Chapter 19 Miguel

Miguel watched as Daddy Shamus stood in line at the bustling stand, a local favorite. The air was rich with the sizzle and aroma of steak grilling on the open flame, mingling with the tangy zest of freshly squeezed lemons. They eagerly ordered the boardwalk's famous steak and cheese subs; Miguel's mouth watered as they watched them sizzle on the grill and the smells of melting cheese, sliced onions, and green peppers filled the air.

As they waited for their order, the laughter and screams from the rides blended with the crash of the waves. The scent of the ocean mingled with the savory smells wafting from the food stands.

"I really enjoy living here in the summer," Miguel said.

"I do too. That's why I bought the bar and live above it for the season."

"I've never stayed at the shore for more than a weekend. At first, I didn't want to leave Brooklyn, but I'm glad my mother and uncle sent me here."

"I'm so excited we can spend the summer like this. What's even better is we don't have to end our relationship when the summer ends. We're both going to Princeton."

"We were made for each other."

"I think so too." Daddy Shamus paid for their meals and handed Miguel his sandwich and drink. It also came with French fries.

Along the boardwalk, the sound of laughter and chatter from nearby cafes filled the air as they came across an empty bench. They sat side by side, their shoulders touching. Just sitting beside Daddy Shamus made Miguel feel safe and happy, like no other time in his life. Daddy Shamus was the real thing, with the unmistakable scent of his cologne and the sound of his hearty laughter echoing through the air. From his kind eyes to his confident demeanor, Daddy Shamus was perfect in every way.

Miguel savored the first bite of the steak and cheese sub. The steak was tender and succulent, seasoned to perfection, complementing the creamy, melted cheese that stretched with each bite. The roll added a satisfying crunch.

The experience was more than just eating; it was a moment that captured the essence of Seaside Heights—the laughter of the crowd, and the salty kiss of the sea breeze. Sitting and eating with his new daddy was the best gift he could have gotten for his birthday.

It was a reminder of the simple pleasures in life and the joy of sharing such moments with someone he cherished deeply. As he continued to enjoy the meal, he felt a sense of contentment, knowing that this was exactly where he was supposed to be.

"Tonight's our last night at the hotel, so I thought tomorrow when we check out, we'd do something special together. I took the day off to spend with you."

"Really? That's great."

"I want your birthday to be as special as you are to me." He leaned over and kissed Miguel on the cheek. "I have plans for us tonight."

Miguel smiled. "I can't wait."

They walked to Seaside Sips. Daddy Shamus swung the bar door open just past midnight and Miguel walked in behind him. He felt older, taller somehow. Daddy Shamus took the teddy bear and placed it behind the bar.

The glow of the bar lights cast a hazy sheen on the worn wooden bar top. Streamers and some suspicious neon lights snaked across the exposed brick walls. A banner proclaiming "Miguel Reyes is Twenty-one!" in a glitter that threatened to blind, hung crookedly behind the bar. It was…something. A smile tugged at Miguel's lips as he entered, a nervous energy buzzing around him.

"Happy birthday, love!" Daddy Shamus boomed, pulling Miguel into a one-armed hug. The bar erupted in cheers, a chorus of "Miguel's legal!"

"Thanks. This…" Miguel gestured to the bar, a bewildered fondness replacing his initial shock. His mother never celebrated his birthday because his father was murdered on that day. A week later each year, his family showered him with gifts and warm, beaming smiles. His mother couldn't bear making a cake for Miguel on the day she lost the love of her life. Miguel understood. In his childhood memories, the sound of gunshots in the streets was forever linked to the image of his father being shot.

"Finn and Jimmy's handiwork." Daddy Shamus grinned. "Alright, birthday boy, what'll it be?"

Miguel looked around the bar at a sea of expectant faces. Already, hands reached for wallets, eager to offer the first toast.

"Easy there, everyone," Daddy Shamus called out, his voice laced with amusement. "Miguel gets the first call."

Miguel's gaze darted back to Daddy Shamus. "Just a beer on tap. Maybe two." Everyone's gaze made him increasingly uneasy.

Daddy Shamus went behind the bar and pulled a fresh pint of his best lager, the golden liquid catching the light. "Two it is. Here's to you, Miguel. Twenty-one and ready to take on the world…or at least two beers."

Miguel forced a smile, trying to convey his gratitude to Daddy Shamus for making his birthday special, even though nobody else dared to celebrate it. As they clinked glasses, a warmth filled Miguel's chest.

"Don't drink it yet." Daddy Shamus rushed around the bar and lifted Miguel up onto the bar top. "Drink up."

"Cheers!" Miguel lifted his drink in the air, then took his first legal sip of beer. The bar felt different tonight. It was filled with the promise of new beginnings, a future he and Daddy Shamus were about to step into, one beer at a time.

When Miguel finished his first beer, Daddy Shamus helped him down from the bar top and handed him another. They clinked mugs, the fizzy heads spilling over onto the bar.

As the night wore on, the bar filled with laughter and the clinking of glasses. Many patrons wanted to buy him a drink. Miguel ran a hand through his hair, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips as he politely declined drinks from well-wishers. "I appreciate it. Really. But two will do. Gotta pace myself, you know?"

He opted for water after his two beers. Turning twenty-one was a milestone, sure, but it wasn't an excuse to lose control.

By two in the morning, the energy in the bar waned. Miguel's eyes were drooping, the birthday excitement catching up with him. Daddy Shamus handed him his green bear. "Alright, birthday boy. Time to call it a night."

"Thanks. For tonight, for everything."

"You're officially an adult, but that doesn't mean you have to act like it all the time."

He laughed, a genuine, yet tired sound. "Wouldn't dream of it."

The bar lights dimmed as Daddy Shamus locked up for the night then drove them to the hotel. Both were exhausted.

"I had the best birthday night."

"I like how you paced yourself and didn't overdo the alcohol. I've seen many young guys drink until they threw up."

"Oh, that won't be me. I like to drink beer and maybe there are other kinds of drinks too, but I'm not into being sick. I didn't want to embarrass you after you threw me a surprise birthday at your bar."

They took the elevator to their floor. When they entered, there were presents all wrapped and in a pile. Miguel set his teddy bear down on the dresser.

"More presents?" Miguel asked as he scanned his name written in large print on each present.

"Sit on the bed and I'll hand you each one to open."

Miguel removed his shoes and socks and sat on the bed. He was beyond excited to open his gifts. He certainly hadn't expected Daddy Shamus to buy him more presents.

Daddy Shamus handed Miguel a gift wrapped in metallic silver paper with a bold "twenty-one" printed on top and a bright blue bow. Miguel carefully opened the present. Inside he found a beautiful green pullover matching the green flecks in his hazel eyes.

"This is awesome. I like green. It's my size too. Thank you."

Daddy Shamus handed him another gift wrapped in brown paper with a twine bow and a tag bearing his name. He opened it to find a sleek and stylish leather wallet personalized with his initials.

"I needed a new one. Mine is falling apart. This is perfect. Thank you."

"I saw your wallet. I thought you might like a new one." He handed Miguel a glossy black gift box with a silver bow and a personalized birthday card.

Miguel opened it to find wireless earbuds and a smartwatch. "Wow! These are too much."

"Not for my Miguel. He gets the best. You only turn twenty-one once. It should be memorable." He handed Miguel another small envelope with a balloon pattern, sealed with a wax stamp.

When Miguel opened the envelope, there were season tickets to Princeton's football games. "Wow!"

"I have season tickets with you beside me now."

"We're going to see the games together?"

"I sure hope so. Our seats are together."

The last gift was a small box papered in bright red with a gold bow. He opened it to find a green butt plug. There was a note.

Miguel,

Please wear this when we are apart.

"Yes, Daddy Shamus. I will."

"Now stand at the foot of the bed," Daddy Shamus ordered.