Chapter Ten
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Ben
Securing the stem in Styrofoam, I step back to review the custom order I'm working on for Mr. Wallcheck when Barrett enters the workroom, carrying a stack of paperwork that looks awfully familiar to the ones I submitted this morning.
"Ben," Barrett’s voice a low hum that cuts through the gentle rustling of cellophane from Caleb, "I need a local address for your file."
I don't take my eyes off the arrangement I'm working on and offer a distracted nod. I listed my old address on my paperwork because, technically, I was required to give a thirty-day notice, and I still have it until the end of the month.
"It's the same one," I mumble.
"The city address? Ben, you told us you cleaned it out and moved locally. Where are you staying now?" There's concern in his voice–no judgement.
A flicker of amusement dances across my face when I look over my shoulder. Barrett is looking at me with pinched brows.
"Technically," I say, with a slow grin as I turn toward Barrett, "I'm living in my camper van."
Caleb, who had been meticulously arranging an explosion of red and pink roses on the opposite worktable, drops whatever tool he had in his hand with a clatter. He storms right over to where I'm standing, his face a mask of mock outrage.
"Oh, no, you don't!" Caleb cries out, turning to Barrett. "Daddy, you tell him. He can't just live in his van like a homeless person. Not while he's got a perfectly good, if slightly messy, workroom right here." He stomps his foot. "And it probably smells better, too."
I chuckle, shaking my head. "It's more comfortable than it sounds, Caleb. And the view of the sunrise over at the park is breathtaking."
I've been renting a space designed for RVs at the campgrounds.
Since I don't need any of the hookups–water, sewer, electricity–the manager is giving me a considerable discount.
It's only temporary until I receive a few paychecks and can afford an apartment.
The move down here cost me more than I planned.
Barrett, tapping a pen against his chin as if deep in thought, "If you need a place to stay or a pay advance to get you a place, we can work something out."
I shake my head. "No. I am actually enjoying the freedom of living in the van. It's designed for it. Besides, I'm small enough that the space doesn't feel cramped, and it's no different than if I were on a weekend camping trip."
"You'll let me know if you need anything." It wasn't a question.
"Of course."
The campgrounds are nice. It features a man-made lake, a clubhouse with a theater room, restroom facilities with showers, and a pool that comes into use when the weather warms up.
What more could a person ask for? Besides, I'm doing this on my own, and I don't want a free handout.
I'm already grateful Kai got me this job.
When I look over at Caleb, he has a pout on his lips. "Seriously, Caleb, my little home on wheels is cozy."
"Cozy until a stray pigeon poops on your windshield," he giggles. "Or a squirrel puts his nuts in your tailpipe." I let out a coughed laugh. "Oh. My. God. Not like that, you sicko."
We're both now giggling, and Barrett tells us it's time for lunch.
The rest of the afternoon is relatively quiet. Caleb and I work on arrangements for tomorrow's busiest flower day, and he's wrapping up the last custom order now.
My phone vibrating in my pocket causes me to take a moment before beginning the cleanup of my workstation. I press the button to listen to the text.
Jason: Hey, Flower. Hope your day is as bright as the last arrangement you worked on.
Could this guy be any cheesier? But I like it. I hit the microphone button to respond. “It was a good day. I just finished up my last custom order.”
Jason: Still on for tonight?
We have gone out on easy dates every night this week. Casual. Low key since we’re both busy. Tonight, he's meeting me at Steamed when I get off for a coffee date.
A chance to get to know each other better.
“Yes. I'll meet you at Steamed when I'm off at 5,” I say into my phone before sending off the message.
Pocketing my phone, Caleb turns to me with a wide grin.
"I know we haven't talked a lot about the whole little thing, but I was wondering," Caleb looks at his shoes and twists his hands together. "Would you want to come over on Saturday? I'm having some friends over, and we're having a Valentine's Day theme play date."
He looks up at me, uncertainty in his expression. I've never been to someone's house for a play date before. I've only ever regressed at Club Pierre. Where it was safe. I'm a little apprehensive because these are all strangers to me.
Could I relax and let go?
I look at Caleb's considerable gaze, the playful jab about squirrel nuts makes me smile, and a sense of warmth surprises me. Caleb and I have fallen into an easy friendship, and it would be nice to explore this side of me further and get to know Caleb outside of work.
"I...I'll think about it,"
"Think about it?" Caleb dramatically calls out as he bounds over to me, plucking a petal off my sleeve. "There's no thinking involved, Ben. It's…mandatory. Yeah, that's it. It's a mandatory work play date, and you have to be there." He says, jutting his chin out as if he has the authority.
"Oh…is that so?" I challenge with a smirk.
He hangs his head. "No." The words come out so quietly, I barely hear them. "You don't have to go. But I'd really like it if you did."
Oh, this guy is good. No wonder he has Barrett wrapped around his little finger.
"Will there be snacks?" I ask, and he looks up at me with a smile to light the room.
"Oh, yes! And we're making heart-shaped cookies that we each get to decorate. It'll be so much fun." I don't think I've ever seen someone so excited––he's practically vibrating.
The idea of hanging out in a warm room filled with cookies and crafts is infinitely more appealing than the solitude of my van.
But the thought of walking into a room full of littles, presumably accompanied by their partners or caregivers, when I'm essentially a lone wolf, sends my mood tanking.
"What's wrong?" Caleb's voice wobbles as if sensing my emotions.
"It's just," I try to force a casual tone, "most of you guys will be partnered up…and…I don't really have anyone." My thoughts flit to Jason instantly, but it's too soon in our relationship to ask him to be my daddy, even for an afternoon. "I don't want to make it awkward," I confess.
Caleb's brow furrowed. "Awkward? Not at all.
It's at my house, and you met Noah yesterday morning at Steamed when we took a break and made a run for hot chocolate.
He's amazing and like a big brother to us.
And Barrett will be around. Besides," he adds, voice softening, "it's a low-key playdate. Everyone's just there to have fun."
When I hesitate to respond, he adds with a giggle, "There'll be glitter."
As if listening to our conversation, Barrett's voice comes loud and clear from the hallway, "No, there won't!"
Caleb looks at me and mouths, yes, there will.