Truth or Spare (Princes Take New York #2)

Chapter 9

Chapter Nine

T he bowling alley was closed on Sundays so Theo had spent the day in the Winnie, reading a Stephen King novel for more English practice and snacking on the provisions he had acquired from the vending machine and the convenience store. It was closed on Sundays too and there were no restaurants or grocery stores within walking distance.

Theo could cook a small repertoire of his and his brothers’ favorite foods. But only in the case of an emergency—he preferred to leave it to someone else and couldn’t stand messes in the kitchen. So far, he was surviving happily on the lunches Cassie brought to the alley and the snacks he gathered throughout the week.

Mostly, he was bored on Sunday and was relieved when the alley reopened and he had something to do and someone to talk to. So far, it was an extremely slow Monday and Dewey had given Theo those days “off” too. He explained that they probably wouldn’t see any customers except Keith, who usually turned up around two. Theo couldn’t drive and had nowhere else to go so he used the time to wash his bed linens and his laundry in the machines in the bowling alley’s storage room.

The bowling alley was still abandoned and quiet when Theo was done so he started the jukebox and went to hang out at the front desk. He sang along with the Rolling Stones until a newer country western song began. Theo didn’t recognize it and was in more of a classic rock mood so he reached for the jukebox’s remote and punched one of the keys to wake it up but nothing happened.

“I want to listen to D12,” he complained and gave it another jab, then slapped it against his palm to see if that would work. It did not, so Theo looked around to see if he could spot Dewey. “Perhaps he’s in his office,” he said, grimacing.

It was about time for Dewey’s mid-morning nap and the blinds were closed. Theo didn’t like the idea of disturbing him again and Dewey was…odd when it came to his naps. He would get unusually groggy and would stumble off to his office for an hour or so, then act as if nothing had happened when he returned. Whenever Theo did catch him or mention it, Dewey would mumble that he’d had a headache or had just drifted off.

He was just about to take a peek inside the office when their lunch arrived. Theo decided he’d test the waters with Cassie. “Brooks is here, but I believe he’s…‘ napping.’ ” he said and curled his fingers suggestively.

“Is he?” she asked with a loaded look, seeming slightly irritated, if Theo had to guess.

“I’ve noticed he does that often and I’ve had some concerns,” he said but she swallowed a chirp and shrugged.

“Maybe you should ask him about it,” she said with a suggestive lift of her brows.

“I’m not sure if we’re there yet,” Theo said, cringing in the direction of the office. “We’ve only known each other for a little more than a week, but I’ve had friends like Brooks and recognize the signs. You and I are there, though, if you ever want to talk,” Theo told Cassie gently and gave her hand an encouraging squeeze. “It’s hard to keep other people’s secrets, especially when you’re worried about them.”

She nodded and laughed softly, her gaze clouding as she stared past Theo’s shoulder and into the racks of shoes. “He’s got the gentlest heart and the hardest head, I swear. He’d give a stranger the shirt off his back, but Doobie would drown before he asked for a hand.”

“I have noticed,” Theo said with a weary chuckle.

Her eyes narrowed and she humphed. “I’m not sure you have.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s not my place to say.” She raised her hands, looking torn. “Doobie waited until Bryce was in high school and the kiddos wanted to have a Pride party to tell everyone he wasn’t straight. He did that for them, but he’s not ready to share this yet.”

“Schade,” Theo said sadly. “He’s everyone’s role model and he doesn’t want to let you all down.”

Cassie smiled as she rose on her toes and cradled his face. “You’re so close to getting it and I’m hoping for a love match here,” she said and pressed a loud kiss to his lips.

“A love match?” Theo laughed, wondering if his face looked as hot as it felt. “I honestly can’t tell if Brooks even likes me half of the time,” he said with a sheepish wince, making her laugh.

“Trust me, it’s pretty obvious when Doobie doesn’t like someone and you wouldn’t have lasted this long if he didn’t want you here.”

“I’m not so sure if that’s true this time,” he said, then set the topic aside. “I’m sure you have better things to do than listen to me worry about whether Brooks likes me. What masterpiece have you prepared for us today, Schatz?”

She giggled and twirled the curl around her ear. “Just meatloaf sandwiches and chocolate muffins. They’re Doobie’s favorite.”

“Wunderbar! They’re my favorite too!” he told her as he wound his arms around the lunchbox. That was only a mild exaggeration because Cassie’s meatloaf and chocolate muffins were delicious. Theo had his doubts before he tried it, but he would forever count her meatloaf sandwich among his favorite foods.

“Please stay and marry Doobie,” she begged as she gave him one last kiss, then left him with the lunchbox.

“I might if you’ll keep feeding me, Cass,” he called after her.

Theo carried it to the office and gave the door a gentle tap, but opened it and leaned in when there was no answer. He set the lunchbox on the desk and looked around the office, wondering where Dewey hid his secret supply of alcohol.

“Probably vodka,” Theo guessed with a heavy sigh. But aside from the one time they had shared a beer, he couldn’t remember smelling anything but spearmint gum on Dewey’s breath.

Theo found Dewey in the workshop. He was resting on one of the stools with his cheek propped on a palm. His eyes were closed and he swayed in time with the slaps and snaps from the pinsetters. It was another rare opportunity to see Dewey’s face, he was always staring at his feet or whatever he was fixing. He rarely lifted his eyes to Theo’s and when he did, it was too fast to appreciate how handsome Dewey was.

A strong jaw and wide, soft lips were hidden beneath Dewey’s beard and Theo knew he had warm, hazel eyes under his thick brows. When he did smile, it was like spotting a rainbow and it often caused Theo’s tummy to flip. Dewey’s pink Brooks Bowling cap was sitting on the work bench next to his elbow. His dark auburn hair was thick and wild, but it looked soft and clean.

“You really are very handsome, Brooks,” Theo whispered as he reached and ever so gently brushed the hair away from his brow. Dewey’s eyelids lifted, but he was bleary as he blinked at Theo. “Are you alright?” Theo asked him and earned a faint nod.

“Jus’ drifted off,” he babbled weakly, offering Theo a drowsy half-smile.

It was enough of a rainbow to make Theo’s pulse flutter and he laughed softly as he set his hand on the bench and leaned in closer. “Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked and inhaled, stealing a big whiff of Dewey’s breath and his scent. He smelled like spearmint and clean laundry, with a trace of menthol. Theo spotted a tube of medicated ointment in one of the open drawers and wondered if Dewey had injured a muscle or his back.

“I’mmm fine,” Dewey murmured, his eyelids drooping as his face tilted back.

Theo nodded, lowering his head. “Ja, bist du,” he whispered against Dewey’s lips. He swore he’d behave and keep his hands off of Dewey, but Theo had to kiss him. It was driving Theo wild, not knowing if Dewey even liked him and what it would be like if he really liked him. He could taste the sweet, minty huffs of Dewey’s breath and Theo was aching as their lips touched.

Dewey’s eyes snapped open and his body jumped on the stool. “I’m awake!” he said and caught Theo’s cheek. He held it, frozen as he stared back at Theo.

“I thought you might have fallen under a spell,” Theo teased and sighed dramatically as he straightened.

Dewey’s head cocked and his brow furrowed. “You were gonna kiss me?”

“Was I?” Theo asked as he handed Dewey the remote. “I think the battery’s dead.”

“Let me take a look,” he said, rising from his stool. He coughed softly when his chest nearly bumped Theo’s.

“Entschuldige, bitte!” Theo said and took a step back, giving him more room to work. It only took a moment to open the back of the remote and replace the batteries, but Theo noticed that Dewey’s hand trembled around the screwdriver’s handle.

“Here you go,” Dewey said once it had been reassembled and passed it back to Theo. He discreetly shook out his hand before reaching for his cap. It was turned and tugged on backwards as Dewey hunkered over what looked like an arm from one of the pinsetters. “Don’t you have the day off?” he asked, dismissing Theo.

“Yup! Thought I’d hang around and listen to music!” Theo said as he waved the remote and backed away. “Are you sure you’re alright?” he asked, keeping his tone gentle and encouraging, only to earn a hard snort.

“I’m fine, Theo. Let me know if someone shows up.”

“Okay, boss!” Theo said cheerfully before excusing himself. “Oh! Cassie came by with our lunch. Meatloaf sandwiches and chocolate muffins.”

“Great. I’ll be there once I get this fixed,” Dewey mumbled as he worked.

“Great.”

It wasn’t exactly ideal, but Theo was there to help keep the Brooks Family Bowling ship running smoothly until its captain was ready to own up to his other problem and ask for help. They were getting along rather nicely, all things considered, and Theo thought he was finally getting the hang of the bowling alley business.

“Maybe I should stay and marry Brooks,” he joked as he headed back to the office to arrange their lunch. They often ate together and Theo felt like an honorary American as he sipped on a Coca-Cola and watched regional football highlights with Dewey.

Oddly enough, Theo didn’t find the idea of marrying Dewey all that laughable and there was a definite appeal. He had a feeling he’d miss their quiet lunches and Cassie’s heavenly sandwiches. He rather enjoyed his chats with old Keith and flirting with the blue hairs. And Theo could do a lot worse than a large , handsome man with a gentle heart and an extremely dry wit.

“I wonder what Brooks would have to say about that,” Theo said and laughed as he imagined Dewey’s reaction. “He probably wouldn’t say much of anything, actually.”