Page 18 of Roll With The Punches

Chapter Five

Thursday morning, Jeff stood in “his” bedroom, staring at the stuff he’d laid out on the bed. “His bedroom” meaning that’s where his clothes and some other belongings were located, but he rarely slept in there now.

Not alone, at least.

Sometimes he and Stuart slept in there on the rare night Brandon was too exhausted to do more than face-plant onto his bed after work, but he and Stuart were still in the mood to have sexy fun.

Although there had been one night Stuart had eaten Mexican at lunch and fell asleep with a massive case of the farts. Rather than wake him up, Brandon had signaled to Jeff, and they’d vacated the master bedroom in a hasty retreat to Jeff’s.

It was that or have two bedrooms smelling instead of just one. At least the master bedroom had sliders opening onto the lanai and they could air it out more easily the next morning.

Jeff was trying to get by with only one carryon, and tried to guess what he’d need. Shorts and T-shirts, mostly, because it would be warm up there. A pair of jeans and a button-up shirt for the plane ride, and in case they went out somewhere Friday night.

He doubted that’d be on the agenda, but just in case, it didn’t hurt to be prepared.

Extra pair of old jeans and a light jacket. Socks, and he’d only take the one pair of sneakers. Briefs.

To save space, instead of taking toiletries, he would only bring his electric razor and buy everything else he’d need once they were up there. He would take his phone, tablet, and chargers for both, but not his laptop. No time for that, anyway.

Emma had already left for the morning, but Stuart and Brandon walked in to hug him before they left for work.

“Stay safe,” Brandon ordered. “Don’t hesitate to call 911 if something happens. Don’t be a hero. Come home safe.”

“I promise. Sylvie is sure there won’t be any trouble. We’ll be in and out.”

“Take no chances,” Brandon said. “That’s an order, if I wasn’t clear.”

“That was clear, Sir.”

“Good. Love you.” Brandon kissed the top of his head.

“Love you, too, Sir.”

Brandon finally released him so Stuart could hug him one more time. “Text me before you take off and when you land.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Once Jeff was alone again, he started to pack. He’d leave his truck parked at Iris and Calvin’s because a friend of hers was driving them to the airport.

I hope we never have to go through something like this with Emma.

Then again, Emma seemed steadfastly determined never to date. Any guy she did finally deem worthy would hopefully not be an abusive asshole.

If he was, Jeff was sure he, Brandon, and Stuart would be stepping in and getting the guy to step off post-haste.

Once they were finally in the air, Iris patted his hand. “So how did Jeff and Brandon take it when you said you were helping?”

“They send their apologies they couldn’t come, too. They would have, except for work.”

“I don’t understand why you’re with two guys, but I’m not going to question it. And Emma is a sweetheart.” Their parents had also expressed some confusion, but since they’d basically adopted Emma as the only grandchild they were likely to have for the foreseeable future, they were fine with the situation.

“I’m a lucky guy, and I know it.”

She grinned. “How’s the Edsel?”

“Still some more to do to it.”

“That thing’s so ugly. I can’t believe you wanted it.”