Page 12

I push my thoughts to the back of my mind when I pull into the lot at Owen's school. Park Elementary. It's a decent-sized school, with two floors and several hallways that give the building an R-shape. There are two playgrounds to the side of the school, one clearly for smaller kids.

We check in and are directed down a hallway and to the right. Other families are mingling about, talking to teachers or each other. I feel Owen squeezing my hand a little tighter. I get it. This feels overwhelming to me, so I can't imagine how it feels to him.

"This is your classroom," I announce once we finally get through the crowd. The door is the next to last in the hall. "Your teacher's name is Miss Riley."

"Well, well," a familiar voice says behind us, "if it isn't Mister Owen!"

I turn around to find Gabe waving from two doors down.

He's surrounded by three kids, all looking from him to us.

Owen drops my hand without a second thought —which, ouch , dude— and runs to Gabe.

Gabe, the wonderful guy he is, scoops Owen in his arms and hugs him tight.

My heart does a happy dance at the sight.

"Is Owen in Miss Riley's class?" Gabe asks when he gets closer.

"He is," I answer. Gabe's smile widens.

"That's awesome!" He shifts Owen around to prop him on his hip. Owen is almost too tall to carry like that, for me at least, but Gabe is taller than me by a good several inches. "Brian is around here somewhere, but he'll be in the same class. He's one of my nephews. "

A woman walks up, not disguising her curiosity as her gaze shifts between me and Gabe. "Mandy,” Gabe begins. "This is Justin. He's…"

I realize that we never discussed what we would tell others. I didn't think I'd have anyone to tell or be introduced to so soon. I lick my lips, making brief eye contact with Gabe.

"Justin is going on a date with me tonight," Gabe says with a half-smirk. I'm sure the shock on Mandy's face mirrors my own. "I mean, if you can, that is."

"My little bro," Mandy says. "Always talking before thinking. It's nice to meet you, Justin. Is this your kid?"

I nod. "This is Owen." Gabe sets him down on the carpeted hallway. Owen shifts to hide partly behind me and wraps his arms around my leg. "We just moved here last week."

We make polite small talk until the door is opened and two women and a little boy walk out. The teacher, Miss Riley, waves us in. She is petite, with ash blonde hair and green eyes. She's the same height as me in her short heels. At least she’s not taller.

"Welcome to the classroom," Miss Riley says. Her voice is as kind as her face. "We have a whole bunch to go over. If the kids want to look around or play on the carpet, that's fine. This shouldn't take more than ten minutes."

***

Six hours later, I’m on the phone to Gabe. "His grandparents will be here in half an hour. I'll be ready any time after that."

"Sounds good," Gabe replies on the other end of the line. "I'm going to hop in a shower and then head that way. "

After the orientation, Gabe texted to double check if I can go out tonight.

He apologized for springing the question out of the blue, but joked that I did say he needs to take me on a date before we call it official.

We've been texting non-stop all day. Owen's grandparents were more than happy to take him for another sleepover tonight.

I didn't tell them the real reason, using the excuse of Owen starting school soon and wanting him to get as much time with them as he can.

Owen gives me a big hug and kiss on the cheek before he leaves with his backpack on and toy dog in his hand. I stand at the door and watch them back out of the driveway and drive down the road. Gabe's car comes into view exactly five minutes later.

I grab my house key and wallet before locking the front door and meeting him at the car. He greets me with a quick kiss right on the lips. I smile when he pulls back. "Where are you taking me tonight?"

"I thought we could go get dinner at a semi-casual restaurant I like and then head to Dave and Busters. How does that sound?"

"I haven't been to a Dave and Busters in years," I clap my hands together with mounting excitement. "I'm in."

The restaurant is sit-in style with dim lighting, but we don't stand out in our jeans and tees.

I let Gabe order for me and am pleasantly surprised at the taste of the garlic shrimp pasta.

For himself, he orders a grilled chicken salad in a bowl the size of his head.

As we eat, we talk, moving from one topic to another with ease.

I probably ramble a bit too much about Owen and how sad I am to see him growing up.

Gabe suggests that we plan a playdate for him and Brian soon.

The arcade business is only a ten-minute walk away so, once we finish our meal, we leave the car and opt to walk hand-in-hand down the street. The weather is cooling slightly as the sun sets, making the journey less miserable than the last time I chose to walk around Phoenix in summer.

Dave and Busters is an adult's playground, and Gabe spoils me.

It's nice having someone else paying and indulging me for once.

It's been a long time since I last experienced anything like this.

I can feel myself easily letting the worries of Owen starting school, my new job, and other adult thoughts slip away.

I don't totally lose myself, but I do let loose and have fun.

We start at the game machines until our cards run out of credit.

Then we join a team of two other guys for laser tag.

My favorite experience, though, is the tiny bowling alley they have in the back.

It's only three lanes wide, but Gabe reserved a spot for us for the last hour.

I'm not good at it, but Gabe doesn't make fun of me.

Instead, he stands behind me, pressing up close to guide me through the motions to roll the ball in a straight line.

I cheer when I knock over half the pins.

"Are you having fun?" Gabe asks when he comes back with a refill on our drinks. He made me stick with water since I had a soda with dinner. I tried to argue, but that look —that Daddy look— he gave me shut me right up.

How did I never know that kind of thing was such a turn on before?

"I am. Seriously, this has been amazing tonight. Thank you for everything."

"Of course, sweetheart." Gabe leans down and steals a kiss. I get butterflies knowing that anyone can see us. He's younger than me by five years, but he definitely gives off the more dominant vibes in this dynamic.

I whisper against his lips, low enough that only he can hear it. "Thank you, Daddy."