Page 13 of Lost Boy

“Here.” Byron reached behind him where he’d placed the clip and strap to pin the pacifier to Mitch’s shirt. He got the clip on his shirt before connecting the strap to the pacifier. “That way you can drink and not worry about dropping your paci.”

Mitch fingered the strap before nodding. He was back to not talking but that was okay. Byron was a patient man. He left Mitch to play so he could return to the kitchen.

While searching for a cup Byron had found the pots and pans.

Deciding on spaghetti for dinner Byron got to work. Since the fridge was full of fresh vegetables Byron made a salad as well. He wanted to give Mitch a filling nutritious meal.

The dining table was situated in front of the large window. Byron opened the curtains, the dark sky lightened by the lights of the river below. It really was an awe-inspiring view. He set the table before carrying his water and a glass of milk to the table.

Mitch didn’t even look up at him. He continued to play and giggle at cartoons. Perfect. Byron was glad he hadn’t pulled Mitch from his mindset. After carrying the food to the table Byron went to collect his boy.

“Are you ready to eat boy?”

Mitch looked up before rubbing his belly.

“Come on,” Byron held out his hand. “Let’s get you fed then you can play while I clean up.”

Mitch slid his palm against Byron’s allowing himself to be helped up. Byron kept Mitch’s hand hostage as he led the boy to the table.

“Paci out at the table please.”

Mitch removed the pacifier. “Is that a rule?”

“Rule?”

“No paci at the table. Is that one of the rules?”

Byron pursed his lips. He hadn’t been thinking about rules when he’d commented. He’d just wanted Mitch to eat. But yeah, that would be a rule for Mitch. Byron nodded.

“Okay.” Mitch sat down and looked at the table. “You made all of this?”

“It doesn’t take long to make a good dinner. Eating healthy is important to give you energy and keep the brain focused.”

“Another rule?” Mitch teased, he even winked.

“Yes.” Byron fixed Mitch’s plate first. He added the salad with dressing before piling a good amount of spaghetti. Byron cut up Mitch’s food into bite-size before setting the plate in front of his boy.

“This looks fantastic. Thank you for making dinner.”

“It was truly my pleasure,” Byron replied easily. He sat in the chair next to his boy instead of across the table. He wanted to be close to Mitch.

“What other ones?” Mitch asked quietly.

“Other what?” Byron asked making his own plate.

Mitch hesitated.

Byron set the fork down and turned to him.

“Rules.”

Byron was surprised. Mitch had been pushing him away for so long and now he was the one who’d started a conversation they really needed to have. Byron picked up his fork as he thought about how to respond.

Deciding to just be honest Byron spoke from his heart. “Exclusivity,” he started. “Once I have a boy of my own, I could never share him. I’m looking for a partner. Someone I can build a life with. Yes, I’d like a boy that is interested in the same things as I am, but I think I’m pretty flexible.”

Mitch was eating slowly and not looking at him but Byron could tell Mitch was listening when he nodded.

“My schedule is pretty fixed with the University. My classes, office hours, and the time I spend preparing are pretty much always the same. The research for a paper I’m working on is more flexible but I have plan I follow. My boy would have a schedule as well. Of course, I’d make an allowance for work but I’d make a schedule for my boy and make sure he stuck to it.”

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