Page 12 of Baby Boy

Yes. That will give me time after class and a few hours to deliver food before getting ready.

The reminder at another of Avery’s jobs had Jace frowning. He understood that his boy needed to make money and Jasmin had shared that he was only taking two classes this semester, but Avery always seemed so tired. It went against every instinct Jace had that his boy worked himself so much.Good. I would reschedule if you’re too tired but I really am looking forward to seeing you.

Where will we eat?

Jace thought about the question. He wanted to pick a restaurant that Avery would be comfortable in. Not too expensive that his boy wouldn’t relax but also nice enough that Avery felt important. He also wanted privacy to hopefully talk to Avery about their relationship. He could only think of one restaurant that would fit for their first date.

Have you been to Michelle’s on Pleasant?

The small family-run Italian restaurant would be perfect. Not expensive but considered fine dining, quiet, romantic, and there was a good amount of space between tables.

No but I’ve heard good things about it. I love Italian.

Great! Would you like to meet me there or can I come pick you up?He’d give Avery a choice right now but soon that would be a decision Daddy made.

I’ll meet you there

Jace held back his disappointment. He didn’t know where Avery lived although he suspected it was close to the college. There’d been no way to find out without following Avery and Jace didn’t want to turn into an actual stalker. Or scare the boy away.I’m looking forward to it. Now tell me about your day.

§ § §

AVERY

Avery stared at his phone, not knowing how to respond. His day had been weird, and hard, and he felt overwhelmed and dumb. He rubbed his face against his lily, allowing himself to smile. He hadn’t managed to put the blanket back in the box and, as he lay in bed with his phone in one hand, he clung to his lily with the other. It helped him feel brave.

Finally deciding to test the waters, he answered Jace.I worked at the coffee shop then delivered food for a few hours tonight. I made some good tips.He sent his words then paused. Might as well admit the rest.I also did some research.There. He’d said it. Maybe Jace wouldn’t push him after all. Although he sort of wanted to be pushed.

I’m glad you made good money. What kind of research? For school?

Damn, now that Jace asked, Avery didn’t know whether he should ignore the question or admit what he’d been looking at. He must have waited too long because his phone buzzed again.

Avery? Everything okay?

Shit!Yes.Fuck. He—

The phone ringing in his hand had him yelling and dropping the device. He scrambled to pick his phone up and answer before Jace hung up. “Hello?”

“What’s the matter, boy?” Jace’s deep, stern voice had Avery shivering with the first words.

“Nothing.” He closed his eyes, holding in a groan. That hadn’t sounded very convincing.

“Avery,” Jace said. “I know this thing is still new between us, but I don’t like being lied to. If something is bothering you, then we need to talk about it. Does this have anything to do with what you were researching?”

Jace sounded as though he already knew what Avery had looked up but there was no way.

“Maybe?” Avery whispered.

“Tell me,” Jace urged. “I want you to be able to talk to me. I can help you if you let me.”

“I…I…” Avery sighed and wrapped his lily around his neck to bring a corner up to his mouth. Rubbed his lips. “I googled stuff…about a boy…and…an…and his Daddy.”

Jace made a sound somewhere between surprise and knowledge. For some reason Avery felt better already by admitting what he’d done. “I bet that was overwhelming.”

“Yeah,” he breathed in relief that Jace understood.

“I bet you have a lot of questions,” Jace said.

“Yeah.” Avery caught himself raising his thumb to his mouth and had to yank it away. Why did talking to Jace make him feel so safe?

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