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ANDY

Kevin’s idea of taking me out for celebration is our favorite Mexican restaurant with the best margaritas. I’m not complaining. My frozen peach margarita is refreshing with fresh peaches.

“So where did you decide?” Kevin asks around a mouthful of chips and salsa.

“Booked next month at this place called Cruiser Beach Hotel. It’s a family run place, looked cozy. There’s a fun beach carnival in walking distance and some bars and other places to explore. Should be a good month.”

“Sounds good.” He nods and wipes his face with his napkin. “Are you going to the Little play day this weekend?”

“Wasn’t planning on it. I still want to?—”

Kevin holds up a hand. “You’re going.” He grabs my phone from the table, already knowing my pin to get in.

I shake my head and go for a chip, dipping it in ranch, then salsa.

“And got you all RSVP’d to be a Daddy. Maybe you’ll finally find someone.”

I roll my eyes. “I’ve been to dozens of these play days. So far, no one has caught my eye.” Not since Ryan, and that was years ago. He moved away, and we lost touch. I want a Little I can grow with. Someone I can guide. Someone to fall in love with.

“Your eye is picky as fuck.” Kevin watches me over the rim of his margarita glass as he drinks.

“I’m not picky.”

He cocks a brow.

I grind my teeth and grab another chip. “I don’t want my heart broken again.”

Kevin’s eyes soften. “I know what you had with Ryan was special.”

“It felt like it. We were together for half a decade.” Ryan may have been older than me by a handful of years, but he was the Little of my dreams.

“Go to the play day without expectations. Just enjoy yourself surrounded by all the Littles you can dream of.”

I snort and take another drink. “You’re not wrong.”

“I order you to have fun this weekend.”

“You can’t order me.” I roll my eyes and when the server comes by, I ask for water.

“There’s an old school forum for the play day. You can meet up with someone specific if you want.” Kevin finally hands my phone back.

“I don’t care for forums or chat groups. They go too fast.”

“So old school.”

“No, okay, maybe. I like to get to know people the old fashion way and that’s not via online. I barely tolerate Teams.”

“Teams is the best.”

“If you say so,” I mumble.

“Well, I’m happy for you. You’ll find a Little, have a month away from this place. This’ll be good for you.”

“If you say so,” I repeat.

“Wow,” Kevin deadpans. “I’m so glad you sound excited about this.”

“You threatened my livelihood, Kev.”

“It’s for your own good!” He crunches on another chip just as our entrees arrive.

“You know I’m just messing with you. I’ve been meaning to take a vacation for years and, well, shit keeps popping up.”

Kevin points at me with a chip. “I get it, but life isn’t only work. You gotta live a little and have fun. Live messy and loud.”

I just grunt and shovel a forkful of Mexican rice in my mouth so I don’t have to say anything. But he’s not wrong. I used to be fun. Used to know how to live. But now all I do is work. Work. Work.

“Okay, I promise to enjoy myself this weekend.” Maybe I will find a Little to play with.

“That’s all I ask. And since you’re going to enjoy yourself.” He reaches for my phone again. “You need to get laid.”

I snatch my phone back so fast it goes flying across the table and teeters on the edge before I catch it.

“What?” Kevin asks innocently. “How long has it been?”

“Keep yourself out of my sex life. Thank you very much.” I shove my phone in my pocket.

“You need a hole to sink into. The apps will find you one in ten seconds. Maybe sooner.”

“No, thank you.”

“If you don’t wanna chat with them, I can do that for you.” Kevin sticks his tongue out as I launch a chip at him.

“No. I absolutely do not want you chatting with a hookup for me. That’s just weird.”

“Thought I’d offer. You like guys, gals, and pals. It wouldn’t be so hard to find someone.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose. “I regret telling you I was pansexual.”

Kevin shrugs. “Just trying to give your life some sparkle.” He wiggles his fingers at me.

“And I appreciate that. Life would be so boring without you in it.”

He presses a hand to his chest. “Awe. That’s what Jessica says.”

“I know. She’s the one person I’ll gladly chat with.”

His mouth drops open. “You talk about me behind my back with my wife?”

I wink and take another drink. The rest of lunch is pleasant, with Kevin talking about his own upcoming vacation.

Soon enough, my alarm goes off. Usually I’d rush to head back to the office, but today I linger just a few minutes longer.

My oldest friend deserves that much, especially since he’s trying to help me enjoy life again.

Maybe I will join the forum and get to know a few of the Littles I’ll meet this weekend.