Page 58 of Boy Issues

“I am enjoying it. Quite a bit, actually. But that’s because I’m here with you, and… Well, a lot of things that are too deep to get into while sitting at a filthy auto show picnic table.” Donovan rubbed his forehead. “I guess what I’m trying to say, is that I hope you view my contribution to our relationship as being worthy enough, that should you need advice, you might consider what I had to say? Or perhaps, I could be the proverbial shoulder to cry on?”

Silver furrowed his brow. “I’m being an ass, aren’t I?” He nudged Donovan’s foot harder. “Of course I value your thoughts, your advice.” He gave Donovan a lopsided smile. “I was trying to be the tough Papi who can handle anything, who has to take whatever life hurls at him so he can protect his boy.”

Donovan chuckled. “This is SoCal. There’s bound to be more hurling than any one person can handle.”

Silver snorted. “Yeah. True that.” He wrapped his fingers around the soda can, staring at some mysterious point across the eating area as he seemed to be formulating his thoughts. After a few moments, he turned to Donovan. “I gave my two weeks at the garage.”

Donovan straightened on the wooden bench. “Oh, wow. I hadn’t realized you were so close to taking that next step. I’d assumed from what you told me it might be another year or so. Did you find a place you want to set up shop in?”

Silver let out a mournful sigh, and Donovan was wondering whether he should’ve just brought the subject up of what was bothering Silver after they’d left the show.

“I’ll get into all the details later, but the short of it is that my boss screwed me over. It doesn’t make sense for me to work there and not know if I’ll ever get paid. The point of that job was to take that money, put it in my savings, and pay my regular bills with the diner money. Without the funds from the garage, then all I’m doing is slaving away for that pendejo so I can live in a crappy apartment.”

Donovan covered his mouth with one hand, wishing like hell he could at least put an arm around Silver, if nothing else.

“Jesus, Silver. I’m so sorry. Have you thought of what you want to do next?”

The seed of an idea planted itself in Donovan’s mind, but it was too risky. Still, if they were extra careful…

“No, not really. I’m sure I can find a studio apartment and get more shifts at the diner while I look for garages that are hiring mechanics. Nothing has to be decided this minute.” He gave Donovan a hopeful smile. “It’ll all work out.”

Donovan chewed on his lip as he worked up the courage to voice his thoughts. Silver gave him a stronger nudge.

“What?”

“Don’t chew, mijo.”

Donovan clasped his fingers then rested his joined hands on the table. “Terrible, I know.” He cleared his throat. “So, I was thinking. If you need a place to stay, and we were super careful, you’re welcome to stay with me at the condo.”

Silver tilted his head. “Super careful? What does that mean, we use two rubbers?”

Donovan’s stomach was twisting in knots. He wanted him there so badly—yet at the same time—was terrified Silver might accept his offer.

“No, no.” He gave a nervous laugh. “I just meant…” He glanced around, then lowered his voice. “You know…not be too blatant about it.”

Silver’s eyebrows shot up and he snorted. “Nah, I’m good.”

Donovan’s stomach dropped and he thought he might throw up, the greasy burger he’d just consumed no longer sitting too well. Silver rubbed his eyes with his knuckles, then regarded him with a sigh.

“I’m sorry, mijo. I didn’t mean that to come out so sharp. It’s been a bitch of a day and my nerves are all jacked up.” He locked gazes with Donovan. “But that’s no excuse, not when it comes to my precious boy.”

Donovan’s eyes burned. He wished he could be the man Silver deserved.

“No, don’t apologize.” Donovan fiddled with the corn cob carcass, swirling the stick it had been impaled on. “I’m the one who’s sorry. I know I need to stand up for myself, and just be who I am. To quit letting my father dictate how I live my life.” He lifted his gaze. “To be with you, with us, and not hide anymore.”

“I told you I’m a patient man, mijo. I’ll be by your side as your Papi until the day you tell me you can’t do this anymore.”

Silver might as well have plunged a knife into his gut. The mere hint that he might not have Silver in his life someday was an agony he never wanted to know.

“Well, what a surprise! I see you’ve recovered from that nasty wreck at Willow Springs. I can barely see the scar.”

Donovan tensed. What the hell? The guy was like gum he couldn’t scrape off his shoe.

“Hello, Jarrod.” Donovan steepled his fingers as he gazed up at the slimy bastard, his ‘I abhor you’ smile firmly in place. “Enjoying the show?”

Maybe he couldn’t control his expression, but he could at least show his Papi that he knew how to conduct himself verbally.

I hope.

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