Page 81 of This Mate Thing

Simon fumbles in the direction of the bedside table, so I snatch the phone up, reluctantly crawl out of bed, and find my clothes.

A deep breath ending in a whimper leaves Simon, and I take a second to look at him in the dark.He's back to sleeping.

I tiptoe out of the room with my clothes in one hand and his phone in the other.I walk into the kitchen, where I get dressed and get the coffee started, then I walk to Ira's room.

I quietly open the door and walk up to the bed."Ira, honey."

Dark eyes pop open.

"Hi, time to get up."

He groans and scrunches his nose.

"I know, but I can make you pancakes if you'd like."

He rubs his face, yawns, and nods."Where's Dad?"

"Asleep.I'm sure he'll wake soon, thinking he's overslept.I snuck out and left him in bed."Oh, shit, are we pretending I didn't spend the night?He doesn't look surprised, so I hope Simon won't want to behead me.

"Get dressed, and I'll start on the pancakes."

He flings off the cover and sits on the bedside for a moment before putting his feet on the floor.He's adorable in his pajamas and messy hair.

I leave him to it and go to the kitchen for the promised pancakes.I pour myself a cup of coffee once I have the batter ready and sip it while I cook.

When Ira enters the kitchen, I set a plate in front of him and place the done pancakes within reach."So, what's the plan today?"

He starts eating and shrugs one shoulder."Go to school, come home from school, decorate the tree."

"Sounds awesome.What would you like for dinner?"I should go grocery shopping.

Another shrug.It's okay.I know it's not easy to think first thing in the morning.Before I can say anything else, there is a commotion farther down the corridor.I give Ira a look with one eyebrow raised, which earns me a grin.

Simon tumbles into the kitchen dressed in nothing but underwear, with his hair on end, and a crazed look in his eyes.His gaze bounces between me and Ira.

"We're late."His voice is nothing but a croak.

I glance at the clock."Nah, plenty of time."I pull him to me and walk with him in my arms back to the stove, where I flip over the pancakes.

"Eh..."

I nose along his hairline."Some coffee perhaps, my love?"

He glares at me, then looks over at Ira, who's watching us with a smile.

Simon nods."Let me get dressed."

I lower my voice to an almost whisper, hoping Ira can't hear."Nah, I don't know.I think you're overdressed already."

He sighs, untangles himself from my embrace, and walks toward the bedroom.I pour him some coffee and add the right amount of milk.Then I put two more plates on the table.

When Simon comes back, he gives me a nervous look, and I wonder what's wrong."You okay?"

He nods.

I kiss his cheek as I place the last of the pancakes on the kitchen table and sit.We eat in silence for a few moments, then it's like Simon pulls himself together and focuses on Ira."Did you sleep well?"

"Mmm."He nods.