4. Oliver

I loved my job. It was fulfilling to help freelancers and small businesses succeed in their work. Most of my clients ran their businesses out of their homes and wanted to avoid the trouble of having an on-site bookkeeper.

The freedom of working from home and setting my own hours was great because it allowed me to pace myself so I didn"t risk getting burnt out.

But I learned very early on how important it was to schedule lunch breaks and Little time so I didn"t accidentally overwork myself like when I first started this job.

It was so easy to get lost in files and meetings and not even realize how much time had gone by until I had a headache from looking at my screen for too long and my stomach threatened to turn into a monster and eat me from the inside out.

While I liked cute monsters, I didn"t think my tummy would be all that cute, especially if it were trying to eat me. So I quickly found a system that worked for me, which involved setting alarms on my phone so I didn"t lose track of time.

This week"s schedule had been more packed than usual. Several of my clients had deadlines coming up which meant putting in extra time to make sure everything was ready to be sent in.

So, even though it was Saturday, I still had some work to finish before I could call it quits for the week.

As the day went on, my thoughts kept drifting off to promises of fuzzy blankets and warm milk. I really needed to reach out to Collin soon to schedule an in-person session.

I loved my bottles, but nothing was more rewarding after a long week than latching on to warm skin and drinking from the source. I decided to send Collin a text as soon as I was done for the day.

Right as I was finishing my last task, my phone rang. I reached over to where I'd left it sitting on my desk and let out a small gasp when I saw it was Collin calling. Neither of us liked to speak on the phone unless we had to, so we usually stuck to texting…which left me wondering why he was calling.

I answered the call, quickly bringing the phone to my ear. "Hi, Collin."

"Hey, Oliver. Sorry for bothering you, but do you have some time to chat?"

"Of course. Just give me just a second." I shut my laptop and headed to the living room to sit on the couch. I needed to put my legs up after sitting at my desk for so long.

"Sure." Collin sounded like he had something important to talk about, and I wanted to get comfy so I could pay attention and not be distracted by my stiff muscles.

"Okay, I"m ready." I stifled a groan as I stretched my legs out across the plush couch. This was so much nicer than my hard chair.

"I hope I didn"t interrupt anything." He sounded tired, and I hoped everything was okay with him.

"You didn"t. I just finished working and was going to text you about scheduling a suckle session as a reward for working so hard this week. So, you have perfect timing."

He let out a soft chuckle. "You're precious, Oliver. Your future Daddy is going to be wrapped around your finger."

I wiggled in excitement at the thought of having a Daddy and being his precious boy.

"That"s actually why I'm calling. I was wondering if you"d be interested in receiving some free sessions as a favor to our newest member."

I let out a squeal as Little Ollie burst to the surface. "Free sessions? Like, milk sessions? Wait, how is that a favor if I"m the one receiving such an amazing gift?"

He laughed and then mumbled something about cuteness overload. I wasn't exactly sure because I was still focused on the free milk part.

"Tad is a special case. He recently joined our chapter after his doctor referred him to us for support. He just started lactating for the first time at the age of thirty-five."

I could only imagine the shock Tad must have been feeling. It had to be frightening and probably a little painful for him. At least, that was what some of the milkmen told me. As far as I was concerned, they were the luckiest people in the world. I'd gotten to know Collin and a few other members of TLB pretty well and saw their ability to lactate as one of the most special parts of them. It wasn"t something most people knew was even possible and was probably quite upsetting when it first happened. "Wow."

"Yeah. By that age, most of us have had years to adjust to the changes and have even used our milk as a way to better our lives."

I curled up on the couch, pulling my blankie over me because I needed the soft comfort. "Poor Tad must be so scared."

"He is. We thought it might help to have someone show him that while his new condition is different and can feel isolating at times, it can also be a good thing and even help others."

I took a slow, deep breath, gathering my thoughts. "You think if I nurse from Tad, it'll help him feel better about his milk?"

"I do. The chemicals our bodies release while feeding are very calming. Just as it soothes you, it does the same for us, just in a different way."

I knew what it felt like to feel different and alone, and if I could help Tad even a little bit, I wanted to try. "I"ll do it, and not just because you"re offering free milk. No one deserves to feel scared and alone."

"Thank you, Oliver. I knew you'd be the perfect person to help. You have a big heart."

I kicked my feet and wiggled. His praise made me do a happy dance even while I was reclined.

"I"ll text you his number so you can reach out and set up a time to meet. Thanks again, and don"t work too late, okay?"

I giggled. He was such a Daddy, always worrying. "I won't, I promise. Night-night, Collin."

"Good night, Oliver."

After the call ended, I immediately got a notification from Collin with Tad"s information. I opened the text and saved his number so I didn"t lose it.

Talking to new people always made me anxious, but he needed me, so I took a deep breath and typed out a text message. Hi Tad. This is Oliver. Would you like to get coffee with me so we can get to know each other? Things always seem less scary when coffee and sweets are involved.

I realized that might sound rude so I sent another message. Not that you're scary, I"m just shy. Then I thought about it some more. Wait, are you scary?

Great, my nerves had taken over. He was gonna think I was crazy and never message me back.

When I felt my phone vibrating, I jumped, breaking through my mental spiral.

Tad had texted back. Hello, Oliver. Thank you for messaging me. I know this is a new situation for both of us. I have to admit I'm quite nervous too and think coffee sounds like a great idea.

I was about to respond when he sent another message. I don"t think I"m scary. If we meet and I am, you can throw muffins at me. I"m free tomorrow if you are.

I kicked my feet, giggling. He was silly. Tomorrow's great. I"ll send you the address. Is ten o"clock okay?

He responded immediately, making me smile even bigger. 10 is perfect. I"ll see you then, Oliver. Have a good evening.

Thanks, you too :) I sent him the address for my favorite coffee shop and headed to my room to get dressed in my jammies so I could have some Little time.

Tomorrow was going to be a big day.