I checked in with Cecelia about the hockey players, and they were keen to work with me.
“I think they want to do some deals as an out couple.”
“I think there is some potential for that,” I told her. “Did you tell them I would make deals for them as individual players and a couple.?”
“I did. They seemed excited about being themselves and not going back into the closet. Companies are embracing the queer community.” It’s about time.
“I’m so proud of you, Nipote. You are a good man and help people.” When she broke out the Italian nicknames, I knew she was serious; her words felt good, but I thought she was wrong.
“Remember, I am making money too, but I am glad to advocate for them. Can you schedule a meeting? I’ll go to them if they need me to. Invite them to the city, though. I will cover their expenses.”
“It’ll get it done. I was thinking of coming over and doing unboxing this evening. I want to meet the new dragon.”
“No!” I don’t think I have ever said that to her before.
It felt like a minute of silence. “Did you just tell me no?”
“Yes, ma’am. I will have a guest over tonight.”
“Did I miss an appointment on your calendar? I’m so sorry, honey. I didn’t mean to put you in a bind. I’ll try to make sure it doesn't happen again.”
“You didn’t make a mistake; a friend is coming for a few hours,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. I pulled Charlie towards me and petted him. My anxiety settled.
“OK then.” I could tell she wasn’t sure if she should push the topic or let it go. “How about Thursday during the day?”
“That would be perfect. Thank you for everything.” I hung up the phone and smiled. I wasn’t sure what to say about Aaron just yet, and even though she probably wanted to ask, she respected me enough to let me tell her on my own time.
Around 2 p.m. Gary called from downstairs. “You have boxes down here. They have labels that are from House Works.”
“Can you have someone bring them up?” It was the dragon caves. I was excited to see how they turned out and surprised that they were delivered overnight. I realized I didn’t place the order; they probably cost Aaron thousands of dollars. It was very thoughtful. I noted I should pay him back, but that was one more thing I wanted to thank him for personally.
Once the boxes were in the entry next to the trunk, I opened them all up. They were white to match the modern look of the apartment, and the craftsmanship was of the highest quality. Inside felt like a cloud; on the bottom was the fluffy, soft pillow, and the sides were thick, soft faux fur. They would be a little roomy for him while he was this size, but he would fit inside perfectly when he was fully grown.
I showed one to Charlie. “What do you think, buddy?” I set it on the table. He stuck his head in it like he was looking inside, and then he got in and curled up with a little huff. “I guess that’s approval.”
Leaving him there, I took one to my office, clearing a spot on the shelves directly behind my desk, and then put one in my bedroom. My bedroom wasn’t the ultra-modern look I had in the other parts of the house. I had mahogany wood dressers with a headboard made from raw logs. There was an Italian rug on the floor and a rust-colored chair in the corner. I should’ve ordered one that matched this room better. I put the last two caves in the living room on the table behind the sofa and cleared a spot on the kitchen counter.
The travel box had a handle, there was a hinged top, and the front opening had chrome bars. I opened it up and found that the inside was a little fluffier, protecting him from bumping around when being carried.
“I just need to get you some perches and order something that matches our room better.” My room was my sanctuary. The few times I had hooked up at my place, we had stayed on the couch. I didn't invite people into that space. It had been years since I walked out on the baseball player and even more since I had someone at home. I’ve lived here for about nine years. I was the only one who entered my bedroom until Aaron went there to rescue Charlie. It was a strange thing to think about.
Looking at the clock, it was 4:15 p.m. Aaron would be here soon. I had been wandering around in the same clothes I wore last night. As much as I wanted to open the door shirtless and eager, I figured that would be tempting fate.
My hip was feeling better, so I pulled on boxer briefs and jeans that might be considered low-rise. I liked how tank tops clung to my torso, and Aaron certainly appreciated that yesterday, so I threw on a flannel shirt and let it hang open. “Let’s go,” I said to Charlie. Feeling him settle on my shoulder, he bumped against my head, and we went to the kitchen.
Chapter sixteen
Aaron
Sarah oversaw most of the day-to-day work, but I still met regularly with Matt to manage the big-picture items.
“We need to order cabinets and fixtures for the next ten floors,” I told Matt. “I approved the design changes and sent them to the contractor.”
We sat down for lunch and discussed my plans for the new building. Dominic had made us a fantastic lunch of bison and vegetables from my garden. At lunch, we walked through the garden while Matt filled a wine crate with produce to take home.
I was honestly surprised he didn’t bring up the gift box or that I had something personal planned on Friday. We were friends long before I was successful. That would never change. We were heading towards his car with the box of vegetables on his hip. “Tell me about this mysterious man in your life. What personal thing are you doing on Friday that you need a freaking tuxedo?” We almost made it.
“The lettuce and carrots are delicious right now. Make sure Dustin uses them right away.”
