“Ah, yes, Gray is right this way,” the woman said. She smiled broadly and motioned for us to follow her. “Gray enjoys the patio seating. I hope that’s okay,” she said.
In unison, Gabe and I both commented that it was perfect. I didn’t give a fuck how warm it was outside. I needed fresh air. The patio was nicely shaded, and there were some misters on to help make the outside more comfortable. Given the temperature, I wasn’t surprised to see that there wasn’t anyone outside but Gray. He stood from his seat as we approached, and Gabe spoke up first.
“Gray?”
“Yes, Gabe, I presume?”
“Yes, it’s good to meet you,” Gabe said as he shook Gray’s hand. “This is Dusty.” Gabe introduced me, and I shook Gray’s hand. His handshake was firm, but it didn’t seem to be in a jerky way.
“It’s great to meet both of you. Please, have a seat.” Gray gestured at the chairs and then motioned for a server. “Would you guys like something to drink? Beer? Margarita? They have phenomenal margaritas here,” Gray began as the server waited with her notepad. “They have hard stuff too. The good hard stuff. Top shelf everything.”
“Thank you, Gray. I don’t drink alcohol anymore, but I’ll take a ginger ale, please,” Gabe said to the server. “Dusty?” Gabe prompted.
“I’ll have a Coke, please,” I requested. I needed to have an absolutely clear head for this conversation. I glanced at Gray’s glass, which appeared to be iced tea. It made me feel better that he wasn’t drinking alcohol either.
“Very well. I’ll be right back with your beverages,” the server said.
“Is the outside table okay for you guys?”
“Outside is fine with us,” Gabe said as I nodded to agree.
“I love the patio here. It’s usually very quiet and free from tourists. Only Vegas residents can handle sitting outside in the heat.” Gray reached for his glass and sipped on his tea. “Are both of you from here originally?” Gray asked as he set his glass down.
“I’m originally from the Bay area, but Dusty is a Vegas native,” Gabe offered.
“Oh?” Gray raised his eyebrows and smiled as he sat up straighter in his chair. “You are a rarity, for sure.”
“Dusty is a rare find,” Gabe added.
“My folks still live here too,” I added.
We paused our chit chat as the server approached with our drinks. After she left, Gray pulled over a leather portfolio and opened it. I glanced down and was a bit surprised to see the pictures Gabe and I had emailed him printed and clipped to a page. I started to look around, but Gray spoke up.
“Don’t worry. I know the owner here. The staff knows to leave us alone to talk privately. They won’t seat anyone else out here, and they won’t approach the table unless I gesture for them.”
“Good,” Gabe said and put his hand on my shoulder to jostle me. “We’ll be able to speak freely.” I nodded at Gabe and then turned my attention back to Gray.
“After we spoke last night, I immediately began doing a little research about the type of modifications you’re seeking.”
“Are they doable?” Gabe inquired.
“Definitely. I have all sorts of requests and projects.” Gray set his pen down and looked back and forth between Gabe and me. “Before we continue, I want you both to know that I care very deeply and passionately about the people who put their trust in me. Gabe, your loved one will become my sole focus, and he’ll have my undivided attention while in my care. He is more than a patient or subject.”
Gabe took hold of my hand and squeezed it. Maybe I was being naïve, but I really believed Gray and felt that he liked us and our dynamic.
“I love Dusty more than I’ve ever loved anyone, and I want to grow old with my puppy. I would do anything for him.” Gabe squeezed my hand. “I would do anything forus.”
“That’s good to hear, Gabe. I can tell you love one another, and a lot of people say they’d do anything for love. But when it comes right down to it, most people would shy away from someone when it comes to truly being happy.” Gray gestured to us and then down at his pad of paper. “This is true love.”
“Thank you,” Gabe said.
“I want to be Gabe’s forever friend. This is a way for me to always be able to be the part he wants and needs,” I declared.
Did that sound stupid?Why I felt I needed to elaborate on that forever friend thing might not have been something that would register with Gray. Though he smiled at my comment, I wasn’t sure he really understood the depths of how badly I wanted this.
“Well, let’s go over how we will make you his forever friend,” Gray replied.
I reached for my Coke, as my throat felt dry. I had a feeling he was getting ready to jump into the details of how this could all work.
