“This sure beats the cold,” I chuckle as I wipe the sweat from my brow and rub my hands on my white work vest. “Hot. Hot. Hot.”
The sun hangs high over the coastline, turning the ocean into a glittering sheet of blue that stretches forever. It's been just over six months since that life-changing morning at the old site—six months of changes, challenges, and more happiness than I ever thought possible.
The Construction Boys and I are wrapping up our latest project, tools winding down, the air filled with that satisfied buzz of a job well done.
But this isn't just any build.
It’s no mansion, affordable housing block, or beach condo complex.
This is a restaurant—Lexi's Lair—perched right on the sand with floor-to-ceiling windows framing those magnificent sea views.
Waves crash just yards away, the salty breeze whipping through the open frames as we put the final touches on the deck. It's sleek but cozy… weathered wood beams for that coastal vibe, an open kitchen where patrons can watch the magic, outdoor seating with fire pits for cool evenings.
Olivier's dream spot, and now it's real.
I can’t quite believe how much of a key role I’ve had in my Daddy’s new restaurant!
I chuckle to myself, wiping sweat from my brow as I secure the last railing. The name—Lexi's Lair —came from a naughty bet one steamy night a few months back.
Olivier and I, tangled in sheets, playing a game of "who cums first loses."
I won, barely, my body shaking with laughter and release as he groaned in defeat.
"Fine, boy," he'd panted, pulling me close. "Name the place after your dragon."
I did, and now here it is, etched on the sign above the door. Every time I see it, heat creeps up my neck, but pride swells too.
My cherished stuffie, immortalized. Who'd have thought?
Ha!
Life’s funny sometimes, right?
The crew is in high spirits—it's Friday, end of a long week, and this build's been special. Mikey’s blasting music from his phone, Taylor and Lane high-fiving over the finished bar area, Taylor organizing tools with that efficient grin. Xander's overseeing thefinal inspections, clipboard in hand, but even he's got a relaxed vibe.
"Looking good, boys," Xander calls. "Lexi's gonna be a hit."
And then Olivier arrives, striding up the beach path with a massive picnic basket in one hand and a cooler in the other. He's in casual mode—fitted t-shirt hugging his chest, jeans that make my mouth water, that silver-flecked beard catching the light.
My heart does its usual flip.
"Lunch for my hardworking crew!" Daddy announces, voice booming over the waves. The guys cheer, tools dropping as they converge.
But Olivier’s not alone.
Behind him trail Antonio, Lazlo, and a new face—a hunky guy with broad shoulders, dark hair cropped short, and an easy smile that screams Daddy confidence.
"Boys, you know Antonio and Lazlo," Olivier says, setting down the basket. Antonio waves, looking tanned and happy in a button-down, Lazlo's pale blue eyes twinkling as he hugs me quick. "And this is Mitch—Antonio's new Daddy."
Mitch extends a massive hand, grip firm but warm. "Pleasure. Heard a lot about you all."
His voice is deep, with a hint of an accent—maybe Midwest? But wherever it’s from, it’s cool as hell.
Olivier explains that Antonio and Mitch met at the whole foods warehouse a couple months back. Antonio was sourcing produce for the restaurant there, Mitch was there for his organic vegetables. Sparks flew over heirloom tomatoes, apparently.
"One chat about sustainable sourcing," Antonio says, blushing a bit. "And boom… dinner date."
“And a butt as red as the tomatoes unless I’m mistaken?” Mitch laughs.
