Page 85

Story: Puppy Pride

He grinned. “You’re family.” He pivoted back to me. “Does everyone eat chicken or beef? I mean, unless you have other plans…”

My mouth sort of dropped open.

Stephanie pressed a hand to Foster’s arm, but held my gaze. “We’re inviting you for dinner. My brother Cooper and Taryn’s brother Lachlan—who are now a couple and wow that’s a crazy story—were supposed to come over, but they got caught up in doing some renovation thing. They’re getting ready to sell Cooper’s house and buying a bigger one, but they decided to just push through and finish the flooring. It’ll take them until about midnight at the rate they’re going, so they bailed on us. We have enough food for ten.”

Foster waved. “We always cook way too much and love sharing.” He gave me a meaningful look.

“I’ll have to check with Demetrius.” I directed my gaze meaningfully at the kids. “Not my call.”

“Well, I want to stay.” Alaina didn’t break her loving gaze at Queenie. “Like, forever. Oh!” Now she did look up. “We’re buying the house down the street.” She pointed.

“The Singhs’s?” Stephanie nearly squealed.

“Demetrius is putting in an offer.” I was quick to make the correction, lest anyone think this was a done deal.

“Wow.” Foster slowly smiled. “We’ll be neighbors.” He cocked his head. “You and…” He winced.

“Dad and Jai are a couple.” Keegan grinned. “Jai’s moving in.” He frowned. “How does that work with camp?”

I swallowed the lump in my throat. “We haven’t worked out the details. I’ll need to stay at camp while the campers are there. Possibly during the entire summer season.”

“But we’ll see you, right?” Alaina pursed her lips. “I haven’t even seen this place.”

“You might.” Keegan again smiled. “They’re thinking about a camp with siblings of queer kids. Right?”

I blinked. “Well, yes. That’s under consideration for next year.” But we hadn’t told anyone.

“Alessandra.” Keegan shrugged, as if sensing my confusion. “She said something about it. I think it’s a great idea.”

“That’s right.” Alaina nodded. “I said it would be cool.”

Stephanie cocked her head.

“I’m gay.” Keegan puffed out his chest. “That’s how Jai and Dad met. Jai’s the director of the camp.”

Will we ever tell the kids we knew each other from before? That’ll be up to Demetrius. We wouldn’t tell them about What’sUp Pup, of course. But perhaps…no. Although I’d always have fond memories of my pup time at the club, my relationship with Demetrius started the day…what? He showed up at camp? The night we ate at Stavros’s? Last evening? I just didn’t know.

A knock sounded at the door.

Taffy started yapping.

“Oh, hush you.” Stephanie petted the dog while Foster moved to the front door.

Demetrius stood there, hands in his pockets.

“Lovely.” Foster grinned. “We were just asking if the kids eat chicken and beef.”

“Because we’re staying for dinner,” Alaina declared. “So we can play with the dogs.”

“Yeah.” Keegan’s contribution.

Demetrius blinked. “We love chicken and beef.”

“That’s good. Would you mind stepping inside?” Taryn’s disembodied voice came from behind him.

He stepped inside and out of her way.

“I’m Taryn. This is my wife, Stephanie. I understand you’ve met our dog. Welcome.” She sailed past and into the kitchen.