Page 26
ANDY
Trevor has to work the next couple of days, and every day at noon, when he gets off, he comes to my room with lunch and we chat.
“I’ve been doing research on concierge services. It’s fascinating and I’m so excited to add the service to the amenities list.” He babbles on about what he plans to do, right down to giving himself a uniform.
“Dad won’t care, but I want the service to feel…” He taps his lips. “Rich, like they’re getting something special.”
“What kind of uniform are you planning to wear?” I can imagine him in all sorts of clothing.
“Dunno yet, probably not a full suit. That would get hot. But something fancy.”
“I support you whatever it is. But you could do a cute polo with your logo and some nice slacks.”
He frowns. “I could, but it doesn’t feel fancy enough. Oh!” He sits straighter. “I could go the total opposite and wear vacation clothes and a big sun hat.” He giggles before taking a bite of his lunch. “That could be fun.”
“That would be excellent.” Anything where he can truly be himself.
He nods and wipes his mouth with a napkin. “How do you feel about the beach today? I have a bunch of beach toys I still haven’t gotten to play with.” He pouts at his plate.
“I think I’d love that. We walked along the beach, but haven’t really gotten to relax in the sand.”
“You’ll play with me, right?”
“Of course. What about messaging your friends from the club? You could make a play date out of it.”
“You wouldn’t mind?”
“Absolutely not. I can message Kevin to see if he wants to join.”
“You want me to meet your friend?”
“He’s my family, and I absolutely want you two to meet.”
“Okay, let’s do it!”
In a few minutes, we have everyone on board and the promise to meet us around three.
“What would you like to do while we wait?” I ask, gathering our lunch trash.
“We gotta get everything together. I have a big cooler at my apartment and supplies. It’s as good of time as any to show you my place. If you’re interested?”
“I’d love to see where my sweetheart lives.”
“It’s nothing fancy.”
“That’s fine. Lead the way.”
He lives incredibly close to the hotel. It’s a cute two-story apartment building, and he leads me to the second floor.
“Welcome!” He flings his arms out and spins.
“This place is so you.” There are bright colors everywhere, from the curtains to the couch. And stuffies. So many stuffies.
“Look around all you want. I’m gonna grab the cooler and my beach toys. And sunscreen. Oh, and I need to change. And find my floppy hat.” He keeps rambling on as he runs to the hallway.
By the time he rejoins me, he’s dragging a big cooler on wheels. “I don’t know how we’ll get it in the sand. We might have to carry it, but we’ll want the water.” He rushes to the kitchen to stuff it full of water bottles.
“What can I help with?”
He laughs and I watch as he runs around. “I think I got everything.” He throws his rainbow backpack on top of the cooler. He’s changed into swim trunks that are shorter than I expected, but still modest. They’re dark blue with black details.
“Ready?” He drops a hat on his head and slides sunglasses down his nose.
“You’re so cute, you know that?” I ask.
“Yep. Yep. I’m adorable.” He presses a quick kiss to my lips. “Lets go, we get to play with our friends today!”
Maddie sees us first and squeals as she runs towards us. Her Mommy laughs behind her.
“Maddie, baby, don’t break bones today.”
“I’m extra super good today. Promise!” She stops short from plowing into Trevor this time. He giggles and opens his arms for her to gently launch into.
Bel and Yuri join next, but Evan and his Mommy don’t show. Maybe we should have the club investigate his Mommy to see what’s going on. Or maybe they’re just busy? I don’t know, but I know Evan said he’d come.
“Lets play!” Bel says, flailing around a toy sand shovel.
“Hey!” Kevin calls out just as Trevor and I start to lift the cooler. Jessica waves as Kevin jogs towards us.
“Kev!”
Trevor slides beside me. “Hi.” He gives a tiny, shy wave. “I’m Trevor.”
I squeeze his hand. “This is Kevin and Jessica. They’re my family.” I hug them both as they join us. Trevor surprises me by giving them both hugs as well.
“Trevor, how about you join your friends? I can help with the cooler,” Kevin says.
Trevor eyes Kevin then the group waving for him. “If you’re sure?”
“I’m positive. We’ll be there shortly.”
“Thank you!” And he’s off.
“Gah!” Kevin says. “He’s your catnip, man! Cute. Sweet. I’m happy for you.” He clamps me on the shoulder before we lift the cooler. “Shit, what’s in here?”
“A ton of water and ice.” My boy didn’t want anyone to get dehydrated.
The Littles squeal at the edge of the water while Yuri and Penny watch. Jessica joins them, she’s a Little too after all.
Kevin sighs as we carry the cooler. “Nothing sweeter than watching your darling have a blast.”
“Exactly.” My sweet, beachy sweetheart has the time of his life.
We’re digging in the sand, making and crushing castles for hours. Trevor insists on everyone constantly reapplying sunscreen until it’s almost comical, but no one rejects his offerings. We’re all worn out by the time the sun goes down.
Everyone says their goodbyes. Maddie and Trevor talk a little longer when Kevin pulls me aside.
“I think you found your spark again.” He nods towards Trevor. “But I still don’t want to see you at the office until your vacation is officially over.”
“It’s going to be hard going back,” I admit. “I don’t want to be so far away from him.”
“It’s only an hour.” Kevin smiles. “But if you want to be closer to him, I wouldn’t reject the idea of opening another office. Or you could work remotely. We’ll make everything work out, but I don’t think you can take that boy away from this place.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.”
“Thanks for the invite. Now you need to go feed your man and tuck him into bed.”
“That’s the plan.” I wave for Trevor, who skips right into my arms.
“Thank you, Daddy. Today was amazing.”
“Lets grab some food, then how do you feel about staying with me tonight? I’m not ready to let you go.”
“Sounds perfect.” Trevor waves to Maddie and Penny. Bel and Yuri are already gone. It really was a perfect day.