8

8

Dakota

EIGHT WEEKS LATER

It was Tuesday night at the Pick and Grab, and Dakota was patrolling the produce section. This week, Celia had come with the friend from the cooler, a handsome man with a Willie Nelson vibe. They seemed very taken with each other and the eggplant parm they were planning for dinner.

From over by the apples, Miss Witherspoon gave Dakota a little wave. Beside her, Gerald seemed intent on finding the perfect Honeycrisp. They were all still together. There'd been magic in the air at the Pick and Grab the night they met.

Seth thought the reason everyone kept coming back was to keep alive the memory of that first encounter. Although the way he phrased it always sounded like there were orcs and dragons involved.

As if Dakota's thoughts had conjured him, Seth emerged from the condiments aisle. His smile made little butterflies circle around Dakota's belly. Two months and the sight of him still had Dakota all aflutter.

"How are things at gay-but-not- gay nineties night?" Seth asked when he got closer.

"Quiet. Mostly regulars. I've got to say, it's sweet but a lot less exciting without a fresh romance."

"I think I can help with that. Prepare to be amazed."

"So it's really happening? How is Michael doing?"

"Driving himself crazy, as usual. I don't understand why he feels so guilty. It's not like he took a battle axe to anyone. I told him it will all be okay, but I don't think he believes me."

"Thank you for setting this up." Dakota touched Seth's arm, feeling a rush of tenderness. "I'm hopeful for them, even though Brooke says matchmaking isn't part of my job."

Seth shrugged. "You can tell her this was all my idea, even though I don't see what business it is of hers whether you matchmake or not. You're her boss."

"I'm not sure she sees it that way. But thanks for working so hard with Michael to get him to agree to this."

"He's a nice old man and I enjoyed spending time with him. It turns out he played D&D in the eighties. He's taught me a lot about the origins of the game. Besides, nobody should grow old alone unless they want to."

Dakota swept a curl out of Seth's eyes. "I'm young and I don't want to be alone again."

Seth looked down at him tenderly. "You won't be alone as long as I have anything to say about it. Now, let's find Mr. Diaz."

Mr. Diaz was in the dairy section. He kept glancing toward the corner where Michael usually lurked. He looked up when Dakota approached. "You don't think there's anything wrong with him, do you? I used to worry about his eating habits. Who knows what his cholesterol must be by now."

"I've got a surprise for you." Dakota took his elbow.

Mr. Diaz looked from Dakota to Seth and back again. "What are you boys up to? I'm not falling for the display consultation again."

"Just come with us, sir," Seth said seriously. "It's all been arranged."

He paused, considering, then sighed. "I have a feeling I'm going to regret this." But he let Dakota steer him through the EMPLOYEE ONLY doors. At the doorway to the breakroom, he stopped and stared. Dakota did, too.

Seth had transformed the space. Candles glowed from every surface. Michael sat at the break table in his suit. He looked pale and gripped the table edge so hard his knuckles were white, but he stayed where he was. He locked eyes with Mr. Diaz. After a moment, he cleared his throat.

"It's been a long time, Juan. Can we talk?"

"God, yes." Mr. Diaz turned to Dakota and mouthed, "Thank you," then crossed the room in two steps and sat across from Michael.

"It's taken me too long, I know." He took one of Mr. Diaz's hands in his. "I'm really sorry for everything. I've missed you."

Seth took Dakota's hand and led him back into the corridor. "I made him role play that speech. I think he did a good job with it."

Dakota wrapped his arms around Seth and looked up into his gorgeous green eyes. "You made it special for them."

Seth smiled. "That's my favorite room in the store. Although, since it's taken, maybe I can convince you to join me in the walk-in?"

"Hmm. Tempting. But I'd rather wait until they're finished with the breakroom and enjoy the ambiance. I can't believe you got Michael to agree to this."

Seth ran a finger down Dakota's jaw. "I told him that if he was looking for love, the Pick and Grab was the place to go."

"Where love blossoms amidst the baked goods," Dakota murmured.

"Or surrounded by suggestive sausages. I love gay nineties night." Seth leaned down and kissed the crook of Dakota's neck, making him shiver.

And I love you. Dakota thought. But he didn't say it. Not yet. Not tonight. But soon. Because love was what gay nineties night was all about. Dakota was a lucky man because he didn't have to wait until he was retired. He got to fall in love with Seth right here and right now. And the best was yet to come.