"And that's my cue to let you go. I love you, Garrett. Call me next week, okay? And don't come knocking because your dad and I will be—"
"I don't want to hear it!" I cut her off. I shiver, not wanting that image in my mind, but smiling because I love her and Dad. "I'll call you next week."
"Bye." She says it with another laugh and I hang up the phone.
I continue my search, knowing I only have an hour before I need to leave to pick Orion up. I know the club has something going on this weekend, they always do, but I'm not sure if Orion would be up for that. Most of the high end restaurants are booked up on reservations. That isn't really Orion's style anyway. I change my search to look at either a bed and breakfast or a cabin for rent outside of the city. Something that isn't too far, but could be considered romantic.
I feel like shit forgetting about this. The worst Daddy that I forgot the one holiday where I'm allowed to spoil Orion as much as possible, to show him how much I love him. Outside of his birthday. And maybe Christmas. I'm not sure if he celebrates that, though. There's a suite two cities over, with a beautiful view of the river that runs past the hotel. One end overlooks the river and the other side looks downtown. It's only an hour's drive away.
I call the hotel and go over the options. They confirm it is still available, that they had a last minute cancellation and none of their waitlist needed or wanted it anymore. I include breakfast each morning, request that there be a bottle of wine when we arrive, and ask about the amenities. The room comes with a jacuzzi tub, a large shower, and a balcony that has a solid barrier instead of glass or a metal railing. Which means no one would be able to see us if we sat outside. Not unless we stood up, but even then they would only be able to see us from the waist up, at most.
There is an indoor pool, hot tub, and sauna on the ground floor. A snack bar by the check in desk, and a full scale restaurant on the third floor which is included with a hotel reservation. The concierge explains the events that are going on around the hotel, as well as other restaurants or places to visit.
Twenty minutes later, the hotel is booked and I have booked Riley at his favorite doggy care facility. I move upstairs to the playroom trying to decide what to pack. I figure that tonight I'll let Orion have his Little time and then we'll play it by ear tomorrow. I chose a late check out on Sunday as well, so we won't have to leave until one in the afternoon.
I pack the basics first: diapers, bottles, Orion's favorite pacifier that glows in the dark, his turtle stuffie, and three outfits. I hesitate on the pacifier gag he chose that first day. We haven’t used it yet. I throw it in the bag, just on the off chance. I move to the clothes next.
One is a baby blue romper with three ducklings across the chest. Another is a pair of black shorts and a green and white striped short sleeved shirt. The third is a new outfit. It's a onesie, with navy blue edges and sea turtles all over it, swimming in every direction.
I'm not sure what else he would want, but we're not going to have time to come back here, so I'd rather pack more than we'll need. I decide to go with a few more toys and another stuffie before I head to the bedroom and pack clothes. He has a few things here, since he's been staying this week. I washed all his clothes last night so they're clean and I add them to my bag. If I have my way, we won't need a lot of clothes.
By the time I'm heading out the door, I have two duffel bags and a bag of snacks for the road. I plan on stopping to get us a quick dinner, but I know my Boy loves snacks. I get to the coffee shop just before closing time. It's just Austin and Orion again.
I wait in the short line of people to order a coffee. If I'm driving, I'll need some caffeine to keep me awake. Plus, I don't plan on us going to bed at a decent time tonight. I'll let him stay up as late as he wants.
"Hey." Orion's smile is bright when I step up to order. "What are you doing here so early?"
"I wanted a coffee," I say simply. "Plus, I wanted to let you know that we are going away for the weekend. I've booked a suite at a hotel about an hour away. Don't worry, I've already packed everything you'll need."
"Everything?" I'm surprised he doesn't put up more of a fight about going away for the weekend, but I know that he needs this as much as I want it. A weekend to take a break and be together. Come Monday, we can talk about the other things and work out his new job schedule and talk about his siblings. I want him to enjoy this weekend with no stress.
"Everything. Probably more than everything, actually."
"What about Riley?" Orion looks genuinely concerned for the dog. I love how much he loves my dog. They are two peas in a pod when Orion is at the house.
"He's staying at his favorite doggy care place," I say. "Believe me, he'll be getting just as good of treatment as us. He loves that place and they'll give him a bath and all that."
Orion nods and then moves to the register. "What kind of coffee would you like?"
"I'll take a hot latte, please."
"Two pumps of caramel?" Orion asks before I can say it. I smile and nod at him.
"You know me so well, baby." I tap my card, noticing that the price is cheaper than what I usually pay. I'm assuming he gave me a discount of some sort. "I'll wait out in the car for you and then we'll get some dinner on the way, okay?"
"Okay." He gives me a smile and then turns around to make my drink. I watch him for a second before I'm distracted by Austin walking over. He looks tired.
"Everything okay?" I ask Austin.
"It's been a long week," he says with a sigh. "I'm ready for two days away from here."
I hate that he says that because I know how much he loves this coffee shop. Orion hasn't said a lot, but I can tell that this new schedule and the changes that the nephew is making aren't working for the employees.
"Are you and Remi doing anything this weekend?"
"We're going to the club," he says. "The Valentine's day party is tomorrow. He has to meet with a contractor tomorrow morning, but we're going after that. Are you and Orion coming?"
"I booked us a hotel away," I say. I don't mention that it was last minute and I totally forgot. "We're going to head out once he's done here."
