Chapter 28

28

Clint leaned back in his chair and picked up his mystery drink. Everyone knew there was no alcohol in whatever Clint drank, but it was always in a glass that was hard to see through, and he never ordered it out loud. It was just brought to him when he waved at the sub behind the bar. That was the advantage of owning the place.

No one he knew had ever gotten up the nerve to ask, and no bartender had ever told, either. It was legend now, one of the club’s great mysteries.

“So, your boy is taking a class, you said?”

Kacey was out and he was here because the apartment felt too quiet. Lonely. Odd considering he’d lived there alone since he rented the place years ago. “A cooking class. It was a… compromise. Or maybe a consolation prize.” He shook his head.

“A consolation prize? He wanted something else?” Clint’s eyebrow winged up.

“No. I did. He needs to do something, learn something new, meet some people. I wanted him to take an art class. He’s incredibly talented. But I was pushing him too hard and in the wrong direction.” He sighed. “It turned out for the best, but that was a lesson learned the hard way.”

“We all know about that. Hard lessons are important, though. I tell people that quite a bit.” Clint offered him a knowing nod. “At least you did hear him and his needs. That can be a challenge.”

“He finally said something that clicked for me.” He nodded. He’d said he couldn’t lose any more of himself, and that had done it. “That last little tumbler in the lock falling into place, you know? Or I hope it’s the last. I think I understand now.”

“Oh, it’s never the last, right? We’re all constantly changing and growing.”

“You’re right, of course. I was thinking the last of the things I just didn’t understand. But there are still things about myself I don’t fully understand, so that’s a silly idea.”

Constantly changing. He wasn’t sure he could take much more change right this second. “I’m nervous for him. I hope he enjoys it. I won’t say I forced him out the door, but I can’t say he was exactly excited about going tonight either.”

“I hope he enjoys it. I hope he learns something that he can use.”

“Well, he’s a worse cook than I am and that’s pretty telling.” He grinned at Clint. “He’s got to learn something.” He’d given Kacey instruction to get an Uber to the club after the class was over.

“What kind of food is he learning to cook?” Clint managed to seem amused and serious, at the same moment. It was impressive.

He shrugged, chuckling softly. “Huh. I have no idea. I think it’s… generic don’t-burn-water stuff?” Kacey could come home with anything.

“That’s got to be… useful.” Clint almost managed not to smile. Almost. “It’s good for keeping him busy.”

River could see it. Boy, go chop a cucumber!

“I think you’re laughing at me a little, Clint.” River teased. “But busy is what it’s about. He needs to feel useful. And he needs something to help fill his time so he’s not in his head all the time.” And honestly, Kacey needed a few hours on his own to get himself around, meet some people, gain some confidence.

“No. No, I tease, but I can’t imagine having nothing to do during the day. This sounds like a good start.”

“I hope so.” He shook his head. “His art though… He’s so talented and he won’t show anyone.”

“Is he shy? That is somewhat common, I’ve noticed.”

He thought about that. “I don’t know. He got along well with Tyson, but Tyson is kind of a force of nature. I’m not sure he understands shy. And he and I started out with me helping him get his pants off to pee, so I’m not sure shy was really a factor.” Poor Kacey had been thrown into his care and he really had no choice but to accept his help.

“Physical, emotional, and intellectual shyness aren’t the same, though,” Clint pointed out. “I would say that, Tommy’s boy was never intellectually shy, but emotionally, he spent a lot of time in his shell.”

“Ugh. Kacey has a hell of a shell.” He sighed. “He doesn’t trust anyone anymore. He’s definitely not an emotional risk-taker that’s for sure. Or a social one for that matter.”

“I’m sorry he’s been hurt, but I am happy that he found you, and our community.”

“I am too. And he will fit right in soon enough, I’m confident. He just needs to let himself.” He glanced toward the door, looking forward to Kacey walking through it soon, all on his own, like he belonged here.

Which he did.

“I guess I better make him an official member, hm?”

“It appears that you intend to keep him, and I feel like he intends to keep you…” Clint winked at him. “Did I tell you that Noel is forming a group in Santa Fe? I am fascinated to see what they decide on.”

“They miss Home. Is he consulting you? He wants us to come visit.” To be truthful, he was a little afraid to visit. He might love it.

“He is. He is so happy out there, and I want to see him succeed.”

The door opened, and Kacey walked in carrying a cardboard to-go box.

“Look who it is.” He stood and gave Kacey a wave. He watched his boy, trying to gauge what the look on Kacey’s face meant.

“I brought you a present.” Kacey came over, offering him the box like it was precious.

He took the box, then took a kiss too. “Thank you, boy.” He could smell something wonderful. “Should I open it now?”

“Uh-huh.” Kacey glanced at Clint. “I mean, yes, Master. Please.”

Inside the box was a lovely appearing meal—rice, carrots, peas, onions, mushrooms, celery, and eggs.

He let the slip-up go. It wasn’t important. Not when his boy was clearly so proud of himself. “Hey, look at this! This looks amazing. You made this tonight? I need a fork; I want to try it.”

“Behind the bar, boy,” Clint offered, and Kacey nodded and beamed.

“Thank you, Sir!” Then he headed for the bar.

River was going to eat this if it tasted like roasted death.

He took the fork from his boy and gestured for Kacey to sit. The boy could kneel later. “It smells really good. Tell me what you did.” He put the fork in it and mixed up some of the veggies and the rice.

“I learned about cutting up the vegetables and how you have to make them all the same size to cook at the same time. And we fried them in a wok. First the vegetables, then the rice, then the egg. Then I put the sauce and mixed it up.” Kacey stared at him. “Is it good? Do we have a wok? If you like it, I could do it again, maybe.”

He took a bite, determined to smile and look like he loved it no matter what. As it happened, he didn’t need to fake it. It was actually good. Maybe the veggies could be a hair softer, but the flavor was nice and the whole bite was delicious. “I love it. It’s so good.”

And to prove it, he took another bite. “Mm. Good. Did you have fun?”

“Yeah. Yeah, it was cool. It wasn’t too hard, the teacher was nice and funny, and there were all sorts of people there. Next week, we’re going to learn about making omelets and french toast.” Kacey chuckled softly, shook his head. “One girl cut her finger, and there was a man, Eliot, his wife died and he can’t cook, and I got to help him because his hands shook bad.”

Clint smiled, murmuring his goodbyes so that he could focus on his boy, one hundred percent.

He put the food down for a bit, he’d taken two more bites while Kacey was talking. “You’re so kind, boy. I bet he appreciated that.” It wasn’t lost on him that the people Kacey mentioned weren’t five-star chefs. They were clueless, like Kacey. Kindred spirits.

“It’s important, to help folks that need it.” Kacey took a deep breath. “So you really liked it? I thought it turned out pretty.”

“It did. And it’s tasty too. It would make a very nice dinner.” He didn’t own a wok, but in this town, it would take them no time at all to find one. He took Kacey’s hands. “It was a good compromise? It sounds like you enjoyed yourself.”

“Yeah. I was a little nervous, but it wasn’t hard. It was just paying attention and practice. I didn’t have to learn anything, and folks were friendly.”

He thought about pointing out that Kacey had in fact learned something, but he didn’t want to get into a discussion tonight. He just wanted Kacey to feel good about this. “Fantastic. I know it felt risky to you, but I’m glad you went. I can’t wait to see what you cook next week.”

“Yeah. I like an omelet. I’m going to make one with ham and green peppers and onions.” Kacey smiled at him. “So, did you have a nice evening?”

“I did. Clint and I caught up, and I’ve just been relaxing.” He picked up his fried rice again and had another bite. “We talked a little about you. I told him I thought we were communicating better.”

“Yeah? I think you do a good job, figuring me.”

“I think the same about you. I can be pretty dense.” He winked at Kacey.

“Nonsense. You’re the most magical person I’ve ever known. You’re my hero.” There was nothing but faith in his boy’s voice.

So sweet. He could handle being called magical. “I’m your dragon.” He put his food down and pulled Kacey out of his seat. They didn’t have any plans tonight; he hadn’t reserved a playroom either. So tonight was just for relaxing. “Let’s dance.”

“Oh?” Kacey grinned at him, nodding without a single hesitation. “Let’s do it.”

He’d wanted to get Kacey out on the dance floor for what felt like forever. As soon as they hit the boards, he put his arm around Kacey’s back and pulled him in. “Thank you for dinner.”

“Thank you for everything.” Kacey kissed his jaw. “Love you, Master.”

Kacey had started calling him Master without being asked. Something had just clicked for both of them the other night, and things had been smoother. More natural. He swayed with Kacey, just slow and easy, enjoying the way they fit together. “Love you, boy.”