Lying in bed, with Ben tucked under my arm, I feel a sense of lightness I didn’t know was possible. He feels at home. A place where being with someone who truly sees you for who you are allows you to be your authentic self. A place where you aren’t afraid of falling because they are there to catch you. I look down at Ben’s sleeping face, a small smile permanently etched in his features.
Although things may be tough for him right now with the uncertainty of his van, I know we’ve got this.
Together.
Chapter Twenty-One
__________
Jason
“Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes?” I tell Grayson as he steps into my classroom during lunch. It’s been a week since Ben’s heater went out, and it looks like they are waiting on a part to come in so they can fix it. The good news is that it will only cost about two hundred bucks.
“Sorry,” Grayson says, but his smirk betrays him. He perches on my desk, a faint blush on his neck.
“You know, there are like twenty-five chairs in here.” I gesture around the room.
“Um, yeah, for little people,” he teases.
“Well…you’re a little, so it’s perfect.” I tease back. He looks away from me with a thoughtful look. “Something you want to share with the class, Gray?”
“Drinks tonight? I have a lot to tell you,” he says, standing from my desk.
“I have a lot to tell you, too,” I say, guilt tugging at me. Ben’s taken up my time, and Grayson and I hardly see each other lately. When he texted that he’d skip the playdate, I assumed it was because Ben would be there.
He claimed that he made other plans.
“Can we go after work? I need to pick Ben up at the shop at six. His van is in the shop.” I take a bite of my sandwich.
“Great. Let’s talk then,” Grayson walks to the door and turns to face me before exiting. “I’m really happy for you, Jace. Can’t wait to catch up tonight.”
The look on Grayson’s face is contemplative. Something isn’t sitting right with me, and I know it’s not my sandwich. According to Ben, my cooking is fabulous.
Sitting at a high top table in Murdock’s, waiting for Grayson, I sip on my glass of wine. Since I’m driving, I'll limit myself to one drink and a bottle of water as a chaser.
When I see movement across the bar, I wave to get Grayson’s attention. He holds up a finger and steps to the bar to get their latest craft beer.
“So…what’s up?” I ask when Grayson takes the seat across from me.
“Mostly, just wanting to see how you’re doing.” He tells me, taking a sip of his beer, that leaves a foam mustache across his upper lip. I smirk before handing him a napkin from the holder on the table. He wipes his mouth. “Thanks.”
“I’ve been well. Like you, I’m just trying to make it to spring break. Are you ready for state testing?” The spring semester is busy with prep. Grayson has been regrouping kids and holding extra tutoring sessions after school.
“I think my kids will do well this year. I have a few that are on the cusp. Good kids but terrible home situations.” He says thoughtfully.
I get it. I have some of their siblings in class, so I know exactly who he means.
“Speaking of spring break,” he starts, taking another sip, “any plans?”
“Maybe.”
Grayson cocks an eyebrow. “Well, that’s ominous.”
“No. I mean…I have an idea for a small road trip with Ben, but I need to clear it with his bosses.” I tell him, my heart rate picking up at the thought that Barrett won’t let him off for a few days. “What about you?”
Grayson squirms, confirming my suspicions: something’s up.
“Grayyyyyy,” I draw out his name for emphasis. “Spill it.”
