Chapter Nineteen #2
Devon blushed. His cheeks were bright red.
“I wouldn’t notice any of those people because I’m here with you, and you’re the only one important in my eyes.
But yes, now you know one of my boring secrets.
So many parts of our lives have to be kept hidden, it’s nice to just be out like any other person, enjoying lunch at a lovely café. ”
“I can see the appeal.” Wren could. His stomach was full, he had money in his pocket - he needed to go and buy a wallet, apparently – and he was with his mate. Devon said they would buy a wallet when they went shopping.
“Can I ask something? It’s about the paperwork we left back at the hotel.”
“It’s all perfectly safe there. You don’t need to worry about anyone taking it.”
“No, it’s not that.” Wren knew Devon would never take him somewhere unsafe.
“What is it, then? Did they get something wrong? Or did you object to your last name?” Devon grinned. “It’s the name I took when I started my job so I could have a valid ID, but we can always change it if you like.”
“No. No. The name is fine. I like having the same surname as you.” Wren had been surprised when the lady at the hotel called them Mr. and Mr. Taylor when Devon checked them in. But it was a lovely surprise.
“You said those papers were necessary for me to be able to go out, shop, and do all the things people do. But what about when I was enrolled in those online classes? Wouldn’t…
that person…have to supply ID papers to enroll me there?
They won’t have the same name as these ones. Isn’t that illegal or something?”
“That won’t matter. In fact, it’s best if the names and birth dates are totally different.
” Devon’s other hand rested over Wren’s, squeezing it gently.
“The paperwork you have now is who you are. You have a Social Security number, a bank account, a passport in case we want to go overseas, and you even have a driver’s license. ”
“I don’t know why they gave me a driver’s license,” Wren said. “I’m not sure I’ll ever be confident enough to drive in traffic like you do.”
“You can learn. I’ll teach you. But thinking of cars…” Devon was chuckling. “Be really careful if you get in the car when Python’s behind the wheel. He drives like he’s the only one on the road and road rules don’t apply to him.”
Wren couldn’t think why that would ever happen, but he was also aware he had a lot to learn. “Do you miss being back at the Alley?” he asked quietly. “Being in this place is totally different, and the hotel bed doesn’t seem as comfortable as yours. It seems very hard.”
“This place is fine for a few days. There are times we will have to travel while I work, so getting used to other beds is always a good idea. It makes us appreciate the one at home all the more when we get back there. About the only thing I’ll miss tonight will be the barbecue Levi will probably dish up, but then we can only eat so much barbecue.
Sometimes we need a change from that as well. ”
“Like what?” Wren didn’t really care. He was still getting used to being able to eat any time his stomach rumbled.
“Chicken,” Devon said firmly. “I’m thinking that if you didn’t want to go out for an evening meal, we could order room service and watch a movie or two tonight. So yep, I’ll be ordering chicken.”
“Why chicken?”
“Because that’s something Levi never cooks. I have no idea why, but he only cooks red meat. I usually only eat fish or chicken if I go out to eat.”
“I can cook some things,” Wren said, chuckling at Devon’s indignation. “I learned a few recipes for fish and chicken dishes, you know, from before.”
“We need a code name for that time, to make it easier for you to talk about. I’m more of a baker – although since I moved to the Alley, and Gwen’s is so close by, I really haven’t had to do much of it for myself. But I make breads, cakes, and biscuits.”
“That sounds lovely. I’ve not done a lot of that. Oh, do you think if we cooked meals of our own, that maybe your friends would like to come to our house for dinner every now and then? That way Levi and Calvin don’t have to cook all the time.”
“They’re your friends, too,” Devon reminded him.
“And yes, we can do that. Devise some menus and invite the others. I know Storm and Pax have done that a few times, although I’m sure Pax magicked up the food for those meals.
And Cyrus and Python have done their own version of grilling when Levi and Calvin were out on a job. It would be nice to return the favor.”
“I like that idea.” Wren felt his cheeks heating, and he looked down at the table, swinging his legs under the chair. “It’s nice, doing this.”
“Sitting in a café?”
“Yes, that’s nice, too.” Wren smiled happily. “But making plans to do normal things. Happy things like having friends over for dinner. Making those plans with you. That makes me feel good.”
“It’s just the start, my beautiful mate,” Devon murmured in his ear before leaning back. “Let’s see if you still feel the same way after we’ve done some shopping. That will be a first for you as well, won’t it?”
“Yep. Although…” Wren leaned over and inhaled. Devon’s scent had that sweet tinge to it again. Wren’s body stirred. “We could always go back to the hotel for a nap first.”
“While that is an excellent idea, and I would love nothing more than to spend an afternoon napping with you,” Devon said as he stood up and buttoned his blazer.
“Unfortunately, shops are only open for certain hours, and realistically, we could nap anytime we liked. Let’s get you a few things, and then we can go back to the hotel, put in a dinner order, and nap while we’re waiting for the food.
We can test out that bed and see if it’s as hard as you think it is. What do you say?”
“I guess it’s a good time to find out if I can shop fast.” Wren got up, too, glad when Devon took his hand again. “Lead the way, my lovely bear.”