“Yeah, for sure.” Everett paused, then added, “Just so we’re on the same page, can you please keep what I’ve told you to yourself? I probably shouldn’t have said anything, but the situation called for it. Caleb hasn’t told his dads yet, and I don’t want there to be another fallout between them over a secret that should have come to light.”
“Oli may be my best friend, but there are secrets even friends need to keep from each other.” Everett’s father nodded toward the door dividing them from the dance floor, then pushed off the counter and shouldered it open. “I trust it’s not a secret you’ll keep for long?”
“No. I think Caleb’s learned his lesson about secrets after what happened between him and his dad.” Everett stepped through the open door and onto the darkened dance floor on the other side. His father followed. The door swung shut slowly, slowed by its own weight and its rubber under-door seal. “But until he does…”
“I won’t say a word.”
The door slotted back into place, blocking out the light from the foyer. Only the overhead emergency lights remained. They cast eerie shadows across the empty floor, but Everett didn’t mind them—there was nothing frightening about being here. The Shepherd was his family legacy. It was where Everett had found his start, and it would be the place he saw through to the end.
At the top of the stairs on the other side of the dance floor, Clarissa called out for them. They were one minute and sixteen seconds away from a triple shot.
Everett’s father caught his eye. He grinned. Everett nodded. Simultaneously they broke into a sprint and took the stairs two at a time, laughing until Everett’s throat was sore, and the sting of his potent mixed drink was a welcome reprieve for his vocal cords.
Nothing stayed the same forever. Years would pass, seasons would come and go, and the circumstances that offered Everett the illusion of safety and stability now might not be there tomorrow.
The thought didn’t scare him anymore.
Come what may, there were brighter days ahead. No matter the problems he faced, there would be solutions. With Jayne and Caleb there to help see him through, he knew he had nothing to fear.
And if, one day, he found himself alone, Everett knew that he had nothing to worry about.
Caleb had taught him that nothing in life needed to be serious, and that laughter could remedy almost anything; and Jayne had taught him that even in the dark, it was possible to shine. No matter where life took them, Everett could carry them in his heart. His two lovers—the men who had shaped his world—his everything.
With them, he hoped a piece of himself would linger—a small, earnest part that would remind them that no matter what, there would always be hope, if only you were brave enough to look for it.
51
Jayne
GlitterDoctor: So, there are about five hundred new messages since I last checked the chat, and it’d probably take me all night to read them. I need a recap. Was TD executed for his crimes against the internet? And if so, where’s an appropriate place to send a shipment of condolence glitter?
It was late, and Jayne didn’t expect a reply. Oftentimes, the chat showed that the Dads were online when they weren’t. Technology couldn’t keep up with men who juggled raising young children with having a social life. Jayne was similarly guilty. More than once, he’d fallen asleep with his phone in his hand while up with Parker and chatting with the Dads at the same time.
To Jayne’s surprise, he received an answer almost right away.
TeenDad2: nope. Not yet, at least. Or maybe I’m a ghost, and I don’t know it yet.
TeenDad2: boooooo
TeenDad2: Did I spook anyone?
KnotMyProblem: No, TD, but all of us applaud your effort.
Jayne smiled and rolled onto his side. With Everett at work, there was plenty of bed available. All Jayne had to worry about was Caleb, but he was conked out on his favorite side of the bed, so exhausted he wasn’t even snoring. It didn’t come as much of a surprise—Caleb had fucked Jayne into the mattress like an animal no more than half an hour ago. Cardio like that was depleting. The poor boy needed his rest.
GlitterDoctor: So, recap, anyone?
KnotMyProblem: TD survived, but barely, after a ruling was passed that a first offense shouldn’t lead to insta-death. He still hasn’t spilled his secrets, though. TD, Glit’s here now, so you should PM him and check to see if you’re allowed to spill the news, because you’ve got a group of Single Dads here who are eagerly waiting to find out what this commotion’s all about.
TeenDad2: omg you’re right
TeenDad2: Glit I’m PMing you.
No more than ten seconds later, a notification that Jayne had received a private message popped up on top of his screen. He tapped it and entered the conversation.
TeenDad2: Hey Glit
TeenDad2: soooo
