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“Can you open the hot dogs and put them on a plate? And if it’s not too much trouble, slice the onions and tomatoes, rinse and dry the lettuce, and plate the cheese alongside the veggies?” Cameron’s words pulled Rylan out of his thoughts.

Rylan chuckled before he nodded and got to work. They both worked together in comfortable silence. Getting their friends together had been a wonderful idea and within two days, Rylan had a boyfriend and the support of his friends and Cameron’s.

“How are you doing?” Cameron broke the silence.

“I’m good. I didn’t think I could move out without my father or Tristan there to complicate things, but I didn’t expect his aggression in front of Declan.”

“Does he know your class schedule or your regular hangouts?”

Rylan shook his head. “Anything private I kept locked away and since Declan and I don’t see each other, I doubt he would know enough about me to tell Tristan.”

Cameron became lost in thought and Rylan placed the onion on the cutting board and with precise movements, cut the rings into the same quarter inch diameter slices, causing his eyes to tear up. Last came the tomatoes, and after he sliced them, he fanned out the cheese, onions, lettuce, and tomatoes on a plate an even distance apart.

Opening the refrigerator, he pulled out the hot dogs, well, what he could consider gourmet sausages instead, and blushed when his stomach growled at the thought of food. He only ate when he felt faint or he remembered, but being with Cameron had increased his appetite.

In more ways than one.

“Ready?” Cameron asked.

Rylan nodded, grabbing the two plates and followed him into the huge backyard. He hadn’t even looked outside, but the back looked like an oasis. The covered deck that spanned the entire length of the house contained the grill, three patio tables with umbrellas and an assortment of chairs, and to Rylan’s surprise, a stove, oven, and a tall stone structure with an opening in the front.

“What’s that?” Rylan pointed at the stone structure.

“Oh, that’s a pizza oven.”

“Sure it is,” Rylan mumbled under his breath.

Cameron laughed and walked straight to the grill as Rylan took in the backyard. There was a water fountain that flowed into a huge pool, surrounded by deck chairs. There was a hot tub near the pool and the yard contained an overabundance of flowers and plants that made the backyard have a tropical feel.

“It’s beautiful.”

Rylan turned his attention to Cameron when he chuckled and noticed their friends were lounging around the deck, getting to know each other.

“Do you want raw or grilled onions for your burgers?” Cameron asked.

“Grilled.” Everyone agreed.

“Hey, Ry, can you go back in a grab the buns for the hamburgers and hot dogs?”

He nodded and turned toward the house. But Cameron was quicker and pulled Rylan in for a scorching kiss that left his knees weak before giving him a quick reminder of his quest.

Before he turned, Cameron gave him a chaste kiss this time, and Rylan felt his heart speed up. He found himself not wanting to pull away.

Cameron turned back to the grill and Rylan heard the distinct click-click and a whoosh of the flames. In a daze, he walked back toward the house and he couldn’t stop the smile that bloomed on his face.

The rest of the afternoon passed with lively conversation and delicious food.

Issa’s eyes kept track of him throughout the day, looking for signs of a panic attack. She was the only one besides Cameron who knew the true story of what Tristan tried to do. He’d rather forget everything about Tristan and move on with his life, because Tristan was in the past. But Issa never forgot.

“When is your next appointment in Denver?” Issa asked.

“Friday.”

“What appointment?” Cameron asked.

“I’ve made three dresses for Mrs. Buehler and her friends for an event at the Denver Country Club. I make any adjustments to the dresses and do their makeup beforehand.”

“How often do you go to Denver to meet with a client?”