Page 23 of Having HIs Back
Brian turned on some cruising music, and Kerry settled back to enjoy the ride. It was fun being out like this. “You know the boys would love riding in here.” As soon as he said it, he almost put his hand over his mouth. “I’m sorry.”
“Why?” Brian asked. “The boys are the center of your life. They have to be.” He rested his hand on Kerry’s leg, and his attention immediately settled at that touch. “It’s how it should be. They’re kids.”
“Yeah, I know. But one night out and….”
“Don’t worry about it. You’ve been a parent for, what… two weeks now? It’s something that is going to be on your mind. Just relax. And yes, some afternoon, I’ll come over, and we can all take the ’Stang out for a ride. Maybe to get ice cream or something.”
“But no eating in the car,” they both said at the same time and then laughed.
“Yeah, you know you’re a parent when that’s the first thing that comes to mind,” Brian said, and Kerry had to agree. In such a short time, the entire focus of his life had shifted.
“Does it make me stupid if I said that I was worried?”
“No. But I’m sure the boys are fine. They know Karen and they obviously like her. If you want to send a message or call, go ahead.”
Kerry knew he was worrying for nothing, but he sent Karen a message and got a response almost right away that they were playing fort in the living room. She even sent a picture of the blankets stretched over the furniture and the boys grinning. He thanked her and slipped his phone in his pocket as Brian pulled into the parking lot of the steakhouse.
They went inside, and Brian was a perfect gentleman, waiting for him, even lightly touching his back as they walkedto their table. And the dinner was amazing. They ate and talked the entire time, and not about work or the boys, but about vacations, family outings, or embarrassing childhood moments that had them both laughing. There was no pressure, no worry, just companionship, and Kerry didn’t feel like he had to put on a front. He could be just the person he was. It had been a long time since he didn’t feel on edge on a date, especially a first date, which this definitely was.
And the food… it was grown-up and so good. He loved his appetizer, steak tartare. It was a favorite of Kerry’s. Brian had never had it, so he shared a bite, and then they finished it off together. That was followed by steak and veggies, then finally a dessert to share, because they were huge and chocolatey.
By the time they were done and the bill had been paid—Brian insisted on paying—they waddled back to the car, stuffed and happy. Then Brian drove him home.
Kerry had expected Brian to take him to his place and was a little confused. “I guess I thought….”
“You have two boys at home, so I thought that maybe this weekend, since I have a few days off, we could do something, the four of us… and then once the boys are in bed and we can lock the door, you and I could have a sleepover.” Brian leaned close. “An adult sleepover… very adult.”
Kerry shivered and nodded. “Okay.”
“Good.” He kissed him, and Kerry got out of the car, closing the door before half floating up the walk and inside the house.
“I saw you kiss Mr. Brian,” Henry said as a greeting. “Kissing is yucky.”
Kerry rolled his eyes. “You won’t think so when you’re older.” He looked over at the fort that had taken over the living room. “Did you and Miss Karen have fun?”
“Yes. Can we sleep in the tent?” Phillip asked. Kerry didn’t see any reason why not. He thanked Karen and saw her to the door.
“You’re a lifesaver.”
“Any time. I miss her, too, but I see Caroline in those boys.”
“The lease is up in a few months, and I’m looking for a house to rent. My aunt has one that will become available, and I’m going to look at that one to start. I’d very much like to stay in this area. I’m planning to relocate here so the boys can stay near their friends and people who knew their mother. They deserve as much continuity as possible.”
Karen nodded. “If that one doesn’t work out for you, then I know of a few homes that might be available soon.”
“I’m going to sell my place, and I’d like to buy a house, put down roots, and really build a life for all of us.” He had done well and saved a good amount of money over the years. His needs had never been all that great.
“I’ll let you know if I hear of anything.” Karen patted his shoulder. “I’m glad you’ll be staying here. I’d very much like to see the boys grow up. I never had children of my own, and your nephews are as close as I’ve ever gotten.”
“They love you too,” Kerry told her, and then she headed home, and Kerry got the boys settled in their tent. He was about to turn out the lights when a soft knock sounded on the door. Kerry peered outside and opened the door slowly to let Brian in.
“I thought you were going home.” He was surprised he was back so soon. Pleased as well, but part of him wondered what was wrong, and he felt himself tense.
“I’m sorry for being stupid,” he whispered, and Kerry closed the door and led Brian down the hall, away from the boys, who were already mostly asleep. He got Brian to the bedroom and closed the door. “I thought I was doing the right thing by leavingyou and going home. But I didn’t want to. I wanted to be here with you and them.”
“Then you should have just stayed.” That was what he had wanted, but Brian had seemed reluctant. Kerry had thought that maybe he had changed his mind or something.
“Uncle Kerry,” Phillip called from outside the door. He opened it, and Phillip rushed in and jumped on the bed. “I wanna sleep in here.”
