Caroline dropped Taylor and Fletcher off at their hotel. Jesse told them that he was going to stay at Caroline’s because he felt bad leaving Rocco there with her, so he promised he would see them tomorrow when they were supposed to get dinner for their birthdays.
Fletcher made a mental note to update their plane ticket in the morning so they could bring the fucking dog back with them.
Taylor checked into their rooms and held Fletcher’s hand as they walked to theirs. “Don’t you think someone could see us if we’re…”
“I don’t care,” Taylor quickly told him. Fletcher could tell Taylor was trying to downplay his anger. “I’m holding my boyfriend’s hand.”
He unlocked the door and walked over to plop down on the large king bed. Fletcher took his shoes off before putting his carry-on on the luggage holder.
Fletcher was about to try and comfort his boyfriend, but his phone started vibrating in his pocket. He quickly pulled it out and groaned.
“Who is it?” Taylor asked softly.
“It’s my mom. She doesn’t really call me unless it’s important,” Fletcher told him, sounding conflicted.
“Maybe you should answer it?” Taylor suggested. “Maybe it is important?”
Fletcher nodded and kissed Taylor’s forehead before stepping outside on the balcony.
“Mom?” Fletcher said as soon as he picked up.
“Hey sweetie,” she said. She sounded a little sad.
“Is everything okay?”
“Of course, sweetie. Hey, when will you be flying out?”
“Mom, I’m not going,” Fletcher said plainly. “You can ask Dad why.”
He heard his mom sigh. “Fletcher, he didn’t mean what he said. He’s been doing a lot of thinking since then. You know Lauren quit figure skating, right? He’s taking it well…”
“Figure skating isn’t hockey, Mom.”
“We all miss you so much, son. Just come for the fourth. You still have that apartment, right? You don’t even need to stay at the house if you’re not comfortable.”
Fletcher sighed. Despite everything, he had always tried not to blame his mom for the things his dad did. Even if she never really stopped him. In a way, he had control over his mom too. “I don’t know, Mom. I’m in California until the 3rd. I would have to fly straight to Florida. It’s a lot of traveling and I already do enough of that as it is.”
“What are you doing in California?”
“I’m…” Visiting my boyfriend’s fucked up family. “I’m just visiting a friend.”
“That’s nice sweetie. Look, you don’t have to give me an answer. Fireworks are at eight. You’re more than welcome to come. I know your dad would appreciate it if you brought that one teammate of yours. Piers, I think. He’s talked about him a few times.”
“What do you mean he’s talked about Piers?” Fletcher asked, trying to sound low-key about it. He didn’t want to make his mom sound like he caredtoomuch. His dad could be there listening to the call. It stressed him the hell out. Why was his dad so fucking obsessed with him?
“Just about the charity, sweetie. I’ve got to let you go, but I hope you decide to come and visit.” And then she hung up. No “I love you,” no “I’ll talk to you later.” Fletcher sighed as he stepped back inside.
He walked over to the bed and lay down next to Taylor.
“What did she want?” Taylor asked. He rolled over and rested his head on Fletcher’s chest. Fletcher wrapped his arm around Taylor and ran his fingers through his hair. He loved how Taylor was such a little spoon. Their legs intertwined and Fletcher kissed the top of Taylor’s head.
I love you. I love you. I love you.He wanted to tell him so badly. He had come close a few times. Taylor kind of let it slip, which made him feel better about his almost-mistakes.
“She wants me to come to Florida, but I’m not going to go.”
“Why not? I thought you were working with the charity.” Taylor shamelessly reached down and cupped him through his pants. Fletcher loved it. He wanted Taylor to know that he belonged to him.
Fletcher smiled as he shook his head. “I was, but then my dad fucking called me and tried to threaten me about shit.” Hissmile fell a little bit at the thought of it.
