Page 7 of Lost Boy

Avery came scrambling around the counter. It appeared the next shift had arrived and were taking care of the new customers. “Jace is about to pull up. Can I walk out with you?”

“Of course,” Byron answered. He looked to Mitch who smiled at their friend. Avery really was the sweetest.

“Oh, thanks!” Avery grabbed Mitch’s hand swinging their arms.

Mitch looked at Avery in bewilderment, but Avery didn’t notice as Avery started to babble.

“We’re going shopping,” Avery said. “Jace said I could pick out any toy I wanted to take on the plane with me! Have you ever been on a plane? I haven’t. I took a bus from Colorado to here and never went anywhere else. I’m kinda scared to get on the plane. I think that’s why Jace is letting me pick out a special toy. What kind of toy do you think I should get? Would it be silly to get a stuffie? I have a bunch but none that have been on a plane. But I want to take Jared and Buster Brown. So maybe not a stuffie?”

Finally calming down and giving them a chance to talk as they stood outside the front of the coffee shop Avery peered up at Mitch. They were still holding hands.

Byron wasn’t jealous. Avery was looking for comfort from Mitch. Byron had been correct in stating that Avery and Caleb, both, looked up to Mitch. Wanted his approval and guidance.

“I think a stuffie is a really good idea,” Mitch told him.

“You do?” Avery bounced pulling on Mitch’s shoulder.

“Remember the sicky bear I gave you?” Mitch asked.

“Barry!” Avery squealed. “I always sleep with him when I don’t feel good.”

“Right.” Mitch nodded seriously. “You have a sicky bear. What if you had a travel buddy? One that went with you on trips? That way you know he’ll always be with you when you travel.”

“A travel buddy,” Avery said in awe. “I want that!”

Jace pulled up to the curb and Avery started to bounce again. Jace was laughing as he climbed out of the vehicle.

“Hey! Hi Daddy!” Avery looked around and stilled. “I mean Jace.” He bit his lip. “Sorry, I forgot again.”

“Baby boy,” Jace said as he joined them. “What did I tell you?”

“That I can call you Daddy anytime, anywhere. You won’t be embarrassed.”

“That’s right.” He held out his arms.

Avery launched himself into Jace’s arms and Jace picked his boy up. Byron stepped up and placed his hand on Mitch’s shoulder as Avery started to tell Jace all about the new travel buddy he needed.

Mitch had done so well with Avery. Byron was proud of him. Not that Mitch would ever be mean to the sweet boy, but it couldn’t be easy to watch his friends so happy in a lifestyle that Mitch was missing out in.

Jace raised his head and mouthed ‘Thank you’ to Mitch.

Mitch blushed but nodded.

“Okay baby boy,” Jace said setting Avery on his feet. “If we want to go pick out your travel buddy we need to get going. I still have to finish the packing.”

Avery grinned and swayed side to side. “If you told me where we’re going, I could help.”

Jace laughed. “Nice try baby. Now tell our friends bye.”

Avery skipped over. “Thanks for helping me, Mitch. I’m glad you came in today.” He kissed Mitch’s cheek.

“Me too.” Mitch even reached out and hugged him.

“Bye Professor,” Avery said with a small smirk. “Have fun with my friend.”

Byron snorted. Avery wasn’t sly at all.

“Come on baby,” Jace called from the curb. Avery hopped back over to his Daddy. Jace pulled a binkie out of his pocket and popped it into his boy’s mouth. Avery relaxed instantly.

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