Dean leaned forward. “Depends on who you ask?” He winked, waggling his eyebrows.
“You’re such a dork.” Colton rolled his eyes, trying not to laugh.
“There he is! There’s my boy! The medicine’s working!” Dean gave Colton a gentle shove.
Colton chuckled and coughed a little.
Dean gathered the tray and rose from the bed. “I’ll be back to check on you in a bit. When you’re feeling better, feel free to move around the loft. Mi casa es su casa.” Dean smiled, softly singing as he headed to the kitchen.
A few hours later, Dean checked Colton’s temperature, to find it had dropped down to 100.5.
Colton noticed that, whenever Dean touched his forehead, a wave of calm and reassurance washed over him. He felt completely safe and well cared for. It was a nice feeling, one he hadn’t felt in a very long time.
Later that evening, Dean brought Colton some dinner and they watchedThe Breakfast Clubwhile they ate.
Dean sat on the bed next to Colton, their thighs and calves pressed together. The layers of the sheets and blanket separated them from actually touching, but goosebumps erupted on Colton’s leg where there was contact.
Colton had never felt such a stirring in his body, simply sitting next to someone, watching a movie, his fingers were constantly twitching, itching to reach over to touch Dean.
The movie was decades old, but Colton was consumed with emotion, getting a little teary at the portrayal of typical high school stereotypes in the movie. He could relate in so many different ways. The ending, proudly declaring that everyone wasa brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess, and a criminal, touched him in the deepest depths of his soul.
“What a great movie!” Colton smiled with a sniffle. “I can’t believe I'd never heard of it.”
“See? I told you! It’s one of my favorite movies. I thought you’d like it. And it’s got one of the best theme songs of all time,” Dean rambled while touching Colton's cheek, then his forehead, checking his temperature.
Colton smiled. “You’re right. I know the song. But now it has a different meaning for me. I’ll always think of this movie when I hear it.”
Dean grinned. “That’s the power of music, my friend!”
The next morning, Colton was still running a slight fever but he was feeling well enough to get out of bed. He set up camp on the sofa in the main area of the loft where he could watch TV and secretly take part in a day in the life of Dean from the sidelines.
From his perch on the sofa, Colton heard the faint ding of the elevator and Jordan walked into the loft a moment later with his messenger bag draped across his body.
Jordan had a mountain of electronic documents for Dean to look over and sign. They settled at the dining table and discussed dates and timelines for venue rentals, ticket sales, rehearsals, guest appearances, hotel accommodations, and equipment transport between cities. It was an endless array of details and minutiae, and Dean handled it all with grace.
After they covered all the logistics and paperwork, Dean puffed out his cheeks and blew out a long breath. “Thank God that shit’s over.”
He closed his iPad and pushed it across the table.
“Now, let’s talk about something fun,” he smiled at Jordan. “Tell me about your week.”
Jordan laughed out loud. “Dean, honey, there’s nothing fun about my week.” He waved a hand toward the iPad. “I’ve been dealing with this shit all week, nonstop.”
Dean smiled lovingly at Jordan. “And I appreciate you so much. I couldn’t do any of this without you. But…no more talk about work.” Dean patted Jordan’s knee. “You haven’t done anything this week but work? No dates, or going out with friends? Don’t tell me I’m turning you into a spinster.”
Jordan shook his head. “I Get it, all work and no play makes Jordan a dull girl. I promise, I’ll make some time for fun.”
Dean reached over and patted his cheek. “That’s my girl! Your ass is too fine to be a shut in. Get out there and get your legs in the air!”
Jordan laughed and crossed his ankle over his knee. “Well. I could use a good night of debauchery.”
“Atta girl” Dean grinned.
Colton chuckled. He felt like he was eavesdropping, but he was strangely intrigued by this conversation…like he was learning some of Dean’s deepest secrets.
Dean’s smile softened a bit. “But please, Jordan, promise me you’ll make time for fun and relaxation. I know how you can get. Don’t let this job consume you.”
Jordan smiled and squeezed Dean's hand. “I promise. I’ll keep everything balanced.”
