"That's mean," Vaughn says. He lifts his cup to his lips and takes a sip. "Genius and I might steal it, but mean."
"Look, I love when my Boy is a bit frustrated when I get home." Garrett shrugs and takes a sip of his own coffee. I realize I don't have a drink and glance over toward the coffee bar. There are a couple of drip coffees out and Austin is still behind the counter, making someone else a drink.
"I'll be right back." I excuse myself and walk over to the register. The woman that's waiting on a drink nods my way, but doesn't say much. She still has a coat draped over her arm and I'm not sure if she is on her way in or out. When it's my turn, Austin's smile grows wider.
"Fancy seeing you here after hours," Austin says. "What can I get for you?"
"Uh, can I just do a drip coffee and a… hot chocolate for Ty?"
"Whipped cream?" Austin asks with a smile.
"Oh no, not for Ty. Do you have any sugar free flavors? Like vanilla or caramel?" Austin's smile falters for a second and I realize that my words came out a bit harsher than I meant. "I'm sorry, Austin. Ty has to be careful with his sugar intake and the chocolate is going to be more than enough."
"Oh, okay. That makes sense. I'll remember to keep an eye on him."
"I appreciate you doing that while he's here," I say honestly. I pay for the drinks and look back over the crowd of people while Austin makes the drinks. I see Tyler stand up and head straight toward me. "Hey, baby. I got you a hot chocolate."
"Oh, yummy. Thank you." He leans into my side and I wrap an arm around his shoulders.
"Are you getting into any trouble over there with your friends?"
"No, Daddy." He rolls his eyes. "I promise to be good tonight."
It's Friday night and we both have tomorrow off. He's coming back to my place and we're going to spend the day together. I glance behind us at my empty chair, thinking of what Rachel said. I don't think Tyler is ready to move in after just a week of dating, but I can always look for a two bedroom. Sharing the rent with someone would save us both money. It's a thought.
"Here is the hot chocolate," Austin says. "And the cup for the drip coffee."
"Thank you, Austin." Tyler wraps his hands around the cup and smiles. "Are you joining us?"
"In just a few. I'm keeping the espresso machine on for another couple minutes and then I'll be over."
"We'll save you a seat," Tyler says. He takes a small sip and hums his appreciation. He looks at me. "Is that vanilla?"
"Sugar free, too." We walk back to the table where I was sitting. Mark has joined their table. The conversation stops and they all turn to Tyler and myself.
"Hey, Tyler." Mark is the first to speak. We're all adults, I remind myself. Even if a smidge of jealousy is settling at the pit of my stomach. "I'm glad you could make it tonight."
"Thank you," Tyler says. Mark's eyes flick to me and then Tyler looks at me. "Um, this is Brandt. We're, uh…"
"It's okay, Ty." Mark stands and holds his hand out to me. "I've heard through the grapevine. I'm happy for you both."
I shake his hand and sit back down. Tyler asks if he's okay to go back to his friends. "Of course, baby. Have fun."
"He's doing okay, right?" Mark asks when Tyler is out of earshot. "He spent a lot of time feeling drained or actually sick when we were together."
I can appreciate the genuine concern in his words and on his face. I think back to Tyler telling me what happened between them, how he felt bad for always cancelling plans when he didn't feel good. "He's had his moments throughout the last two weeks, but I'm making sure he keeps up with what he needs."
"Austin has said he's doing a lot better on his shifts too." Remington looks between Mark and myself as he says it.
"Enough talk about Ty," Rachel says. She steeples her fingers together and fixes her eyes on me. "Tell us more about yourself, Brandt."
"I'm a nurse at the hospital," I start. I can see the lightbulb go off in a couple of their eyes. "I've been there for a couple years now, working in the Emergency department. I have a brother and a niece who I adore."
The questions about my life continue. They aren't invasive, just normal questions you'd ask to get to know someone. At some point, Austin announces that food is ready and then disappears into the bathroom with Remington. A few minutes later I see them emerge and Austin is wearing a onesie and has a stuffed koala in his hand. I notice that the Daddies, Mommies, and Masters are all making plates for themselves and their partners.
A few of the people here are unattached, both Daddies and Littles. I see Tyler sitting at the table, his eyes catching mine for a moment. It's a silent question of if he needs to get up and make his own plate. I hold up the second one I grabbed and see him relax.
I'm grateful that there is a variety of foods to choose from. I go for a roast beef sandwich for myself and a turkey and cheese for Tyler. I also add a few slices of cucumber and a spoonful of hummus to Tyler's plate before adding some carrot sticks to mine. He already has his hot chocolate, so I grab a water bottleto round out his meal. It isn't much, but it's balanced enough for the simple foods they have.
