Page 26

CHAPTER 26

Andry

I straighten my suit jacket as I look in the mirror in my room. Well, my temporary room. Because after everything that’s happened with the team, I can't see myself staying here anymore.

Once I’m able to find a place, I’m out. My scholarship should have a bit left over for things I’ll need. It’ll be tight, but I have high hopes for the future. Living a modest life now for a better future will be worth it.

No one’s downstairs when I leave. The others have been avoiding me since the fight with Liam. It’s fine with me since I don’t want to be around any of them more than I have to.

Playing on the team together is one thing. Being their friend is another.

I take a rideshare to Rodney’s house and knock on the door. Ma answers with a knowing grin. “You got big plans for tonight?”

“Yes, ma’am. I’m taking him to dinner downtown. Bellamy recommended a place. He says the steak is good.”

She nods. “Yes, I imagine it is. You’re a growing boy. Need all that protein.”

“Exactly.” We smile at one another as the sound of footsteps comes from behind her.

When she shifts to the side, my breath catches. Rodney looks perfect.

The suit he has on molds to his small frame like it was crafted just for him. The colors complement his golden skin tone, and the light blush on his cheeks only adds to it all.

“Little genius,” I greet as I hold out my hand for him.

He scoots past Ma to get to me. I wrap him in a hug and kiss his lips, careful not to let it go too far. I respect the woman beside us enough not to maul him.

At least not in front of her.

“You didn’t tell me he was here,” my boy argues when we pull apart. “You were supposed to come get me.”

Ma crosses her arms and grins. “I was talking to him. No need to worry. All is fine.”

“That’s not the point — ugh . Let’s go. She’s being this way on purpose.”

I wink at Ma, which makes her laugh. Then I’m following my boy as he marches to his car. I get him in the car and buckled in before moving to my side.

He mutters about his meddling family members the entire drive to the restaurant. I don’t have the heart to tell him this dinner is also part of his family’s desire to jump into our relationship.

While I didn’t lie about Bellamy recommending the place, it was Aries who called to get us a reservation and cover the bill. He texted me about it in the Daddy Alliance chat a few days ago.

He’d been checking in more since I told the guys about the fight. They were worried something else would happen. Granted, they were all ready to do whatever was needed to help us out.

Bishop showing up at practice a couple of weeks ago was one way they’ve helped. Continuing with the social media push has been another.

I can’t deny how much it’s helped. There are more eyes on us than ever. I don’t think anyone will get away with messing with Rodney now that he’s in the spotlight.

Part of me wonders if that was the key to this all along. Aries is smart enough to connect those dots, even though he tries to act like he’s not sometimes.

At the restaurant, the valet takes the keys for the car and points us inside. The space is fancy, which makes it difficult to navigate. Thankfully, it’s not too crowded.

The hostess takes our name, then rushes to get us seated. It makes me wonder what Aries told them about our meal tonight. Knowing him, he probably conned them into treating us better than they would have. I can’t complain. It’s nice to be able to spoil my little genius, even if it means using outside help.

Once the girl leaves us, Rodney leans over the table. I move closer as well, curious about what he needs.

“This place is fancier than I thought it would be,” he whispers.

Smiling gently, I nod at him. “It is. But that’s why tonight is special. We get to have a new experience together.”

He hums as he picks up the menu to look at the options. I do the same, taking note of what I think he’ll like best. I want to get something he’ll enjoy as well in case his meal isn’t as good as he hopes. Taking care of my boy is more than sex and cuddles. It’s all the things in between as well.

Though he might not be into age play, it doesn’t mean I can’t find ways to take care of him that aren’t traditional in the sense of a relationship.

“Anything sound good?” he asks. “I’m not sure what to get.”

“I was thinking of getting the steak with a side of pasta and some toast.”

His eyes went wide. “That’s a lot of food, Daddy.”

I love how easily he says it now. It wasn’t something I expected to hear in a public setting like this. Yet somehow, it managed to be the first thing he thought to call me.

“Well, I’m extra hungry. Also, if you decide you don’t like your food, I’ll have extras.”

My boy’s jaw drops. He looks as if I’d just told him something much more shocking.

“You… that’s… wow. I didn’t expect that answer. It’s really thoughtful.”

“I’m always thinking of you, little genius. Is there something you’re curious about but need help? We can ask our waiter about it.”

He nods quickly right as the waiter appears. “Oh,” Rodney squeaks.

“Hi there! I’m Imir, and I’ll be helping you out today. Any questions? Do we know what we want?”

“My date has a question.” I point across the table to turn his attention to my boy. Sure, it’s dumb to claim him like that when it was very obvious we were on a date. I don’t want to take any chances of the other man flirting. I’d seen that happen in a show once.

“I’m here to help. What’s up?” The guy takes a step towards Rodney, who frowns and points to the menu. He asks him something about what comes on a particular food, but I’m not listening. My eyes are on the distance between the two men.

Is the waiter that close on purpose? How can I get him to back the fuck up right now?

“Andry!” It’s my name that finally breaks me from my thoughts.

Looking across the table, I notice the pair staring at me. My boy appears confused. Meanwhile, the waiter is… amused. He’s nearly laughing at the scowl on my face.

“For you, sir?”

I give him my order and my menu, then watch as he leaves. When I turn back to face Rodney, he’s the one frowning now.

“Do you like him or something?”

“What?! No! Why would you think that, little genius?”

“You kept staring at him while I ordered. And then you didn’t look away even when I called your name. Not to mention you watched him leave like that.” He crosses his arms as he shrinks down in his chair.

Fuck.

My jealousy backfires.

Uncaring about our location, I stand from my chair and go around to him. I lift him from his seat, then take his spot and ease him on my lap.

“What are you —?”

I put my finger over his lips to stop his question. He has to hear me out before he says anything else.

“He looked like he was interested in you. I didn’t like how close he stood. That’s why I was staring,” I admit. “Then it was like I got in my head about it. Watching him leave was the same. I want to keep him away from you.”

My boy stares into my eyes for a long moment before softening. “You’re telling the truth.”

“I am. Watching him leave was to make sure he didn’t turn back to look at you. I wouldn’t be able to stand someone flirting with you in front of me.”

“Daddy,” he says softly. “There’s nothing to worry about. You’re all I want. The only person who gets me like this.”

He motions to his position on my lap. I adjust him until he’s closer than before, not that he was all that far away to begin with.

“Good. Only me.”

“Only you.” His words are a vow. I bask in the comfort they bring.

“But maybe you should let me sit down again. People are staring.”

I look around, noticing that there are people watching us. It’s something I’ve gotten used to since all the media stuff began. At least here they don’t have phones out trying to record us.

“They’re curious. It’s harmless.”

“Even so, Daddy, I’d like to sit down. Having an erection at dinner isn’t ideal.”

My body heats at the suggestion as my already growing cock hardens further. “Too late for me,” I rasp.

He shakes his head. “Not for me, though. Let me go, please.”

I can’t deny the request. Consent is important for us, and it wouldn’t be wise of me to ignore him. Not even when I think he’ll enjoy himself more from this position.

“Fine,” I say as I ease him up. When I stand, my hardness is obvious. Rodney blushes as he tries to look somewhere else. Poor thing can’t help staring though.

Taking my time to my seat only gives him more of a chance to watch. I smile as I sit back down.

“You ok over there, little genius?”

He nods, closing his eyes as he takes deep breaths. “All good.”

“Really? Because I can come back over there…”

“Don’t! I’m good. Too good. Now stay there, Daddy.” His eyes meet mine. In them, I see a promise for later. I might not get to show him off the way I want to here, but he’ll reward me with his submission later when we’re alone.

Granted, I’m not sure where that place will be. We don’t really fool around at his place if we know Ma is home. And my room is off-limits thanks to the housemates.

I’m not above finding a hotel tonight if it comes down to it. I’d do pretty much anything for time with my boy. He’s worth all the extra effort.

The rest of dinner goes better than the start. As it turns out, my boy does not enjoy his chosen meal as much. Something about the texture of the sauce has him snatching up the pasta I ordered as a side item.

By the time we’re ready to go, he’s nearly falling asleep standing up. I’ll have to try to remember to have dates on the days he doesn’t have a full day before it.

With my arm wrapped around him, I guide us both outside to the valet stand. The guy takes our ticket and tells me it’ll be a minute.

As soon as he’s gone, two figures come out of the restaurant too. I have to blink to make sure I’m not too far gone as well since the men look identical.

“Twins?” my boy mumbles aloud.

The guys laugh. “Yeah. Twins indeed,” the one of the left replies.

Rodney tips his head back to look at me. “Look, Daddy. Copy, paste in person.”

As he giggles, I shake my head. I’m not bothered by him using the title in front of these two; however, my boy might have regrets later.

Before I can say anything, the twin on the right raises his hand. “We know all about that life. Your boy is adorable, and we’re not bothered at all.”

“Thanks,” I tell him honestly.

“No worries. You keep our secrets, and we’ll keep yours.”

I don’t know what he could possibly be talking about. What kind of secrets am I keeping for them?

That’s about the moment the valet pulls up Rodney’s car. I take the keys from him as I navigate my sleepy boy into his seat. When I stand again, one of the twins is signing a piece of paper for an overeager guy about my age, and a wide-eyed valet is frozen in place.

The twin not getting attention moves over to my side. “It’s always a mess when people recognize him. Sometimes they think I’m him, too, and then I have to kindly turn them away.”

“Is he famous or something? Is that why you mentioned protecting secrets?” I keep my voice low to prevent anyone looking our way.

“Yeah, you could say that. He’s a professional baseball player. I’m just the CEO brother who works too much. We happen to look alike, which is where confusion comes in.” He holds his hand out. “My name is Duval. That goober over there is Jules. Nice to meet you.”

“I’m Andry. The sleepy boy is Rodney.”

He nods. “Yeah, I know. You two are making waves. Keep up the good work. We need more queer rep in the world. Now, if you don’t mind, I’ve got to go save him. Later!”

I watch him leave for a minute before shaking myself from the odd meeting and climbing behind the wheel. No matter what I think or feel, it’s good to get the word out about more queer players in the community.

Back when I was a kid, I could have used someone telling me it would be ok to come out. I needed to know the world wasn’t going to end if I admitted I liked boys.

Now I get the chance to let others in on the secret.

How fucking cool is that?