Chapter Twenty-One #3
The alpha glanced at Assa, as though to include him in the conversation, offering a friendly nod. Then he whipped his head back and did a double take. Then a triple take, before knitting his eyebrows together.
“Actually,” Assa pretended not to notice the alpha’s bewilderment. “We were hoping to order a cake for our son’s birthday party. He’s turning eight. Do you do special occasion cakes, or just weddings?”
Assa avoided making direct eye contact with the man.
“It’s mostly weddings,” the alpha replied distractedly before clearing his throat. “But, um, Zinn—he’s the cake genius around here—doesn’t mind branching out. Except I should warn you that we’re pretty booked.”
“We figured that might be the case,” Wes said, confused by the weird vibe but trying to get the conversation back on track. “That’s why we’re inquiring now. The party isn’t for a few months, at the end of March. Is that enough lead time for your schedule?”
“Two months is plenty of time for something like that,” the alpha said.
“And Zinn might enjoy working on a child’s birthday cake for a change.
” Again, he sounded wistful when speaking about his employee.
“Unfortunately, he isn’t working today, or I’d have him speak to you himself.
But I can take a deposit and put you on the schedule.
Then you can come in and talk design specifics when we get closer to the date. ”
“That sounds great.”
“When you’re done with your food—no rush—please come ask for me at the counter and I’ll start the process. I’m Calder, by the way.”
Assa’s breath hitched.
“Thank you. I’m Wes Pashuk, and this is my husband—”
“We really appreciate you doing this cake for us,” Assa interrupted. “I’m sure our son will love it.”
Calder gave Assa one last befuddled onceover before heading toward the counter.
Ten minutes later, Assa remained at the table while Wes put down a deposit and gave Calder their contact information.
“This has been a productive afternoon,” Assa said as they exited.
“Definitely,” Wes said. “I know we could just buy Ryde a grocery store cake. I mean, those kids probably won’t care, but it gives me a little thrill to put in the extra effort.”
“Same.”
“But, sweetheart, you know I have to ask what the heck was up between you and that alpha, Calder? You tensed up as soon as you saw him, and then when he said his name.”
Assa sighed heavily. “I wasn’t sure at first, but I’m almost positive he’s someone I met a long time ago. At Green Rivers, Papa’s assisted living place. I only talked to him once, though. Over the phone.”
Wes couldn’t recall Assa mentioning someone named Calder. Still, it was obvious the man had made an impression. “Was he one of Jeral’s caregivers?”
“No. Nothing like that. He was a family member. Of some residents there. I meant to tell you then, but it happened when we were starting the adoption process, so it fell off my radar.”
As they drove, Assa told Wes the story of helping an elderly couple video chat with their son-in-law and their grandsons. He talked about Calder having a difficult time after the death of his husband. And he told him about the message Calder had left him a few days later.
“I see how that call seems so important in retrospect,” Wes said. “I assume that conversation was also memorable for Calder, since he looked like he was trying very hard to place you.”
Assa chuffed. “I noticed. The reason I didn’t put the pieces together for him or let you say my name is because if he figures it out down the line, I wanted to give him the opportunity to pretend like he hasn’t.”
“Do you think he’ll recognize you eventually?”
“Probably. Clearly, he’s close. And it’s not like we can keep my name a secret from the cake designer.
I just want to give Calder the choice not to acknowledge the past. If he doesn’t realize I’ve recognized him, then the ball is in his court whether he brings it up.
Because it’s possible he doesn’t want to reminisce with the man who was there right after he lost his husband.
The one who facilitated his last meeting with his in-laws. Perhaps those memories are painful.”
Wes marveled at his brilliant, kind husband. He was looking out for Calder, even if the alpha didn’t know it.
“You’re amazing,” he said, bringing Assa’s knuckles to his lips across the console. “And it seems like he’s doing okay now.”
“I hope so. The main thing I remember about our conversation is how sad he sounded.”
Wes was glad to see Assa’s shoulders relax. “Can I say one sort of random thing, though?” he asked. “Even if it might be a smidge improper after what you just told me.”
“Oooh, I love things that are a smidge improper. Tell me.”
“The man is absolutely, insanely good-looking.”
Assa’s cheek ticked. “Glad it’s not just me. Like I said, I’ll leave it to Calder to bring up the past if he wants to. For now, he can be alpha eye candy for us.”
“Agreed.” Wes laughed lightly. “If we’re both noticing hot alphas, it’s probably time to get back on the apps.”
Assa stroked his thigh. “We’ve lived in Bellwether for over a year, and I’m ready for us to be us again. And, sometimes, being us means having extra company in the bedroom.”