Our family. The three of us together with our sons. And the children still to come, because I know we all want more kids in our lives. As always, we fight for the Council that truly has revolutionized everything.
We’re making our way to the conference room when Sandro flags us down, a basket of baked goods in his hands. He thrusts it into my hands, mumbling something about me not eating, and disappears around the corner before I can even form a response. Startled, I glance at Keegan, who merely sighs and looks up at the ceiling, as if it has the answers. If it does, I’d love some of my own.
“He, uh…seems to be doing that lately,” Carter mutters as we continue walking toward the conference room again.
Staring at our Love, I ask, “You’re telling me Allesandro is just randomly giving people baskets of baked goods now?”
I seem to be the only one shocked by this. Carter merely shrugs as he opens the conference room door for Keegan, me, and the basket of food. Keegan takes it from me and sets it on the table before sitting. This time, I’m between the two of them, andthe warmth of their love surrounds me even as my mind remains somewhat chaotic over everything.
“Yes, he seems to be watching if people are eating breakfast. If they aren’t, they get baked goods. I…” Keegan trails off, as if he’s unsure of what to say. Hell, I’ll join him because I don’t know what to think.
Carter merely shrugs and grabs a small apple turnover from the basket, along with one of the napkins Allesandro has artfully tucked inside. “He seems happy enough to do this. At least, for now.”
“This can’t be long term, right?” My tone is incredulous, but I can’t imagine my bloodthirsty ex-Boss is happy just…baking.
Keegan pinches the bridge of his nose before dropping his hand in frustration. “I have no clue. It’s on my list of things to talk to Javi about, but since he’s not hurting anyone…”
“Talk to me about what?” Javi asks as he strolls in, before narrowing his attention on the food. “Oh! Score! Who got the Sandro delivery basket treatment?”
“Uh, that would be me,” I respond awkwardly, even as Javi grabs a muffin, a turnover, and some sort of tart.What. The. Fuck?
“Nice!” Javi smiles before biting into a turnover and moaning. I exchange glances with my lovers, but none of us know what to say. After quickly polishing off all three pastries at a speed I didn’t know was possible, he asks, “So, what did you want to talk to me about?”
“Uh, this thing with Sandro… That’s not…normal.” Keegan’s voice breaks at the end, but I nod along frantically, because frankly, it scares the shit out of me.
Javi merely shrugs one shoulder, uninterested. “Meh, really, what is normal?”
“Not that,” the three of us who have some sense of sanity reply immediately.
Huffing, Javi turns toward us. “Alright, this could be a long discussion or a short one. But since we don’t have long before Monroe gets here, let me explain this. Your old Boss? He cracked. What was done to him… Well, most people wouldn’t have survived it. The fact he did is quite frankly amazing, and really, I want to study him purely because I can only imagine the mental fortitude it took.
“Like, his mind must have been desperately holding onto something to come out the other side. The problem is, he’s now like, ugh, I don’t know…a lump of clay or something.”
“A lump of clay?” I respond, my voice tight with disbelief.
“Eh, it’s the best I can give you without turning this into a lecture of epic proportions. But really it means he’s having to reinvent himself. So, he reverted to something that makes him feel safe—baking. It brings up good memories. Maybe some sad memories too, because his life was chosen for him, but still the memories are from his childhood. People always overlook the importance they can play in imprinting life’s lessons.”
“So, what do we do?” Carter asks cautiously.
I mean, personally, I’m freaked out about it, and would like to see a little of the old Il Padrone back. This Sandro thing…it’s just weird.
“Why would you do anything about it?” Javi says as he looks through the basket again. I have no idea where he’d fit anything more—he’s as tiny as the pocket twinks.
“Because it’s not normal!” I shout, unable to handle this, the complete loss of control. Seeing it in Allesandro, feeling it inside myself. Chaos… All. Just. Chaos.
“Again. Normal isn’t really a thing. But, whatever. Look, the old Allesandro is still in there. His brain is protecting him at the moment. I’ll get him working with a therapist, and we’ll see what happens. He’s a work in progress. Youallare works in progress. I will not have you harassing Sandro, or judging him for havinga hobby. So, I suggest you enjoy the baked goods and shut the hell up.” Javi’s icy stare stops the panic in my mind, the one that questions what the fuck is going on with my former boss. I also, begrudgingly, have to admit that he has a point, even if I don’t like it.
We lapse into an uneasy silence. Hell, I’m not even sure what to say with Javi here. He knows too much for me to feel comfortable. I almost want to demand that he leaves, but as this new person will be working directly under him… Hopefully, this one is sane. I won’t trust Cole with anyone that might pose a risk, and from the glances I exchange with my lovers, they’re on board. Even if Javi’s snort tells me we weren’t exactly subtle in our judging.
Finally, we hear footsteps headed toward us and I sit up, leaning forward slightly to get the first look at the mysterious Monroe. The first person through the door, however, is Anderson, in all his splendor, talking a million miles a minute with matching hand gestures, as a somehow even smaller man follows. Considering he seems to be solely focused on Anderson, I’m not surprised when he stumbles back upon realizing they’re not alone in the room. He gives an absentminded smile as he adjusts his glasses, as if he needs them to peer into our souls or something. It’s…interesting.
He’s probably one of the smallest men I’ve ever met, and he gives a half bow toward us, making it clear he’d prefer his personal space not be encroached upon. Still, he smiles to take the sting out of it.
Keegan stands and gestures for them to sit. Anderson just shakes his head before saying, “I have to go. We’re starting some sessions today and I don’t have time. I just wanted to make sure Monroe found you. Anyway, he’s the best with kids.”
He pats his friend on the shoulder and then almost sprints out, but that seems to be his default. Sprinting. Dashing.Running. His Daddy must have his hands full because holy hell, the vibrant Boy is a sight. In comparison, Monroe seems…sweet. And calm.
The smile doesn’t change as he folds his hands on the table and waits for one of us to say something. Keegan clears his throat, but Javi cuts right in. From the frustrated glare Keegan gives him, that’s not going to go unchallenged. Still, Javi waves it away as he questions Monroe about everything. Hell, I sit back and wish we had popcorn, because I almost wonder if he’s going to start asking the guy what he did three years ago, on some random night, just to check his memory.
