Page 12 of Lost Boy

The kitchen was even better. Gray marble countertops gleamed against the stainless steel appliances and gray tiled floor. The place was spotless and Byron had to wonder if Mitch had a cleaning service. Hopefully, if he did then Mitch also had groceries. He’d always worried about his boy eating right and it was time to snoop a little.

He opened the stainless steel fridge and smiled. Mitch either had gone shopping recently or had his groceries delivered.

Byron pulled out a couple of bottles of water then looked around. He wasn’t sure if Mitch would have a sippy cup. If not that was the first thing Byron would buy him. After opening all the cupboards Mitch didn’t find anything for his boy. Instead of worrying about it, Byron carried a bottle of water back into the living room.

Teenage superheroes played on the television while Mitch lined all his cars back on the ottoman. It must be time for the next race.

Byron knelt beside Mitch. “I couldn’t find a cup for you. Do you have special dishes?”

Mitch shook his head his eyes sad.

“That’s okay,” Byron assured him. “I just wanted to make sure I wasn’t missing them.” Between the clothes in the bottom drawer and toys hidden in the living room, Mitch wasn’t able to show his true self even in his home. “Drink some water for me, okay?”

Mitch accepted the bottle then moved the pacifier around in his mouth.

“I know,” Byron said gently. “But take a few sips of water and the paci can go back in.”

Mitch took his pacifier from his mouth before he gulped down the water.

“Slowly,” Byron urged.

“Thank you,” Mitch said softly.

“Of course,” Byron responded. “You need anything else, sweetie?”

“Everything is perfect,” Mitch told him.

“I’m glad.” Byron couldn’t help himself. He wrapped his arm around Mitch’s shoulder and hugged him. “Is there anything specific you’d like for dinner?”

“Not really.” Mitch shrugged. “Marcia should have been here today so there should be fresh food.”

“Marcia?” Byron questioned.

“She does the cleaning and shopping. She comes in about three times a week. You’d like her. She’s an art student and is so talented. This gig works perfectly for her because she can come when it fits in with her schedule. I’m not that picky.”

“And I bet you pay well,” Byron teased.

Mitch blushed. “Her parents stopped paying for school when she came out to them. I met her partner Andrea at a charity event I had to attend for work. My firm didn’t care about the LGBTQ shelter but to me, it was a big deal. My father didn’t kick me out for being gay but he also doesn’t acknowledge it. He still tries to fix me up with women from good families.”

“I see.” Byron hoped he never met Mitch’s father. He already couldn’t stand the man. But since Byron didn’t plan on going anywhere there was a good chance, he’d meet the other man.

“Why are you mad?” Mitch rubbed his fingers between Byron’s eyes. “You get frown lines right there.”

Byron caught Mitch’s hand and brought it to his mouth. He kissed Mitch’s fingers before squeezing him. “Not mad, not really, more like disappointed. Your father sounds like he’s an ass.”

“He is,” Mitch agreed.

Byron pushed the water bottle closer to Mitch and Mitch picked up the bottle and drank slowly.

“What about your father?” Mitch asked. They hadn’t really talked too much about their personal lives but Byron was pleased with the question.

“My family has a ranch in Texas. My father raises cattle. My mom is a teacher. They know I’m gay and while it was hard for a while, especially when I first came out, we get along better now.”

Mitch nodded. “That’s good.”

Byron wanted to invite Mitch home with him but he knew it was too soon. His mom would love Mitch. He’d have to give their relationship more time though. “I’m going to make dinner now. Just holler if you need anything.”

“Thanks.” Mitch took another gulp of water before he popped his pacifier back in his mouth.

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