“You can stay if you’d like,” Ashton said softly. “If you’d rather go back to the hotel, I’ll drive you. It’s not a problem, Kai.”
“We don’t have to stay up late. I’ll live without a cheese plate. I… I just want you here a little longer.” Steven squished me tighter.
“Cheese plate?” Looking up at him, I cupped his face with my hand. I tried to memorize his face, his scent, so I could keep it with me when I returned to Hilo.
“We had the dessert, entrée, and appetizer. So that leaves what? The cheese plate? Maybe those small bites?” Steven nibbled my shoulder.
I laughed. “What about the fish course?”
“I vote for small bites.” He continued nibbling on me.
“I’d like a try.” Ashton leaned over and nibbled me.
“No fair.” I leaned over to bite Ashton’s shoulder.
“Hey now,” he teased.
Steven grinned. “You can bite me.”
Turning to face him, I bit his shoulder. “Tasty.”
“Kai thinks I’m tasty,” Steven announced.
“We can just have the sleeping course. One more night? Please?” Ashton asked.
Why not? It was the last night I’d get to spend with them. To me, it didn’t matter what we did, I just wantedto touch them a little longer. I’d text the aunties, so they didn’t worry.
I kissed Ashton, his beard brushing my face. “I think I’d like that very much.”
Saturday
“Good luck. I’ll see you later,” I told Steven and Ashton as Ashton’s big truck pulled up to the hotel.
This morning, I’d woken up in their bed, only this time it was in a big puppy pile. And I didn’t regret it one bit.
“That was amazing. I had the best night, and no, we’re not too tired. Every moment with you was worth it.” Steven got out and came around to let me out of the truck, like he always did.
It was all the silly little courtesies they showed me that made my heart flutter.
Steven hugged me, tight. “Small bites.” He nibbled on my shoulder.
“I can’t wait to see you play. I’ll be there. The aunties are very excited.” Maybe I’d find out which auntie arranged this. After all, the game seemed like the perfect time. She’d probably want to see Marilyn.
“We’ll see you after the game.” Ashton came out and gave me a big hug.
“Thank you for such an amazing time.” I hugged him tighter than I probably needed to.
“Same, Starshine. Don’t worry, we’ll take you out after the game and we’ll see you soon. You can text us anytime, we can do video calls, whatever you need. After finals, we’ll be in the off-season, so if you need us to fly out there and beat up your ex, I promise we’ll find a way so that it’s not assault,” Steven added.
Coming from these two, I knew that they truly meant it and I was so grateful.
“Thank you.” I hugged them again and grabbed my flowers. I didn’t want to forget them. I wouldn’t be able to take the whole bouquet back, but I could probably press a few in something and then use them in an art project.
I waved as they drove off. They were on their way to morning skate. I think I disrupted their routine and I hoped it wasn’t a detriment to their game.
In the room, Auntie Kiki was getting things together since we had a big day today. I should probably pack too.
Auntie Kiki looked over at me and smirked. “Back so soon?”
