Dad’s whole face lit up. “I’m so glad to see my two favorite boys getting along.”
Wes blushed to the tips of his ears, presumably at being called Dad’s favorite.
“Time I made breakfast,” he said. “Since I know you have plans with Hayden, Mr. Lewis.”
“You don’t need to make breakfast,” Dad said.
“The faster you two eat, the faster you’re out of the house, the faster I can get to work,” Wes teased.
23
Wes
The lookon Mr. Lewis’s face had been priceless when I showed him the picture of Hayden stepping into the local gay club—infamous by Otter Bay standards, although probably quaint by standards in New York.
He’d still handed over the keys with a grin, and I knew he approved of me taking Hayden with me. He’d wanted us to be friends.
Mr. Lewis had gotten a little more than he bargained for, but I wasn’t quite brave enough to tell him that yet.
I wanted to. I even had this little fantasy scenario in my head where I sat down with him and told him how I felt, that I thought Hayden was amazing, and that…
That if he wasn’t okay with that, I’d leave.
But it wouldn’t change how I felt about Hayden.
And that was the part I kept getting stuck on, the fear that I’dhave toleave.
This was so much worse than coming out to my own dad. This wasn’tcoming out.
This was admitting that I’d found someone, one soul in the entire world, who meant more to me than anything else. Even this job that I loved, even Mr. Lewis himself, who’d been more like a second dad to me than an employer.
Today wasn’t the day to think about it. Today was probably my last day with Hayden. He’d need tomorrow to pack so he could go home early on Monday.
I looked up from the car as I heard the front door open.
“You’re wearing the jeans!” I said as Hayden walked over, excitement welling up in the pit of my stomach.
He was wearing them. Forme.
“They’ve softened a little bit now that I’ve worn them a few times.” Hayden shrugged. “And, y’know, you’re, uh. You’re worth dressing up for.”
I wished I could risk kissing him, but I had no idea where Mr. Lewis was, and I kind of expected him to be watching us leave.
“You’re adorable, don’t ever let anyone tell you you’re intimidating again,” I said. “You’re a giant teddy bear.”
Hayden snorted. “Don’t tell anyone,” he said. “I still need some people to be a little scared of me.”
“You gave your staff a surprise vacation with full pay,” I said. “They’re not afraid of you.”
Hayden shrugged, hands in his pockets—which was impressive, considering how tight those jeans still were. “I don’t wantthemto be afraid of me.”
“Because you’re a giant teddy bear,” I said, holding the passenger-side door open for him. “Get in the car.”
Hayden stuck his tongue out at me as he climbed in, which was the first sign I’d seen thatallthe progress he’d made while he was here hadn’t been lost.
The Buick started up exactly like it had last time, purring to life as soon as I turned the keys, rumbling smoothly under us.
I laughed the whole way to the main road, winding my way to the highway that ran along the coast, glancing at Hayden leaning back in the passenger seat from time to time, the sun on his face, a soft smile playing around his lips.
