Both men smiled and stared at the server’s fine ass as he walked away from them. After a moment, Del chuckled, lifted his beer, and gestured for Matthew to pick up his martini. Del gently clicked his bottle against the glass. “Cheers, pup.”
“Cheers, Sir.”
They sipped their drinks and then dove into the nachos and an antipasto platter. “I was thinking,” Del said. “Your parents' anniversary is next month. What do you think about taking them to Florence for a week when you can get some more time off?”
Surprised, Matthew choked on an olive and coughed. He covered his mouth with a napkin until he could talk again. “Florence? As in Florence, Italy? Or Florence, Alabama?”
Del narrowed his eyes and tilted his head. “What do you think? Of course, Florence, Italy. I overheard you and your mom talking with your cousin about it a few weeks ago. She went there on her honeymoon, and they want to go back, right?”
“Y-yeah. Are you serious?”
“Yes, I’m serious. It would be an excellent present for their anniversary—your mom said they’ve never been to Italy, but it’s on her bucket list. I get the feeling it’s on yours too. Am I right?”
Still stunned, Matthew nodded. Del reached over and clasped his hand. “Look. I know this falls under your definition of big gifts, so I asked instead of surprising you and them. But I’d really like to treat everyone to a trip. Will you let me spoil you just this once?”
He pursed his lips and glared at Del. “Why do I get the feeling that ‘just this once,’” he made air quotes with his free hand, “will become a phrase you’ll usemorethan once?”
Del laughed. “Okay, so maybe I’m getting used to the fact I’m stinkin’ rich and can splurge on things I never could before.Maybe we can take one big trip a year to treat ourselves. Besides, I have good news. That new app I’ve been working on? It looks like I may have a buyer for it. I won’t get as much money for this one as I did with the fitness app, but it’s a significant offer. Randy has already started negotiating a counteroffer and is reviewing the contract. If all goes well, it might be sold by September or October, giving us another reason to celebrate.”
“Oh, wow! That’s great, Del. I’m so proud of you.”
“Thanks. So, what do you think? A trip to Florence with your folks?”
He relaxed into his chair again. “They would love that, especially my mom. So, yes, that would be an amazing present for their thirtieth anniversary. Thank you.”
“It’s my pleasure.” Del squeezed his hand. “You know, I like to think your mom and mine would’ve been good friends. And your dad has been more than a dad to me these past few months than my sperm donor ever was. I never thought I’d find love so soon after moving to Tampa, but I did. I love you, pup, and your family. And having that love returned is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I came to Florida to start a new life. What I found was my forever.”
Oh, Goddess of Twinks everywhere. He says the most beautiful things!
“You’re my forever, too, Sir.”