud of you, Austin." Tears sting my eyes at those words. "If you need me, just call, okay?"
"I will. I'll see you Wednesday. Be prepared for all the cuddles."
"I'm looking forward to it," Remi says with a laugh in his words. "Don't stay there too long and text me when you get home, okay? If I don't hear from you in an hour, I'm coming back."
"Yes, Daddy." I smile and pick up my phone, biting my bottom lip. He makes me so incredibly happy I have to bite back my next words.
"Good boy, Aussie. I'll see you soon."
I end the phone call and decide that I'm done for the day. I save all my progress and pack up my things. The wind ispicking up when I step outside and I'm glad Remi made me put on my bigger coat today. I pull it tighter around me and click the lock on my car once I round the corner to the parking lot. I spot someone standing a ways off from my path and another couple that looks to be heading to their car from the business next door. It's a restaurant/ bar type that opens for lunch and closes at two in the morning. There's a light shining off the back of the coffee shop, but it isn't bright enough to light the whole lot. We're supposed to park further away, reserving the closer parking spaces for customers. It sucks on nights like this.
I get in the car and blast the heater. It takes a couple of minutes for it to kick in and I pull out of the space. Driving home this late, the roads aren't too busy. The idea of going home on my own after almost a whole week with Remi isn't appealing. I know that we've only been dating for a month, but I miss him when he's not around. I immediately text Remi once I pull into the driveway.
Austin
Made it home. It's cold.
I rush to get inside and hang my coat up in the closet. I feel my stomach grumble in protest from the simple turkey sandwich I made earlier. As I'm heading toward the kitchen, my phone buzzes. I wasn't expecting Remi to actually be awake.
Daddy
I'm glad you made it home, Aussie. Sweet dreams.
