Chapter Twenty-One
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Jason
“Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes?” I tell Grayson as he steps into my classroom during lunch. It’s been a week since Ben’s heater went out, and it looks like they are waiting on a part to come in so they can fix it. The good news is that it will only cost about two hundred bucks.
“Sorry,” Grayson says, but his smirk betrays him. He perches on my desk, a faint blush on his neck.
“You know, there are like twenty-five chairs in here.” I gesture around the room.
“Um, yeah, for little people,” he teases.
“Well…you’re a little, so it’s perfect.” I tease back. He looks away from me with a thoughtful look. “Something you want to share with the class, Gray?”
“Drinks tonight? I have a lot to tell you,” he says, standing from my desk.
“I have a lot to tell you, too,” I say, guilt tugging at me. Ben’s taken up my time, and Grayson and I hardly see each other lately. When he texted that he’d skip the playdate, I assumed it was because Ben would be there.
He claimed that he made other plans.
“Can we go after work? I need to pick Ben up at the shop at six. His van is in the shop.” I take a bite of my sandwich.
“Great. Let’s talk then,” Grayson walks to the door and turns to face me before exiting. “I’m really happy for you, Jace. Can’t wait to catch up tonight.”
The look on Grayson’s face is contemplative. Something isn’t sitting right with me, and I know it’s not my sandwich. According to Ben, my cooking is fabulous.
Sitting at a high top table in Murdock’s, waiting for Grayson, I sip on my glass of wine. Since I’m driving, I'll limit myself to one drink and a bottle of water as a chaser.
When I see movement across the bar, I wave to get Grayson’s attention. He holds up a finger and steps to the bar to get their latest craft beer.
“So…what’s up?” I ask when Grayson takes the seat across from me.
“Mostly, just wanting to see how you’re doing.” He tells me, taking a sip of his beer, that leaves a foam mustache across his upper lip. I smirk before handing him a napkin from the holder on the table. He wipes his mouth. “Thanks.”
“I’ve been well. Like you, I’m just trying to make it to spring break. Are you ready for state testing?” The spring semester is busy with prep. Grayson has been regrouping kids and holding extra tutoring sessions after school.
“I think my kids will do well this year. I have a few that are on the cusp. Good kids but terrible home situations.” He says thoughtfully.
I get it. I have some of their siblings in class, so I know exactly who he means.
“Speaking of spring break,” he starts, taking another sip, “any plans?”
“Maybe.”
Grayson cocks an eyebrow. “Well, that’s ominous.”
“No. I mean…I have an idea for a small road trip with Ben, but I need to clear it with his bosses.” I tell him, my heart rate picking up at the thought that Barrett won’t let him off for a few days. “What about you?”
Grayson squirms, confirming my suspicions: something’s up.
“Grayyyyyy,” I draw out his name for emphasis. “Spill it.”
“Well…okay. I sort of met someone.” He tells me, and I set my glass on the table midway to my mouth.
“Why didn’t you say something?” It stings; we usually share everything. Or almost everything.
“Don’t look at me like that. It’s new. We’re…exploring some things I was never brave enough to explore before. I never…trusted anyone enough.”
“And you do with this quy?” My daddy instincts kick in. Protective.
“Yes. It’s been a month. We met at a Valentine's Day singles event at the community center. It’s still new, but I want to open up to him and explore some things. But what I want to explore requires full trust.” He looks down into his half-empty drink and won’t meet my eye.
What. The. Hell.
“Gray, you know you can tell me anything. I won’t judge. That’s why our friendship works.” My heart aches.
“I’ll tell you when the time is right. But for now, just know that I am being safe. Okay,” he reaches across the table and squeezes my hand.
“I trust you. Of course I do. Just be safe and know that I am only a phone call away if you ever need me,” I tell him. And it's true. I will always be there for him.
The sliding distressed barn door to Barrett’s office feels surprisingly warm under my palm. I offer it a gentle tap.
“Jason. Come in. What a surprise.” Barrett’s voice is tinged with a welcoming curiosity.
“Thanks. I know you’re not open yet, and I wanted to catch you before you get busy with customers. Caleb let me in the back door to the workroom.”
“I’ll have to have a word with him about his safety and opening that door.” Barrett winks. Always the daddy. “So…what can I help you with?”
I sink into the plush chair opposite him. This conversation has been rehearsed a dozen times in my head. Each time ending differently, and how I would react. I look up at Barrett, and he’s leaning in his chair. Relaxed. It immediately puts me a little more at ease.
Why do I feel like I’m in the principal’s office?
“Well, it’s about the spring break that’s coming up,” I began, my voice steady.
“I don’t know how much you know about Ben’s past, and it’s not my place to reveal those details, but I know there are some things he never got closure with.
I was thinking about taking a short road trip to his hometown, a few hours away from here.
” I feel guilty even revealing this much.
“For closure.” Barrett nods slowly. Gaze thoughtfully. “I understand. Caleb had some things going on when we first met. It’s important for him to take care of himself.” Barrett taps his temple. Mental health.
“It really is,” I agree. “And that’s why I wanted to talk to you. Ben’s been tackling any challenge thrown at him with such enthusiasm.” I amplify his recent successes to paint a picture of dedication.
I lean in. “I’m hoping for April 10th to 13th. Just three days. I know it’s busy, with the wedding coming up, but I’ve helped him get more organized. Ben’s already planning ahead.” My nerves prickle.
Barrett steeples his fingers under his chin, a small smile playing on his lips. “You’re certainly advocating for him.”
“I just think he deserves this, Barrett,” I say. Voice sincere.
He’s silent, and I force down a flutter of nerves, trying for Ben’s optimism.
“I have to admit, Ben’s recent performance has been exceptional. He’s been a real asset to the shop. To Caleb.” He meets my gaze, and this time, his smile is wider, more genuine. “I can see how much this means to both of you.”
My heart leaps.
This is it.
“I’m happy to give him the time off,” Barrett says, standing up. “Encourage him to come see me once you guys have a solid plan.”
Relief floods me. “Thank you, Barrett. Ben’s needed this for ages—it’ll help him move forward.”
“And, Jason?”
I stand and match his pose. Hands clasped in front of me. “Yes?”
“Enjoy that trip with your boy.”
Outside, the sunlight feels brighter, the air fresher.
Ben
"Hey, Ben!" Jason calls out, his voice bright and clear over the gentle clatter of dishes as I empty the dishwasher.
“In here,” I call out from the kitchen before closing the dishwasher. I turn to face him. "Where were you? I’m gonna be late for work."
I go up on my toes and give him a quick peck on the lips. He grabs my waist, pulling me closer for a deeper kiss. Kissing this man could easily be the best thing ever—my favorite thing, besides being marked.
“Just running a quick errand.” He straightens up, his eyes sparkling. "Tell you about it at lunch, if you’re interested in joining me, that is."
"Lunch sounds great," I tell him, already feeling my day brighten.
We settle into our usual corner booth at Steamed. The aroma of coffee and sizzling bacon fills the air. I’m so glad Noah added sandwiches to the menu. It’s a different place than it was when I worked here with him all those years ago.
"So," I begin, taking a bite of my grilled cheese with bacon sandwich. "What's got you vibrating out of your skin? Did you win the lottery? I have my heart set on some new coloring books if you did. And I want the big box of crayons to go with it,” I tease.
Jason chuckles, a warm, rumbling sound. "I didn’t win the lottery, but I think we can get you some new coloring books. You know spring break is just around the corner, right?"
"Of course," I reply, nodding. "Got any grand adventures planned?" My stomach drops with the thought of him being gone for a week. We haven’t been apart for more than a day in the past six weeks.
"Actually," he leans in, dropping his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. Somehow, he still manages to sound joyous. “I’m thinking of taking a road trip—and I was hoping you might be interested in joining me.”
My sandwich hovers midair. A road trip with Jason? It sounds perfect, but worry flickers—can I even get time off? I just started. Disappointment edges in.
Jason waves a dismissive hand, his smile unwavering. "Ah, that's where the magic happens.”
“Oh?” I raise an eyebrow at him, but he just laughs at the awkward gesture. I’ve never been able to raise one as he does.
“I already cleared it with Barrett." Oh…that’s where he was this morning. That sneaky snake.
My eyebrows shoot up. "You did? You actually got Barrett to approve me taking off for a road trip?" This is not how I saw the day going.
"Yep,” he says, popping the p.
"Okay, now I'm officially excited," I say, walking over to his side of the booth to be next to him. "Where exactly did you have in mind?” The anticipation is building, and I don’t know how much more I can handle.
Jason’s grin broadens. A knowing glint in his eyes. He takes a sip of his water glass, letting the suspense hang in the air for a beat.
Then he looks directly at me, his voice filled with a hopeful excitement that is utterly contagious.
"To your old house."