Chapter Ten

Jack

"Don't cry, Little Monkey. I promise when you get off the ship I'll be there waiting for you. Until then, we can email, text, and video chat as often as you can." Jesus, this was the hardest fucking thing I'd ever had to do, leaving my boy. Brought together by a random twist of fate and one I'd forever thank those very fates for.

"I'm going to miss you so much, Daddy." Vale sniffled. "This sucks."

"Yes, it does but, Vale," he glanced up at me. "I love you, and I promise you're the only one for me. My perfect boy."

He burst into tears, crying harder than he had been. "I. Love. You. Too," he got each word out between sobs.

This was killing me.

"I'll sneak out on deck and wave goodbye."

I had zero doubts he would do that, and I'd comb the crowd until I found him.

"Remember, my love, this isn't goodbye forever, it's merely a goodbye, I'll see you soon." But damned if it didn't feel otherwise. My boy washed his face and with a final kiss he was off, and I returned to packing. Far too soon it was done, and my thoughts were once again consumed with all things Vale. At least once I was gone, he wouldn't have to sneak around, breaking rules and he'd have more time to spend with Darcy.

Speaking of Darcy, a meeting with Ms. Vivienne, the owner of Blush and the very one who'd sponsored this event, was in order. Vivienne and I went way back, before club days. Two young college kids with big dreams and delusions of grandeur, though not as delusional as we'd once thought given our dreams had become a reality. Not many were as lucky as we were, but I was a silent partner, in finance only in Blush, and wishing my friend all the happiness I'd found in my boy, and the best way to do that was to find her a girl of her own.

I believed I'd just met her perfect little.

I woke in the middle of the night as soon as I heard the door open and close, and the sweet voice I longed to hear whispered, "It's me, Daddy. Don't be scared."

"Sweet boy, what are you doing here? It's three a.m."

"I know, but we're collecting all the luggage and of course I have my rooms to do, but I wanted to run in and give you a kiss and a big hug. I'm gonna miss you so much." Vale wrapped his arms around my neck.

"I'm gonna miss you, too, sweetheart, more than you know." I tugged him down onto the bed with me and started tickling him.

"Daddy! Daddy! I still have a bunch of luggage to pick up, but I just couldn't come by and grab yours and not say anything."

"Well, I'm glad you did. I don't want you to get into trouble, but one last stolen moment makes my heart happy."

"I love you so much, Daddy."

"I love you, Little Monkey." We kissed for a few minutes before our time ended abruptly. At this point it wasn't worth trying to sleep anymore, not that I had been. I got up and dressed and went to breakfast in my designated area, leaving a hearty tip for the staff before I disembarked. Two long hours it took to get off the ship given the amount of passengers doing the same thing. As soon as I was, I felt my boy's eyes on me and glanced up to scan the crowd out on the deck. I didn't dare yell his name because everyone around him was a crew member but as soon as I spotted him, I blew him a kiss and tapped my heart. My way of letting him know I loved him, and he did the same.

I made my way to the luggage carousel and once I'd collected mine, met the Uber driver at the pick-up stand. The drive home was somber. I'm sure most were happy to be on their way home, reflecting on the fantastic cruise they'd had, ready to share it with their friends and family. For me, the fact I'd left a piece of my heart on that ship and only one person could bring it back to me was a somber memory.

Through the heavy Seattle traffic, we finally got across the river and into Bellevue and pulled up in front of my building. The driver kindly helped me out with my luggage and as soon as I stepped inside the elevator, the loneliness hit me. Through all these months I'd spent alone, I never felt lonelier than I did then. Now that I had someone to share my life with, I wanted to. No longer content to be the bachelor I once was.

I unpacked, started a load of laundry and took inventory of what was in the cupboards and fridge, then placed a grocery delivery order. It was too early for a glass of wine, though I really wanted one. Instead, I dialed my mother.

"How's my world traveling son today?"

"Well, good morning to you, too, Mother Dearest. Didn't travel the world so much as down to the Hawaiian Islands and back up."

"Do you hit any storms? Have any fun? Meet a man?"

My mother the match maker, always hoping to pair me up.

"No storms, had fun, met the love of my life." And I left it at that, knowing full well that her wheels were spinning like a mother fucker right then.

"What? No? Don't tease your mother. You know I have a bad ticker."

"Woman, you are such a liar. You're in better health than I am."

"Tsk. That is not true. So, when do we get to meet this man that stole your heart?"

"Ugh, therein lies the problem. Vale is one of the crew and only sixteen days into a four-month contract. But Mom, you're gonna love him." Without out a doubt, she'd fall for him as quickly as I had but in a motherly way.

"Sounds like my son needs a mother's ear and maybe even a hug."

"Both, please. I was thinking about coming up this weekend."

"Repack your bags, grab the groceries I know you just ordered, and get your ass out here."

Hardy laughter burst from me. My mother was something special. Gods how I loved that woman. "All right, Mommy Dearest. I'm doing some laundry now. How about I head your way tomorrow?"

"Let me know when you get on the ferry, and I'll tell your father to fire up the grill and throw the meat on."

"I love you, Mom."

"I love you, too, baby boy. We'll see you tomorrow. Can't wait to hear all about your mister."

One more call to make.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't the elusive Mr. Jack Barrett. Back from your cruise already?" My assistant's chipper voice reminded me of one of the many reasons why I'd hired her over a decade ago.

"Hello, Diana. Did I miss anything? The building burn down?" Even though I checked in with her while I was on the cruise, and of course, she reminded me there was nothing to worry about, I still felt the urge to call.

"You know the answer to that, Jack. Will you be gracing us with your presence tomorrow?"

"Do you need me to?" She didn't, but part of being a good boss was asking.

"Hmm, if I didn't know any better, I would think you were trying to get out of work. Did the workaholic have some sort of epiphany while out to sea?" Ever the inquisitive friend she was.

"Something like that. I was thinking about heading out to Whidbey for a few days to spend some time with my parents."

"That sounds like a great idea. I've got a couple of contracts for you to review. I'll send them via email, and you can sign and send them back. Otherwise, everything's running smoothly. Sooo…" She drug the word out and I knew exactly what would come next. "Did you meet anyone special?"

Sometimes I swore Diana and my mother were of the same brain. "As a matter of fact, I did."

"Don't lie to me. Jack, I've worked for you long enough to know you better." That woman could sniff out bullshit a mile away.

"Now, would I lie to my favorite girl?"

"Cute, but seriously?"

"Yes, seriously, I met someone. His name is Vale. He's part of the crew and he's still under contract with the cruise line for a couple of months while I'm back here wallowing in loneliness." Oh no, my turn for a pity party.

"Okay, who is this and what have you done with Jack Barrett? Do I need to call the authorities?"

"Ha-ha-ha. There's a reason why I've kept you on the payroll, Diana, it's your witty charm and subservient demeanor." That latter of which she was not.

"Subservient my ass. No, it's my ability to put up with you, grouchy pants, and you know it."

"No denying that, although I've felt a change in the wind. But yes, once he's back on dry land we'll I'll go out for dinner. Sound like a plan?"

"Sounds like a plan, boss. Look for those contracts in the next ten or fifteen minutes. Tell your parents I said hi."

"Will do and as always, Diana, thank you for everything you do. I really appreciate you."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Appreciate me in my next bonus. Goodbye, loverboy."

As the laundry finished, rather than putting it away, right back in the luggage it went. I glanced around my condo seeing it through fresh eyes. Bland, boring, stale. How had I never bothered to decorate before or really turn it into a home? It was as though I had one foot out the door the entire time I'd lived here. Should I bother to decorate now? Make it more comfortable for when Vale came over? Though in reality I couldn't picture us here long-term. Hell, at this point I hardly pictured myself here.

Vale and I here?

Wow, how far ahead of our new relationship could I get?

There was no denying the thoughts I'd had of us in a house where he could monkey around, for lack of a better descriptive. What would it take to build an indoor gym with a rock wall? Maybe those metal bars we had in grade school that you swung along on. I could see him swinging from handle to handle. Actually, that would be a great piece of workout equipment for both of us.

The wheels turned at an alarming rate.

With those thoughts fresh in my mind, I booted up my laptop, poured a glass of wine and dove into a new home search. There had to be houses around here with gyms already in them for sale. Or ones with the space to add a gym. Having any outdoors would diminish usage to three months of the year here. Seattle rain and all of that. My condo had a great view of Lake Washington, which was the reason I purchased it, but now I wanted a place for two. How was it I spent my life in and out of dating, never once had I envisioned a future with another yet now that was all that I saw?

Life without Vale wasn't an option for me, and I'd do whatever it took to ensure his happiness.

I loved my parents' place on Whidbey. Five acres of land. A gorgeous two-story, thirty-five-hundred square foot house. Five bedrooms, three bathrooms. Way too big for them, though they did love to entertain and it was nice that I had my own room there. I wondered what Vale would think of living on the island. That idea opened a secondary home search, one for north of Seattle and up to Anacortes, and now another for Whidbey.

Maybe it would be best to buy land and build the house of our dreams.

That night as I lay awake in bed, unable to shut my brain down, I shot off a text to Vale.

Me: I hope you're doing okay.

Cheesy? Maybe…

I tossed and turned all night, well aware it could be hours if not days before I'd hear back from him. He had the job from hell, really, and ran nonstop. Finally, I dozed off and when I woke the first thing I did was reach for my phone.

Vale: Sorry it took so long to get back to you. Today has been miserable. We worked sixteen hours then when we got back to the room we both passed out. How was your day? You're probably sleeping. I hope I didn't wake you. Love you!

My sweet, thoughtful boy. It'd only been twenty-four hours since I last saw him, and I missed his rambling.

Me: My day was boring. Today I'm going to visit my parents and stay for a few days. Love you too, Monkey.

After a quick shower, I grabbed my bag, hit my favorite coffee shop and was on my way to catch the ferry out of Mukilteo. Once boarded, I went above deck and snagged a window seat and took a couple of pictures for Vale. I loved gazing out at the Sound every time I rode the ferries. The views of the islands were amazing. I loved living here. Washington was a gorgeous state with so much to offer between fishing, outdoor activities, wine tasting—the options to fill one's time were never ending. As soon as I sat, Vale texted back.

Vale: I love the pictures. So pretty.I've only been to Whidbey once and I loved it. We went to this red barn place. I remember there was a swing set outside I played on while my mom shopped.

Me: Yes. I always stop on the way to my parents' and pick up wine and cheese there. I've often thought of having a home on the island.

Thought I'd throw that out there and get his thoughts on it.

Vale: That would be amazing but so far for me to come and see you.

Me: That's a minor detail that's easily remedied.

I bet my parents would love having Vale's mother around. Probably a good idea to bring her out and meet them first. Maybe at the same time I brought Vale. There was plenty of room at my parents' house for a weekend meet and greet and we could take them to all our favorite places.

Then I could spring the whole moving to the island proposal to Vale.

Proposal…

Did that word just enter my head?

Talk about a whirlwind romance. Slow your roll, Jack.

A true mirrored image of my father I was.

Maybe a mother-in-law suite could be added to the plans. Good God, was I getting ahead of myself. Jack, you've lost your fucking mind. Mother-in-law suites, houses with property. I shook my head and laughed. Anyone near me had to think I was insane right now. They couldn't hear my thoughts, but they could see my reactions. Yet I couldn't shake any of them because they felt so right. Like, bone deep rightness. Vail and I haven't even really dated, and I was already so far gone there were no reins to stop my forward motion by.

The familiar red barn came into view. I pulled in and parked and snapped a picture as I walked up to it, then sent it off to Vale, he'd get a kick out of that. I perused the wine and cheese and made a few selections to share with my parents. As soon as I drove up to their house, Mom came running out of the front door.

"There's my baby boy!" Though I towered over her, it still felt wonderful to be in her arms as she wrapped them around me in a mother's loving embrace. "Let me help you with the groceries." She grabbed the bags from the backseat while my father hugged me and helped with the luggage.

"Jeez, son, how long were you planning to stay for? Or did you decide to move back in?"

My parents were wonderful, and their home was always open to me.

"Ha-ha-ha. Nice try, but no. I know how much Mom would love to cook for me again but everything's fine, trust me."

"That's because you don't eat enough, and you don't eat well. And a mother knows best," she fired off. Dad and I shared a knowing glance that said we were both smart enough to keep our mouths shut and not argue with the lady in charge.

"Just wanted to get away and clear my head. Nothing wrong with that, is there?"

"Not unless it has something to do with a certain mister your mother told me about?"

"Maybe."

Mom had lunch ready and waiting on the dining table. The three of us got caught up while we ate just like old times. How long had it been since my last visit? Far too long and I made a mental note to not go this far between visits again. Vale, of course, was the topic of discussion, and I shared all but the intimate details. Those were meant for us and us alone, memories to reflect upon in private.

"I just knew the moment I met him that he was the one." Instalove, soulmates, whatever you called it, Vale was that and more for me.

"Typical Barrett reaction." Mom smiled across the table at Dad. To think I finally had a chance at what they have had for nearly forty years of marriage was mind boggling. They still looked at each other like the sun rose and set within them.

Beautiful. There was no other way to describe it.

"This is true, son," Dad readily agreed. "We Barretts just know. But remember, those which our hearts want and are enamored with may get spooked by our forwardness. Do you think your young man will be able to handle a Barrett coming at him full force?"

I sat back and blew out a deep breath as I pondered his question. "I hope so. Vale seemed more concerned with whether I'd be able to handle him."

"Why is that?" Mom chimed in.

"He's neurodiverse, ADHD—heavy on the H if you get my drift. He's been rejected by others because he was too much for them. Whereas for me he is the opposite. You know how much I enjoy having a boy, whether it be a little or a pet, though I usually prefer pets. Well, I actually helped him embrace and accept his inner pet. I watched him from afar the first time he entered the playroom on the ship, completely enthralled with what he saw. The next time he appeared it was in a makeshift monkey costume he'd thrown together. The most horrendous thing I'd ever seen." I smiled at the recollection and my parents laughed. "Yet it called to him, his inner monkey. It was utterly perfect. Once he found pet play it was the perfect outlet for his energy and everything just clicked into place."

"Of course, you've already purchased him a new suit, I'd imagine?" Dad knowingly winked.

"Absolutely. It's sitting on my dining table waiting for him to open it. I think he'll enjoy the club and all it has to offer." At least I hoped he did.

"Why do I have a feeling you've got a few more plans up your sleeve for your monkey?" Mom's bright smile only served to widen mine.

"Because I'm your son and you know me well." I'd argue to say too well, though the connection I had with my parents ran deep and I wouldn't change it for anything.

"Come on, son. Let's go out on the deck and enjoy a cocktail." Dad rose and we helped clear the dishes before I stepped outside.

He'd get no argument from me. Dad only stocked the best bourbon and libations. All of which he purchased from local island distilleries.

Outside on my parents' balcony, the temperature was great, and they had a perfect view of the sound. As I took it in, wishing Vale was by my side, I wondered where in the world he was today.

"What's going on in that handsome head of yours?" Dad asked as he handed me a glass and clinked his against mine.

"Handsome, huh? I look just like you."

"That's how I know you're handsome. All right, my boy, talk to me."

"Dad, I'm head over heels in love with him."

"I suspected as much. Does he feel the same way?"

"He says he does, but once he's on land again, what if that changes?" Fuck, that would break me.