Page 61 of This Mate Thing

It doesn't take as long today before they're back, and I hurry over the street when they turn in on the driveway.Ira beams at me when he climbs out.

"Hiya, bud.How was school?"

"Boring."

"Boring?Why?"

He sighs, and I do my best to hide a grin.So dramatic.

"We had basketball in gym class."

"Oh...I see."I don't.Basketball is fun, isn't it?

Simon gives me a small smile, and my heart speeds up."What about you, Simon.How was your day?"

"It was...eh...good."

I smile sweetly."Why?"

"Why?What do you mean why?"

I give Ira a wide-eyed look and shake my head."I mean, what made it good?"

"Oh...I don't know."

"Doesn't sound like a great day to me."

Ira snorts and heads for the front door.

"I said good, not great."Simon's mumble is adorable, so I bump him with my shoulder and almost drop the bread.Fuck.

"Let's get going.Mom said she'll have an afternoon snack ready for when we come."

Simon pales, and I shake my head.Poor thing.

I follow Ira inside and put the food in the kitchen."Are we ready to head out?"

Simon fidgets."Maybe I should...eh...stay here.Heat the food for when you get back."

I wrap him in my arms."No.You're coming with us."He tenses, and I can scent the nerves on him.

"Boris, I don't know if..."He gives me a pleading look, and I don't care about Ira being there.I kiss him.It's a soft, soothing kiss.Simon sighs into it, and I want to holler my victory.

"Come on.Let's get going."I usher him toward the hallway and motion for Ira to follow.He doesn't need prompting.

"Get your booster seat, kiddo."

"We can take my car."Simon reaches for his jacket.

"Nah, we have all the cookies in mine."And I don't want him to waste gas on going to Rutchester.I may have contributed most of their food these last few weeks, but I still haven't managed to get my hands on any of Simon's bills.

Simon looks like he's about to protest but gives me a nod.

Soon we're on our way.The weather has grown milder again, so I don't have to worry about slippery roads.

When I turn off the highway, I notice how Simon grows tenser.I wish I could take away his nerves.Mom can be vicious when she needs to be, but she'd never do anything to make Simon feel uncomfortable.

When the gravel road comes into view, I take it.We ride in silence for a few minutes, then I glance at Ira in the rearview mirror."Look out the window on your side and see if Atlas' painting was right."