Epilogue
EPILOGUE
TOBY
April
Loading the last of my stuff into the back of Eric’s truck, I’m glad that the rain they predicted for the weekend held off. I didn’t want to have to make multiple trips using Owner’s sedan to haul everything.
“Is that everything?”
Think of him and he shall appear.
“Yes, Owner. The room upstairs is completely empty now and ready for the next person who needs to find their kink family.” Pushing up on my toes, I press a kiss to Don’s cheek before I rush off to join the others in the basement for the end of movie day. Don and Matt were voluntold by Eric that they are responsible for his truck and need to finish moving my stuff up into the apartment.
I didn’t tell Owner, but the investors I found for our café are the guys from Kink Manor. Eric, Lucky, and Eli each have more money than they know what to do with. The rest of us might be working class guys, but we’re family. We’ve never let money get between us.
My phone pings with an alert to let me know I have a new text message.
ShyLove:
I have finished the preliminary logo. what do you think?
Me:
I think The Mug Shot is gonna be a hit
A noise from the back porch distracts me from heading downstairs. Pushing open the screen door, I’m surprised to see Jace wiping hurriedly at his eyes before putting the lid on the trash can. He gives no indication that he sees me before he lumbers off to the back of the garage to disappear inside.
Me:
Something’s wrong with TB
ShyLove:
y do u say that?
I lift the lid on the trash can and gasp at what I see. The bear that Jace has had his entire life is laying on top of the pizza boxes from earlier today. I snatch him off the pile of trash and brush him off as best I can. I don’t know what the hell is going on with my friend, but one thing I know for certain. Anything that could convince him to throw out Sox is not something that he needs to have in his life.
Me:
I’ll tell you at home. we need to safeguard a teddy 4 a bit
ShyLove:
The sound of Jace’s motorcycle spraying gravel against the garage wipes the smile from my face. I really hope whatever is wrong can be fixed for him.
“Come on, Sox. Shy and Donnie will help me take care of you until your little buddy is feeling better.” Tucking the bear carefully into my backpack, I hope I’m not lying to him or myself.