Building Things
by icevuk2634
26 Aug 2018 1250 readers Score 9.7 (67 votes) PDF Mobi ePub Txt
“Well let’s see. You got kicked out of your house by your mom, you had no place to go, but now you do, and you seem to think that everything in your life is spiraling toward the ground. That about cover it?” Derrick asked. Aiden nodded, “Let’s have a little talk, shall we?” Derrick asked and closed the cabinet doors. He led Aiden over to the couch and sat him down and then sat down himself, “I never thought I would be in this position.” Derrick said softly.
“What position?” Aiden asked. Derrick looked at him and smiled briefly.
“About to give advice that my father gave me years ago.” Derrick said, “You see, I was in your position once. Oh, not being kicked out or anything like that, but in the position of coming to terms with who I really am. I went to my parents and had to tell them. We had always been able to talk to each other and I had no secrets from them. It was always nice to know that they would listen and they never judged until that one day. That changed everything for us.”
“Why did you tell them?” Aiden asked.
“Because I felt I had to. I didn’t want to hide what I felt, who I am, from them.” Derrick said and then cocked his head slightly, “Why did you tell your mother?” Derrick asked and Aiden shrugged his shoulders a bit.
“The same reason, I guess.” Aiden said.
“Did you feel better for telling her?” Derrick asked. Aiden nodded but was looking at the floor, “So you did it for you.” Aiden looked at him, “There’s nothing wrong with that at all. It’s the first sign of strength, Aiden. You have to be happy about who and what you are before anyone else can be happy with you or for you.”
“How can I be happy?” Aiden asked.
“That’s something that you’ll have to figure out for yourself.” Derrick said. He put a hand on a young shoulder, “Is there someone else in this?” Derrick asked and Aiden went a bit wide eyed for a moment, “I see there is.” Derrick said and smiled warmly, “Is he a nice guy?”
“To me he is. To most others he’s a jerk.” Aiden said. Derrick narrowed his eyes a bit.
“What is he, a jock?” Derrick asked.
“How did you know?” Aiden asked.
“Jocks are jerks by nature, because they show off and have to be cocky. It’s part of the persona. I was a jock once and did the same thing.” Derrick said, “But you say he’s nice to you?” Derrick asked and Aiden nodded.
“I help him with school stuff and he’s nice about it.”
“Well because you’re doing something for him. Most jocks appreciate that.” Derrick said and then paused for a moment, “Is he gay?” Derrick asked softly. Aiden looked at him and was almost horrified, “It’s just between us, bud. No one else needs to know.” Aiden turned back and looked down at the floor, “So, he’s not really sure, is he? He’s experimenting.” Aiden looked back at Derrick and turned a bit on the couch to face him more.
“But when we’re together, he’s different, you know?” Aiden asked.
“Different how?” Derrick asked.
“He’s more…” Aiden said and was struggling to get it out, to find the right words.
“What?” Derrick asked gently. Aiden sighed with frustration.
“He’s…”
“Gentle? Caring?” Derrick asked and Aiden eased a bit and nodded, “That’s not so hard, bud. Do you like that he’s that way with you?”
“Yeah.” Aiden said with an exhale.
“It’s the best way actually. Everybody deserves to be cared for, always remember that.” Derrick said, “What’s his name?”
“Greg.” Aiden said.
“What’s he play?”
“Captain of the baseball team. He’s a pitcher.” Aiden said with a slight roll of his eyes.
“So, he’s not just a jock, but a hot jock.” Derrick said with a grin. He playfully punched Aiden in the shoulder and brought a smile to the young face, “Yeah, you know how to appreciate that too, don’t you?” Derrick asked.
“He’s got a body like a rock. He’s so hot.” Aiden said softly and Derrick chuckled. Aiden looked at him still with a smile.
“Yeah, and he makes you happy, I can see it. That’s good. When was the last time you saw him?” Derrick asked.
“Couple of weeks ago.” Aiden said.
“Does he know about any of this?” Derrick asked, Aiden shook his head, “Maybe you should give him a call and tell him.”
“Tell him what?” Aiden asked.
“Well, did he come to your house to do school stuff?” Derrick asked, Aiden nodded, “Hmmm, well it seems to me that if you want to see the guy, and you’re not at your mom’s anymore…”
“I should let him know, yeah.” Aiden said.
“Might make you feel better.” Derrick said. Aiden nodded again.
“What do I say though?” Aiden asked.
“Why don’t you start with the truth, it’s better that way.” Derrick said.
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Ty stepped up the step, the large man backed up once, Ty moved slowly and so did the large man. They stared at each other and Ty was disgusted with how the guy smelled as he was so close to him.
“You gonna get out of my way?” Ty asked the man.
“I told you before, you can leave.”
“And I told you that I will after I’m done with what I came here for.” Ty said, “Jolene, you want to call your dog off? I don’t want any trouble.”
“Yeah, you’re gonna have trouble alright.” The large man said.
“Yeah?” Ty snarled, “Think you’re man enough? It won’t be like punching a boy, cause I hit back and hard.”
“Should call the cops.” The man snarled.
“Yeah, why don’t we? Let’s see who’s going to jail, me, or someone who pounds on a kid.” Ty said, his jaw flexed and tight. He was gripping the empty duffels so tight, it was like he was about to rip them apart.
“Frank,” Jolene said as she stepped next to the large man.
“He’s askin for it.”
“No he’s not asshole.” Seth said as he came out on the porch, letting the screen door slam. He came up in front of Ty and took the duffels from his hands, “He’s only here to help my brother. I’ll go pack his stuff.” Seth said, turned and went back to the door.
“What did you call me?” The large man asked.
“Asshole, and it fits.” Seth said over his shoulder as he threw open the screen. Ty grinned out of the corner of his mouth.
“You little,…” The large man as he turned to go after Seth.
“Better stop right there, dump truck.” Ty growled. The man balled up his fists and turned back toward Ty, “You got one shot, and it better be good.” Ty said in a low voice and was more than ready for him. The large man thought about it and eased.
“Call the cops, Jolene.” He snarled without taking his eyes off Ty.
“We don’t need to.” She said. She put a hand on his thick hairy arm, and looked at Ty, “Just get his stuff and get out of here, Ty.” Ty shifted his eyes toward her for a moment and then back to him. He stepped up another step and the large man backed up again. Ty moved cautiously and slowly and the man gave ground. Ty went around him and went to the screen door, opening it, going into the house. He had been here before and knew where Aiden’s room was. He went into the hallway and to the left to the first door, going into the room. He stopped. Seth was opening drawers in the dresser, pulling out clothes and dumping them into one of the duffels.
“You weren’t kiddin, he is a neat freak.” Ty said as he looked around. Everything in the room was more than tidy, placed just so, it was almost unreal. Seth looked over his shoulder.
“Did you kick his fat slob ass?” Seth asked.
“No, not yet. It’d be too good for him.” Ty said.
“Wish you would.” Seth muttered as he closed the empty drawer and opened another one. Ty stepped in closer to Seth.
“How does he keep it so clean?” Ty asked.
“Seriously?” Seth asked in reply to the question.
“I never kept my room this clean, only when my grandmother came to visit, and that was maybe only once a year. Then I kicked everything under the bed before she got there.” Ty said.
“He’s got stuff in his closet.” Seth said as he emptied another drawer. Ty went over to the closet and opened the door. He went wide eyed and whistled softly through his teeth.
“Derrick should see this.” Ty said and started to grab the neatly hung hangers with the clothes off the rod. Ty turned and went to an empty duffel on the bed. The bed itself was neatly made. Ty pursed his lips together, “Sorry Aiden, you’ll have to iron when you unpack.” Ty said as he stuffed the duffel, hangers and all. It took only a few minutes but everything Aiden owned was packed, stuffed, and was now carried out of the room by Ty and Seth. They went out the screen door, Seth kept going toward the truck but Ty stopped and looked at Jolene, duffels in his hands.
“What?” She asked with a roll of her eyes.
“You want me to tell him anything for you?” Ty asked.
“Like what?” She asked.
“Well, I don’t know, Jolene, you’re his mother and he’s your son.” Ty said.
“Get the fuck out of here.” The large man said as he stood next to Jolene. Ty shifted his eyes at him.
“You know what, dump truck? I’d love to and I am leaving, but if I hear anything of you touching Seth, I’m coming right back and I will kick your ass, cops or no cops.” Ty said.
“Yeah?” The large man asked.
“Believe it.” Ty said flatly. He slowly turned and went down the steps and went out to the truck and the waiting Seth. Ty smiled at Seth briefly, “Open the door, will you?” Ty asked. Seth opened the passenger door and then the back-seat door. Ty waited as Seth placed one of the duffels on the seat, then got out of the way for Ty. Ty placed the duffels on the seat, then closed the door. He looked at Seth, “You gonna be okay?” Ty asked softly. Seth nodded once.
“He’s only here a couple days a week. The rest of the time, he’s driving truck.” Seth said.
“Oh, I get it.”
“Yeah.” Seth said softly and leaned closer to Ty, “I think mom can only put up with him for a couple of days anyway. He eats everything in the house and drinks all the beer then leaves.”
“Sounds like a real catch.” Ty said. Seth shook his head and smiled, “You got problems, you got my number, right?” Ty asked and Seth nodded, “Good. Use it.” Ty said.
“I will.” Seth said. He came close and put his arms around Ty’s muscled shoulders and hugged him tight, “Love you, Uncle T.” Ty hugged Seth back tight.
“You haven’t called me that in years.” Ty said, “I like it.” He heard Seth sniffle once and they pulled back from one another.
“You should have kicked his ass.” Seth whispered. Ty smiled.
“Maybe your Uncle Bart will.” Ty whispered, “Don’t forget to give him a call.”
“I will.” Seth said.
“Be tough.” Ty said and pat Seth on the upper arm. He went around the truck and climbed in, closing the door. He put the key in the ignition, turned it and fired up the truck. Ty waved once to Seth and pulled away from the curb. He drove slowly up the street, then made a left at the corner.
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Conner walked up behind Platt and stopped as Platt was talking to three different men and a woman. Conner waited until there was a break in the conversation and stepped carefully up next to the older man. The eyes caught sight of Conner and there was a slight smile with seeing him.
“There you are, my boy.” Platt said as he looked at Conner, taking him by the arm, “Vicky get you taken care of?” Platt asked and Conner nodded politely, “Excellent. Conner Van Owen, may I introduce to you Phillip Esterra of Transworld Shipping, Mason Stewart of Global Imports, his wife, Cynthia, and this is Gunther Reinholdt, Deputy Minister of Finance of South Africa.”
“Good afternoon.” Conner said as he shook all of their hands, “Minister.”
“Yah, I know of your father I think.” The Deputy Minister said as he held onto Conner’s hand.
“Only the good things, I hope.” Conner said with a slight grin and everyone chuckled a bit.
“They say that he is a hard man to deal with.” The Deputy Minister said.
“I can give you firsthand experience on that, Minister.” Conner said, taking his hand back from the man, “Being raised by him was definitely difficult, I can only imagine if he is that way in the board room, it would be more than difficult.” Conner said with a wider smile, all smiled back at him.
“Yah.” The Deputy Minister said and narrowed his eyes a bit, “They also say that he can charm a coiled snake ready to strike.”
“Please, Minister,” Conner said and looked concerned and leaned forward a bit, “I have never heard my mother referred to as a snake before.” Everyone laughed and Conner raised an eyebrow as he stared at the Deputy Minister, who went red with embarrassment.
“I apologize, Mr. Van Owen, I did not mean…” The Deputy Minister was almost beet red. Conner reached out and took his hand again.
“I am only teasing, Minister, I know what you meant.” Conner said and the man slowly eased, “I apologize, I couldn’t resist.” Conner said and smiled broad, his million-dollar smile, “But you are right. My father has a reputation for being a very difficult man, and for getting his way.”
“Like father, like son?” Platt asked with a bit of a grin. Conner looked at him and gave him a smirk.
“I am not as ruthless, but I have been known to get my way from time to time.” Conner said and gave his million-dollar smile again and a flash of his eyes.
“So, if I may, Conner, what brings you here?” The lady asked as she slyly looked Conner up and down, “I mean you’re obviously not from here.”
“Very true, Mrs. Stewart.” Conner said focusing on her.
“Cynthia, please.” She smiled. Conner nodded once.
“Cynthia.” Conner said with all politeness, “I am here to close down our operations and offices. We are downsizing the company. Mr. Platt was kind enough to invite me here and I was in hopes of getting an answer to a request that I made of him at dinner last night.”
“And what was that?” Cynthia asked in her smooth voice.
“Conner asked me to hire his employees.” Platt said crossing his arms over his chest.
“Hiring the competition?” Esterra asked. He was a tall, dark man, and had been quiet up till now. Conner looked at him.
“They are highly skilled and are already trained. It would be a good fit in my opinion.” Conner said.
“Forgive me for saying it, but why would you care what happens to them after you close your operations?” Esterra asked.
“Because they are people, Mr. Esterra, they have families, and need to live. I know it can be difficult to find work here.” Conner said.
“You care about them.” Cynthia asked.
“Yes, I do.” Conner said. She smiled and looked at Platt as did the others, putting him on the spot all of a sudden waiting for an answer.
“Very clever, Conner.” Platt said as he caught all of their looks. He looked at Conner, “You force my hand, just like your father did quite a few years ago.” Platt paused for a long moment and sighed softly, “I suppose I can take quite a few of them from you.”
“That would be wonderful, thank you.” Conner said as he looked at Platt, “With our offices closed, your business is about to double I’m sure. They should come in very handy to have.”
“Next, I suppose you’ll be asking me to buy all of your ships as well.” Platt said. Conner smiled and leaned closer a bit.
“Only if you can write me a very, very large check right now.” Conner smirked. Everyone but Platt chuckled.
“I think he has you by the short hairs, Hiram.” Stewart said, speaking for the first time. Conner shifted his eyes and looked at the older man and gave him a brief smile.
“That was not my intention, Mr. Stewart.” Conner said and looked at Platt, “But if you are interested in purchasing the ships, I can put you in touch with the right department of the company.” Everyone laughed.
“He’s a treasure, Hiram. You must think of a way to keep him here with us.” Cynthia said, almost with a purr in her voice.
“I think I have.” Platt said, looking beyond Conner seeing his daughter Victoria coming toward them.
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Alec sat and listened to the conversation going on between mother, daughter, sometimes in English, sometimes in French. He smiled now and then as there were slight looks given toward him. He was feeling a bit out of place. He looked over and saw the children near their father. They were very quiet, not like what he was used to in his family.
“Mister Alec?” Madame Julliene asked and Alec looked at her.
“I’m sorry, did you ask me something?”
“Yes. I was just saying that we should start to prepare dinner.” She said and looked at him.
“Oh. Of course.” Alec said.
“Unless you would rather not.” Madame Julliene said, “Is there something wrong?”
“No, that’s fine. I was just thinking about the kids and my own nieces and nephews.” Alec said.
“Do you miss them?” Chevelle asked, leaning forward a bit, setting her cup on the table. Alec looked at her and gave her a warm smile.
“Yes, I guess I do.” Alec said, “A little.”
“How many do you have?” Robert asked. Alec looked at the stunning man, who had been quiet up till now.
“There are five of them.” Alec said, “They are not like yours though.”
“What do you mean?” Robert asked.
“They are all very loud, always running around when we get together. Yours are very well behaved and quiet.” Alec said.
“Does that bother you?” Robert asked with a soft smile. Alec returned it to him.
“No, not at all.” Alec said, “Just not used to it, I guess.”
“Ah.” Robert said and put an arm around his daughter, “We have been very blessed with them.”
“I can see that.” Alec said softly and smiled at Robert and then the children. They returned Alec’s smile. The boy, Eadric, turned his smile to a grin. There was mischief behind those eyes Alec could see, mischief that any young boy was capable of, “I was thinking of taking a little walk. Would it be alright if the kids came with me?” Alec asked Robert.
“Where were you thinking of walking to?” Robert asked.
“Do you know where the spring and little pond are?” Alec asked.
“Yes, at the end of the villa.” Robert said.
“Yes. I go out there every other day or so.” Alec said.
“What do you do there?” Robert asked.
“Mostly I just think. But I also listen to the birds singing and the sounds of the water flowing by.” Alec said.
“Really.” Robert said.
“It’s very peaceful actually.” Alec said and slowly rose from his chair. He looked at Robert, “They are more than welcome to come along if they want.” Alec said and Robert asked the children in French. They both looked at Alec and then back at their father and nodded, giving him smiles.
“They wish to go with you.” Robert said.
“I thought they might.” Alec said, “We won’t be gone long at all.”
“Alright.” Robert said. Alec looked at Madame Julliene and Chevelle.
“When we get back, we can start preparing dinner. Excuse us.” Alec said. Madame Julliene nodded once toward him.
“If you wish.” She said. Alec returned the nod and walked away from the table. The children followed behind him.
Alec walked a ways through the garden and then stopped. The children came up to each side of him and he looked down toward them. He smiled and put out his hands to each side of him. They slowly took his hands in their own and he nodded.
“I don’t know if you have ever been here before, or can even understand what I’m saying, but I think you’ll really like it.” Alec said.
“Are we going to the water?” Eadric asked in perfect English. Alec looked down at him and was a bit shocked.
“You understand what I’m saying?” Alec asked.
“Uh huh.” The boy said as he looked up at Alec.
“Well, this might be fun then.” Alec said with a bit of a grin.
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Ty walked in the back door of the house. He came into the kitchen and saw Derrick at the counter. He looked around and didn’t see Aiden anywhere. Derrick looked up from what he was doing and smiled at the love of his life.
“Hi, babe. You’re back.” Derrick said, “Everything okay?”
“Yeah.” Ty said as he toward the counter, “Where’s Aiden?”
“He’s outside making a phone call to a ‘friend’.” Derrick said as Ty slid up next to him. Derrick leaned a bit and kissed Ty on the cheek, “That didn’t take too long.” Ty put a hand on the small of Derrick’s back, then turned and leaned against the counter.
“You would have been impressed.” Ty said. Derrick looked at him.
“With what?” Derrick asked.
“His room.” Ty said and held out his hands in front of him, using them to talk with him, “I have never seen anything as neat and as clean in my life, well, besides maybe a hospital. Speaking of which, do we have an iron?”
“An iron? What does that have to do with a hospital?” Derrick asked as he was confused.
“Nothing.” Ty said. He kissed Derrick on the cheek and headed back toward the back door.
“Where are you going?” Derrick asked.
“Saving the neat factory.” Ty said over his shoulder. Derrick just shook his head as he heard the back screen hit the jamb.
Ty went to his truck and started pulling out the duffels. He set them down, keeping one in his hand then closed the door of the truck. He picked up the duffels and went around the truck to the man door of the structure, opening it and swung the door in. He saw Aiden coming toward him on the phone.
“Hold on a second.” Aiden said to the phone and then lowered it, “Let me help you.” Aiden said to Ty, taking a duffel from him.
“Don’t be pissed.” Ty said as he entered the structure, going across it to the bed.
“What would I be pissed about?” Aiden asked.
“Your hanging clothes might be wrinkled a bit.” Ty said as he set the duffels on the bed, “Couldn’t be helped. I was kind of pressed for time with that fat fucker your mom is dating.”
“Did you kick his ass?” Aiden asked and set the phone down on the bed along with the duffel.
“That’s what your brother kept asking me too.” Ty said, “What is it with you guys and kicking asses?”
“He needs it.”
“You’re right, he does, but it wouldn’t solve anything.” Ty said.
“Maybe not, but I’d sure feel better about everything.” Aiden said softly.
“Who are you on the phone with?” Ty asked and Aiden looked at him with wide eyes.
“Uh,…a friend.”
“Oh. Someone I might know, this friend?” Ty asked.
“Uh, no.” Aiden said quickly. Ty raised an eyebrow at him.
“This friend have a name?”
“Yeah.” Aiden said, flashing his eyes down at the phone and then back to Ty. Ty raised a hand and used his fingers to beckon at Aiden.
“Give me the phone.” Ty said softly. Aiden hesitated, “Give me the phone.” Ty said still with his raised eyebrow. Aiden reached down and picked up the phone, “Now, unpack.” Ty said and put the phone to his ear, “Hey, this is Ty Caldwell, who’s this?...Greg,…nice to talk to you,…what?...oh, I’m the supportive uncle,…what?,…no, not the fat plumber one, that’s Bart,…no, I’m the hot carpenter uncle.” Ty smiled wiggling his eyebrows and Aiden wanted to die right there. He rolled his eyes and opened a duffel bag. Ty chuckled, “No, I’m laughing at your buddy Aiden here. He just turned three shades of white. Yeah, I think he might pass out. Well, if he does, then we could have a real good talk…what?,…no, he’s a good guy, really. He’s had a bit of a rough couple of days though,…oh, you know about that? Did he tell you he’s staying here with us? Good. Did he tell you where the house is?” Ty asked and listened to the voice on the other end, “Perfect. Yeah, sure, come on by anytime, the more the merrier as they say.” Ty said and listened again, “Sure, will do. Well, good talking to you, here’s Aiden.” Ty said and handed the phone over, “Sounds really hot.” Ty whispered with a wink and Aiden went even wider eyed if that was possible, “Don’t drop the phone.” Ty said, “See you in the house.” Ty said and walked away from Aiden. He went out the man door and walked across the yard to the back steps, going up and opened the screen, going through, letting it close on its own. Derrick looked up from the counter and saw the look.
“What did you do?” Derrick asked. Ty stopped and looked surprised.
“What makes you think I did anything?” Ty asked. Derrick cocked his head a little and frowned, “What?”
“What did you do?” Derrick asked again.
“Nothing. Just pulled out the duffels from the truck and put them in the studio.” Ty said as he sat on one of the stools at the counter.
“Is that all?” Derrick asked and then heard the back door open. Aiden came out of the little hall looking a bit sick. Derrick looked at him and Aiden came over and sat next to Ty.
“What’d he say?” Ty asked and shoulder bumped Aiden.
“He wants to come over and see me.” Aiden said softly. Ty smirked and wiggled his eyebrows at Derrick.
“Oh my God, what did you do?” Derrick asked Ty.
“He talked to Greg.” Aiden said softly.
“You did what?” Derrick asked Ty. Ty lost his smirk, “You know, he was trying to work this out on his own.”
“What?” Ty asked throwing up his hands, “I was just curious about his friend, that’s all.”
“Uh huh.” Derrick said slowly and then scowled at Ty. He looked at Aiden, “You okay, buddy?” Derrick asked. Aiden nodded in reply, “Did this chunkhead screw it up for you?” Derrick asked and Aiden shook his head. Ty went wide eyed and looked at Derrick.
“See?” Ty asked. Derrick frowned at him again.
“He said he thought it was kind of funny what you said.” Aiden said. Ty looked at him.
“What did I say?” Ty asked.
“What did you say?” Derrick asked Ty. Ty looked at Derrick.
“I don’t know.” Ty said to Derrick then looked back at Aiden, “What’d I say?”
“You said you were the hot carpenter uncle and Uncle Bart was,…” Aiden said.
“The fat plumber one, yeah I remember.” Ty said and rolled his eyes. He folded his hands together and put them on the counter and looked at Derrick.
“Oh my God, did you really say that?” Derrick asked and Ty nodded his head really big with pursed lips. Derrick shook his head as he leaned on the counter with his hands, “You’re unbelievable.”
“Don’t tell Bart I said he was fat.” Ty said as he leaned against Aiden, “So, when do we get to meet him?”
“In a couple of hours, maybe.” Aiden said softly.
“What do you mean, maybe?” Ty asked.
“He loses track of time, sometimes he totally forgets.” Aiden said and looked down at the counter. He leaned forward a bit and started to trace a pattern in the granite with his fingertip. Derrick and Ty looked at each other and then back at Aiden.
“Bet he’ll be here on time this time.” Ty said. Aiden looked at him from the corner of his eye. Ty flashed Derrick a look with widened eyes.
“I would lay money on it, bud.” Derrick said and Aiden looked up. Derrick smiled and then winked at him, “It’s different here than at your mom’s house. You told him that right?”
“Didn’t have to.” Aiden said and gave Ty a side glance.
“Oh God, what else did you say?” Derrick asked as he glared at Ty, who looked dumbfounded.
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“Vicky.” Platt said to his daughter as she up between Conner and her father. Platt leaned down a bit and kissed his daughter on the forehead, “You know everyone, don’t you?” He asked and Victoria smiled at them all, they all returned the smile and gave her a nod.
“Yes.” She said and her voice was almost like a purr, she put an arm around her father, the other around Conner’s waist, trying to pull him closer to her, “Is everyone having a good time?”
“My daughter, the gracious hostess.” Platt said and smiled, “She’s always worried about everyone.”
“You taught me that, Daddy.” Victoria said as she leaned into her father a moment.
“We were just having an interesting conversation with our charming new young man.” Cynthia Stewart said, giving Conner the eye. Victoria looked at her and then turned her head toward Conner.
“Are they picking on you already?” Victoria asked Conner.
“No, not at all.” Conner said, still being gracious. He looked at Cynthia Stewart directly and flashed a smile.
“I was just saying to your father, Victoria, that we needed to find a reason to keep him here.” Cynthia said.
“If only that were possible.” Victoria said, “I’m sure that Conner has to get back to the states very soon.” She shifted herself and leaned into Conner’s side a bit.
“It’s true.” Conner said, “Once I have our office closed up, I’ll be on a plane to go back.”
“When will that be?” Cynthia asked.
“In another day, I hope.” Conner said and gave another smile to her.
“So soon?” Cynthia asked and Conner just nodded toward her. A man in a white jacket walked up to Platt and said something to his ear. Platt nodded only and the man walked away.
“It appears that the buffet is ready to serve.” Platt said, “Vicky, would you start to organize everyone for me?”
“Of course, Daddy.” She said, letting her arms go to her sides, she looked up at Conner, “I’ll take you with me.”
“Actually, I’m going to steal Conner away for a minute. I need to have a word with him.” Platt said and Victoria raised a bit of an eyebrow toward her father.
“Be nice, Daddy.” She said.
“Aren’t I always?” Platt asked. He looked at Conner and reached out a hand, taking Conner by the arm, leading him away from the group. Cynthia Stewart came close to Victoria as they watched Platt and Conner walk away from them.
“He certainly is easy on the eyes.” Cynthia whispered to Victoria’s ear.
“Yes he is.” She whispered back, “And now he walks away from me for the second time.”
“Maybe you should do something about that, Victoria.” Cynthia said.
“If only I could.” Victoria whispered.
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Alec carefully went across the stream that fed the pond, stepping on the rocks. He made it across without getting his shoes wet and went out on the big rock on the other side. He looked over his shoulder and turned back to look at the children. Sophie was standing on the bank in the grass, Eadric was stepping out on the first rock. He was looking down to the next one and then stepped forward, trying to keep his balance. Alec watched as the boy went from rock to rock and made to the other side. Sophie looked at him.
“Can you make it?” Alec asked. She seemed uncertain to Alec, “Do you want some help or do you want to stay over there?”
“What are you going to do over there?” Sophie asked in perfect English. It was the first time Alec had heard her say anything, let alone in perfect English. Her voice was soft and sweet and made Alec smile.
“If you come over, I’ll show you.” Alec said. Eadric was now beside Alec and was staring back at his sister, “Do you want some help?” Alec asked and she was thinking about it very hard Alec could tell. She finally moved and went to the edge near the first rock. She looked at Alec and her brother and then back down at the rock and stepped out carefully. She made the first one, then the next, then the next, and the last one, stepping onto the big rock and was a bit wide eyed over it, “You did that just great.” Alec said. He sat down where he had stood. Eadric was looking at him.
“What are you doing?” Sophie asked. Alec looked at her and smiled.
“This is what I do when I come out here.” Alec said.
“What?” Sophie asked.
“I listen.” Alec said.
“To what?” Eadric asked. Alec looked at him now.
“Listen.” Alec said softly. They were all quiet. The air was filled with different sounds now, birds singing and chirping away in the trees around them and then there was also the sounds of the water flowing over the rocks. It was gentle, peaceful, relaxing here to Alec. He loved it here very much. Eadric sat down next to Alec and was very still. Sophie sat down as well now but in front of Alec. She looked around for the birds that she could hear but couldn’t see them at first. Slowly, carefully, she started to focus, and then she saw them now and then as the birds flew off or new ones would fly in and take their places on branches. Alec smiled at her as he wrapped his arms around his knees as he brought up his legs, his feet flat on the big rock they sat on.
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Aiden seemed to be pacing, looking nervously out the windows of the house now and then. Ty was watching him out of the corner of his eye. Derrick would look up from the vegetables he was cutting up on the cutting board before him.
“Kind of look familiar?” Derrick asked above a whisper.
“Conner with Alec?” Ty asked as he smirked.
“Yeah.” Derrick said, “Hey, Aiden?” Derrick asked and Aiden turned and looked at him. He had that look on his face, “Need something to do?”
“Uh…why do you ask?”
“Because you’re wearing a path out in the hardwood.” Derrick said and pointed with his paring knife. Aiden looked at the floor, scanning it and Ty chuckled at the tall counter. Aiden looked over at Ty.
“You’re mean, Uncle T.” Aiden said. Derrick chuckled himself.
“Seriously, bud, do you want something to do? It might take your mind off it.” Derrick asked. Aiden sighed and came toward Derrick, going around the counter and came up next to him, “Remember I gave your brother a cooking lesson this morning?” Derrick asked and Aiden nodded, “Maybe you would like one as well. You learn how to cook and that can keep a guy happy as well.”
“It can?”
“Oh yeah, just look at Ty there. If I didn’t cook, you know he’d be hanging around the taco truck all the time, or a greasy burger joint.” Derrick said, flashing his eyes once at Ty.
“It’s not just your cooking that keeps me hanging around here, you know.” Ty said, “There’s other things too.”
“Yeah, and I think we all know what that is.” Derrick said.
“Easy, we have a kid in the house.” Ty said and was trying to look ‘parental’.
“Like I don’t what he means?” Aiden asked as he leaned on his hands on the counter.
“You’re still a virgin, right?” Ty asked, Aiden’s jaw dropped and Derrick dropped the knife, “What?” Ty asked with his hands up.
“I can’t believe you sometimes.” Derrick said, picking up the knife, “I should send you to your room, young man.” Derrick pointed the knife his way. Ty wiggled his eyebrows.
“Only if you go with me.” Ty said. Aiden lowered and shook his head.
“I’m sorry about him.” Derrick said to Aiden.
“It’s okay, I’m used to it. Especially with him.” Aiden said, “He’s just trying to make me feel better.”
“And I know I did.” Ty said and pointed a finger at Aiden, giving him a goofy grin. Aiden chuckled, “See, right there.” Ty changed his look on his face, “So, you didn’t tell me about this Greg. Is he as hot as he sounds on the phone?”
“Ty!” Derrick said, “Leave him alone.”
“What? I was just asking.” Ty said and looked at Aiden, “Well?” Aiden eased a bit.
“You don’t have to tell him a thing, bud.” Derrick said, “Keep him guessing.”
“So, he is hot.” Ty said and Aiden rolled his eyes. Ty put a hand to his ear and perked a bit, “Was that a car I heard?” Aiden was wide eyed and went quickly around the counter for the living room. Ty was about to explode. Derrick reached over and slapped Ty on the muscled arm.
“You are so mean to him.” Derrick said and Ty wiggled his eyebrows. Aiden came back into the kitchen and glared at Ty, who chuckled.
“Sorry, bud, I’ll settle down.” Ty said and Aiden shook his head a bit.
“I can’t believe you sometimes, Uncle T.” Aiden said. Derrick stopped his cutting. He cocked his head a little.
“Don’t go running, but I really do think I heard a car.” Derrick said, Aiden looked at him and there it was, the sound of a car door closing. Aiden walked quickly away toward the living room, came back and was wide eyed.
“Oh my God, he’s here.” Aiden went pale.
“Well, are you gonna go let him in?” Ty asked.
“Uh…yeah.” Aiden said. He looked really nervous and was biting his bottom lip.
“Front door’s that way, bud.” Ty pointed.
“Yeah.” Aiden said, turning and heading in that direction. Ty and Derrick looked at each other, Ty rolled his eyes.
“This ought to be interesting.” Ty said.
“You behave yourself.” Derrick shook a finger at him. Ty frowned.
“You always take my fun away.” Ty said and got off the stool.
“Give them a minute to be alone.” Derrick said as he heard the front door opening.
“I was just gonna have a look.” Ty said. Derrick now frowned and cocked his head, “Oh alright.” Ty said and sat back down, “You want me to help you?”
“That’d be a first.” Derrick said. Ty’s mouth dropped open and Derrick smiled, giving him a wink.
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“Hey.” Aiden said as he came off the steps of the house.
“Hey yourself.” Greg said, “You okay?”
“Guess so.” Aiden said, putting his hands in his back pockets, looking down at the sidewalk.
“Nice house.” Greg said. Aiden looked back at it and then at Greg.
“Yeah, it is. The guy that owns it is an architect.”
“Really.” Greg said looking around a bit more, “Where’s your hot uncle at?” Aiden smiled.
“He’s in the house.”
“With the architect?” Greg asked.
“Yeah…they…” Aiden said and Greg was looking at him with those deep blue eyes of his.
“They what?” Greg asked. Aiden cleared his throat.
“Derrick’s starting to cook dinner.” Aiden said.
“Is that the architect?” Greg asked and Aiden nodded, “Your uncle, he’s Ty, right?”
“Yeah, but he’s really not my uncle. We just say he is.” Aiden said and looked down again at the sidewalk.
“I’m confused.” Greg said.
“You could come inside, if you want.” Aiden said, “You can meet them. They’re really nice guys.”
“Okay, sure.” Greg said. Aiden started to turn but Greg put a hand on his arm, stopping him, “Before we go inside, I wanted to tell you something.” Aiden looked at his more than handsome face. Greg stepped closer to Aiden. Aiden took his hands out of his back pockets, Greg slowly put his hands on Aiden’s arms and leaned forward, tilting his head a bit. Aiden was more than surprised and closed his eyes, waiting for it to happen, wanting it.
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“Holy shit, he’s frickin’ gorgeous.” Ty said. Derrick was looking over his shoulder.
“I can’t believe you talked me into this.” Derrick whispered as they both watched the teens out in front, “We shouldn’t be spying on them.”
“I had to see what he looked like.” Ty said as he watched out of the edge of the window, “It was drivin’ me crazy.”
“Well, we’ve had our look. Let’s go back to the kitchen.” Derrick said and turned and started walking away.
“Oh shit, he’s going to kiss him.” Ty said. Derrick came right back and was looking over Ty’s shoulder again.
“Oh my God.” Derrick said, “Greg’s starting it. And here I thought Aiden would.”
“Now look who’s spying.” Ty said, looking over his shoulder. Derrick frowned and pinched Ty’s tight butt hard through his jeans, “You better mean that.” Ty said and looked out the edge of the window again, “That’s hot.” Ty said. They watched as Greg kissed Aiden tenderly, Aiden keeping his hands to his sides.
“Kiss him back.” Derrick whispered. Ty looked over his shoulder again and smiled. He turned and started looking out the window again.
“Maybe you should yell it to him.”
“Oh stop.” Derrick said, “This isn’t right. Come on.” Derrick said and bumped Ty with an elbow. Derrick walked away.
“Oh shit, they’re coming this way.” Ty said and ran past Derrick into the kitchen, jumping on a tall stool at the counter. Derrick went quickly around the counter and picked up the knife again. He focused on cutting up vegetables again, clearing his throat.
“You are so bad.” Derrick said quietly.
“You’re worse.” Ty said and then moved, “Hey.” Ty said loudly. Derrick looked up. Aiden led Greg into the kitchen and they stopped. They were both the same height, but their differences could really be seen. Aiden was tall and slender, leanly muscled, dark haired, but Greg was more filled out, very defined with his muscle in his tight clothes, and very blond. Ty looked at Derrick once and then back to the two teens as he got off his stool, stepping toward them. Greg seemed a bit nervous as he saw Ty’s bulk, the more than defined muscle of him in his tight tee shirt, his incredibly good looks, the whole package, “Ty Caldwell.” He said putting out his hand. Greg swallowed a bit hard and took it.
“Greg Adkins.” He said, “You are hot.” And he blushed hard as he realized he said it out loud. Ty grinned looking at Derrick.
“I knew I’d like him.” Ty said to Derrick. Derrick rolled his eyes as he came around the counter and came to the trio.
“Derrick Jacobson.” Derrick said. Greg was surprised by Derrick as well, his build, his olive complexion, along with his really good looks. Greg took Derrick’s hand in his.
“Hi, Greg Adkins.” The teen said. He swallowed hard again. Derrick let him go.
“Care for something to drink?” Derrick asked and flashed his eyes to Aiden, who looked like he was going to faint any second.
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Conner had returned from his ‘talk’ with Platt and seemed a bit guarded as Victoria came to take him by the arm while Platt moved about checking on his other guests either in and about the long buffet table or at tables.
“Was he rough on you?” She asked as she leaned against him a bit.
“Not too bad.” Conner said.
“It wasn’t about me, was it?” She asked.
“It was, in a round about way. You know it was.” Conner said as he looked about at the various guests that seemed to be watching them. She kept smiling but was looking up at him.
“Did you tell him anything?” She asked.
“Like the fact that I’m gay?” Conner asked.
“Well that would be a good start. Maybe he’d leave you alone then.” She said and Conner looked down at her and gave her a warm smile.
“Maybe, but I didn’t.” Conner said. She squeezed his arm a bit more.
“So there may be hope for me yet?” She asked and was almost playful about it with him.
“You know the answer to that, Vick.” Conner said and she nodded with a smile, “I didn’t tell him because I need to get what I want out of him first. If I had said anything to him, he might change his mind about hiring my employees.”
“So, you’re selling yourself for them, is that right?” She asked.
“If I wasn’t gay, Vick, and with someone, I just might be looking in your direction, just like our parents planned when we were kids.” Conner said.
“A girl can dream, can’t she?” Victoria asked.
“You’ll find someone, Vick, I have no doubt of that.” Conner said, “We’re still friends, aren’t we?”
“Of course we are, you big jerk.” She said and squeezed tighter. Conner smiled and kissed her forehead, “I won’t say anything, you know I won’t.” She said but looked at him closer, “Something else is bothering you though, what is it?”
“It’s just business, nothing to worry about.”
“You hungry?”
“No, I should go though.” Conner said.
“Stay for a while, won’t you, please? We can catch up, it’s been so long since I’ve seen you. You can tell me about my competition.” She said.
“He’s not competition, Vick, he’s the love of my life.” Conner said.
“That sounds intriguing. And I definitely need to hear all about him now.” She said. Conner smiled again at her.
“I’ll stay for a while longer then.” Conner said.
“Let’s get a drink and find a place to sit and chat in private.” She said leading him to the bar table. Platt was watching them closely.
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Alec led the two children back through the garden path, stopping now and then as Sophie asked if she could pick flowers to put on the table. Alec had said it was a wonderful idea and Sophie was busy with doing it, enlisting her little brother’s help with carrying them, loading his arms with all of it. Alec smiled as he watched them together. Eadric would give an eye roll every time she added to the collection. It was adorable Alec thought and the more he watched them, the more he became homesick, missing his own family, his nieces and nephews, little Robert especially, the baby of the family.
The walk back took a bit longer than expected and finally, Chevelle, their mother came along to see what they were up to. She watched Alec with them and slowly came and joined them. Alec smiled at her as she walked up. Sophie had to show off her bounty to her mother and Eadric was struggling to keep holding them in his arms. Alec stepped in and helped him out, taking them from him finally. Chevelle sent the children off to find their grandmother.
“Pardon me for saying it, but I thought you said the kids didn’t speak good English?” Alec said as he and Chevelle walked slowly toward the villa.
“They do not, why?” She asked.
“Well, they were speaking perfect English with me. It took me by surprise actually.” Alec said. She gave him a puzzled look, “I asked a question and they started talking.”
“I suppose I will have to speak with their teacher about that. I had no idea that they could at all, I doubt Robert even knows. We always speak French with them.” Chevelle said.
“Let’s have a little fun with it.” Alec said and gave a half-smile, “Let me try something if that’s okay.”
“What are you thinking?” She asked.
“Something in Eadric’s eye suggests that he can be a little bit of a devil. You wouldn’t mind, would you?” Alec asked and Chevelle shook her head a little, “Just a bit of harmless fun is all.”
“Alright.” She said softly and returned his half-smile. They reached the flagstone outside of the house itself. Alec set the arm load of flowers down on the now empty table. Both he and Chevelle could hear the sound of children’s laughter coming from the open windows of the kitchen off to the left. It was only another moment that the two came running out of the wide-open doors and onto the flagstone. Alec looked at Chevelle and then toward the children as Robert stepped out as well from behind them coming from the other way. They came running toward the table and stopped, Sophie looking at her flowers Alec had carried.
“I think we need to get these into water.” Alec said, “Sophie, can you get a vase from the kitchen from your grandmother, and Eadric, you can help me cut these and arrange them.”
“Okay.” Eadric said and came over next to Alec.
“I’ll be right back.” Sophie said, turning and running past her father, who followed her with his head.
“Tell me, how we should arrange these, Eadric?” Alec asked.
“Put all the colors together, all the whiter ones, then all the red ones.” Eadric said and started into it with his hands. Alec looked at a stunned Chevelle and then over at an equally stunned Robert. Every word had been perfect English, no hint of accent at all.
“I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t heard it myself.” Chevelle said. Robert came up near the table and stood near his wife.
“They speak English.” Robert whispered.
“Apparently they do.” Chevelle whispered as well, “Alec told me.”
“I think we should kind of mix them a little bit, makes them prettier.” Alec said.
“Okay, we can do that too.” Eadric said and started to mix them up, one at a time in his small hands. Sophie came out with a large vase.
“Perfect.” Alec said as she came to the table with it, “We’re going to mix these up a little, Sophie. Is that okay with you?”
“Make them high and low as we put them in the vase, I’ve seen Mama do that. What about the water?” Sophie asked as she looked up at Alec. Again, perfect English without a hint of accent.
“After we get them arranged, we’ll put some water in.” Alec said, “That way we know how much to add.” Alec looked at the parents and raised his hands a bit in question. Robert just shook his head marveling at his children.
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Conner sat on a small bench with Victoria away from all of the guests. She had talked him into getting something alcoholic to drink for them to talk. Conner sipped slowly and it was a bit on the strong side to him. She sipped as well, but hers was a bit more as Conner watched her out of the corner of his eye.
“So, this guy, the love of your life, what’s his name?”
“Alec.” Conner said softly.
“I like that. But what’s his full name?” She asked as she wrapped her arm through his. Conner crossed his legs, one over the other, bent at the knees. He was looking out at guests sitting at tables or milling about.
“Alejandro Marquez.” Conner said and lifted his glass.
“Ooooh, he’s Latin, very sexy.” She said and almost purred.
“You’re right on both counts, he is.”
“Where did you meet him, this sexy Latin?” She asked, she too was looking at all of the guests and what they were doing.
“Where he was working, at a grocery store. He took my breath away when we ran into each other.”
“Love at first sight?” She asked.
“It might have been. I remember that I struggled just trying to talk to him, to make conversation, but when I took his hand in mine to shake it, it really rattled me.” Conner said.
“You did that to me too, in boarding school. I couldn’t get enough of looking at you.” She said.
“I didn’t mean to lead you on, Vick, if I did, I’m really sorry.” Conner said.
“It was one-sided, Conner, I know that. I know that because I’ve had time to think about, a long time, ten years. I‘ll tell you though that I hoped and even prayed that you would come to me, change your mind, but you never did. I wanted to get over you, wanted to get over you really bad, but I never could. You were just too perfect.” She said as she sat there looking out at everyone in the distance.
“I’m sorry, Vick.” Conner said quietly.
“Don’t be sorry, don’t be sorry at all, Conner. I have to look at it this way, at least you didn’t break my heart after we were married. I would have killed you for that.” She said and looked at him. He smiled at her and they both chuckled over it.
“It would have been bad, wouldn’t it? Me coming to you and telling you I was leaving you for a man?” Conner asked.
“Just tell me one thing.” She said and Conner flashed his eyes at her, “Is he hot?”
“He is the most beautiful guy I have ever seen in my life. He’s perfect in every way, Vick, every single way.”
“Sounds like a dream, Conner, I’d like to meet him, this man that stole you away from me.”
“Maybe you will one day, Vick.”
“Is he back in the states right now?” She asked.
“No, he’s waiting for me to come back to him at my parent’s villa in the south of France.” Conner said.
“And you’re here. You didn’t bring him, why?” She asked.
“Because of business. I needed to take care of all of this, he understood, and he really didn’t want to come anyway.” Conner said.
“Hmmm, I don’t understand it and I would lay money on it he really doesn’t either. He’s probably waiting, wondering if and when you’re coming back to him.” She said and looked directly at him with intense eyes, “I speak from experience, Conner, don’t make him wait. Go to him, be with him. I’m sure and have no doubt that he misses you and misses you terribly.” Conner was stunned by what she said to him. It was true, all of it was true. She saw it from just talking to him, why hadn’t he seen it? Her words cut into him. He set his drink down on the other side of him on the bench. He smiled and kissed her cheek, “I guess that’s all I’m going to get out of you, isn’t it?” She asked.
“Sorry, Vick. You seem to understand better than I do where my heart really is.” Conner said.
“Call it a woman’s understanding, if you will. I think I can recognize real love when I see it. You just need to tell him that, Conner, if you haven’t already.” She said. Conner put his arms around her and hugged her tight. She closed her eyes and loved the feel of him.
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Derrick had finished cutting up all the vegetables finally and placed them in a large bowl. He took them and put them in the fridge and started cleaning as he looked at all that sat at the tall counter. Ty was listening to Greg as he talked about baseball, his love for it, what he was doing to improve himself with his pitching, and when he spoke about Aiden and his helping him to tutor him, to keep his grades up, Greg spoke about him with obvious caring, even love about him almost, and what Aiden was doing for him. Aiden, was blushing from time to time, was trying to actually play it down a bit. But Greg wouldn’t let him play it down at all, making sure that Ty and Derrick knew how important Aiden actually was to his success.
“Well, that sounds really cool, Greg.” Ty said, giving Derrick a side glance once, then focused on the more than handsome teenager sitting next to him, “Aiden, you should show Greg your room.” Ty said and leaned close to Greg, “He did a lot of the plumbing out there, you know. He’s got talent with his hands.”
“Does he really?” Greg asked and raised an eyebrow. Derrick was a bit wide eyed over that inuendo as Greg gave a sly look to Aiden on the other side of him.
“He should show you.” Ty said, “Hey, Aiden, you should show Greg the studio.” Ty said.
“Uh…okay…you want to see it?” Aiden asked.
“Yeah, that’d be cool.” Greg said as they both slid off their stools, Aiden leading the way toward the backdoor. Ty watched them for a few moments and Derrick smacked his muscled arm hard.
“Ow.” Ty said and looked at Derrick, “What?”
“Are you serious? You’re practically leading him to slaughter.” Derrick said above a whisper.
“What are you talking about?” Ty asked.
“You were almost telling him, them, to go and fuck each other’s brains out.” Derrick said after hearing the backdoor close.
“No I wasn’t.” Ty said.
“The hell you weren’t. ‘Talented hands’? Are you fucking serious?” Derrick asked. Ty raised an eyebrow.
“You saw how they looked at each other. You heard what Greg was saying about Aiden helping him to keep up his grades. If that isn’t love, I don’t know what is. Besides, boys will be boys.” Ty said and wiggled his eyebrows, “I bet it will be hot to watch.”
“I can’t believe you sometimes.” Derrick said.
“Tell me you don’t think they’re hot together.” Ty said.
“Maybe they are. But Aiden’s crazy about him, head over heels.” Derrick said.
“You see any similarities here?” Ty asked.
“You’re thinking Conner and Alec of course.”
“Of course, they’re almost carbon copies of them.” Ty said.
“Not quite, there’s a difference, a big difference.” Derrick said.
“What? Age?” Ty asked, “How old were you when you first got laid?”
“What difference does that make?”
“Answer the question.” Ty said.
“How old were you?” Derrick asked.
“The real one was when I was fourteen.” Ty said, “You?”
“Well…uh…okay, seventeen…and?”
“The point is, they’re ready. They obviously care about each other, they just needed a little push, that’s all. You saw the kiss that they had out front when he got here.” Ty said, “So, if they’re out there banging the hell out of each other, what’s the harm?” Ty asked. Derrick groaned and rolled his eyes, “They don’t need roses and soft music, Derrick, they’re into each other and that’s all that matters, at least right now. And besides, Aiden’s safer here than at his mom’s.”
“You’re right about that from what you’ve said. Wasn’t what I was really thinking about for a honeymoon though.” Derrick said and Ty’s expression dropped. He got off the stool.
“Oh, babe, I didn’t even think.” Ty said. Derrick smiled as Ty came around the counter, Derrick watched him come up to him, putting his hands on his hips, getting closer to him, “I guess I blew this didn’t I?”
“Not yet, but you’re going to.” Derrick gave him a smirk and Ty chuckled.
“Alright, I’ll blow you. Here or in the bedroom?” Ty asked.
“The bedroom of course. Now that we have teenagers running around the house, the last thing I want to have happen is getting caught with my pants down, literally.” Derrick said with a slight eye roll. Ty chuckled.
“Might be hot. We could probably teach them a thing or two.” Ty wiggled his eyebrows.
“I am not doing some four way thing with them.” Derrick said, raising a finger at Ty, who raised an eyebrow, “Conner and Alec were different, that’s not happening so get it out of your dirty mind.”
“I actually wasn’t going there, you’re the one that was thinking it though…obviously.” Ty smirked.
“You shit. You were baiting me and I fell for it, didn’t I?” Derrick asked. Ty chuckled and leaned closer.
“Hook, line, and…”
“Shut up.” Derrick said and kissed him, wrapping arms around him tight and squeezing him. Ty wrapped himself around Derrick as well and they fell into it, losing themselves in one another, Derrick leaning against the counter as Ty pressed into him more and more, the kiss was deep, loving, and Derrick was breathing hard through his nose.
“Whoa.” The voice said. Derrick and Ty pulled back from one another wide eyed, slowly turning their heads to look where the voice had come from. They saw Greg and Aiden standing just inside the kitchen from the hallway of the backdoor.
“Hey guys.” Ty said, swallowing hard once, “That was quick.” Derrick cleared his throat and tried to compose himself a little as Ty stepped back once, dropping his hands.
“Sorry, Uncle T, Derrick. Didn’t mean to…” Aiden started to say.
“No, it’s okay, bud, really.” Derrick said, turning to look at the teens fully, “So, what do you think of the room?”
“It’s huge. I…like the…stone on…the wall.” Greg said still a little stunned by what he and Aiden had interrupted.
“I think I’m going to open a bottle of wine.” Derrick said softly.
“I need some water.” Ty said, turning toward the fridge.
“Greg, would you care to stay for dinner? There’s more than enough.” Derrick said.