Page 38 of Diva Pop

“Stop that.” Silas grasped Jett’s chin, encouraging him to meet his gaze. “Do you see why hiding from things is so much worse than facing them? All that agonizing for nothing.”

Jett’s bottom lip trembled. “I got myself so worked up, I was determined to go out and party like it was my last night on earth.” His face crumpled. “And it almost was.”

His shoulders shook as he dropped his head again, crying silently while Silas continued rubbing his back. After several minutes passed, Jett splashed water on his face a few times. Silas passed him a dry towel and waited while Jett pulled himself together.

“Better?”

Jett nodded. “I would’ve, you know.”

“Would’ve what?”

“Gone out to lunch with you. Hit reset.” He peered up at Silas. “Thanks for not giving up on me.”

Silas gave him a soft kiss. “Thanks for giving me a chance.”

Jett’s features lightened, and when he smiled it seemed as if most of the darkness had lifted for now.

“Anytime.” Jett stretched out his legs then scooted back. “Do you have one of those blow-up pillows for the tub, so I can rest my head.” He grinned at Silas. “I want to be pampered, Papa.”

“I don’t, but that doesn’t mean I can’t improvise.”

Silas pushed up from the floor then opened the built-in cabinet where he kept his towels. He plucked a fluffy royal blue bath sheet from the shelf, then rolled it up.

“Here. Rest your head on this.”

“Ooh, nice. I’m starting to think this bath thing is a sweet deal.” Jett closed his eyes. “If I ask for bubbles next time, that’s not inching into age play territory, is it?”

Silas loved that Jett was talking about a ‘next time’. “Plenty of adults enjoy bubble baths.”

“Okay, cool. My favorite scent is raspberry, but if you can’t find that, strawberry is also good.”

Oh boy. Jett might be going through some positive changes in his outlook and behavior, but he was clearly still a work in progress.

“If you’re a good boy for Papa, I’ll get you both.”

Jett’s head jerked up, his eyes narrowing at Silas. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Silas hadn’t resumed his previous position on the floor, so when he crossed his arms, he towered over Jett. “To begin with, I’m not your servant. In addition, I believe I’ve reminded you about your tone before?”

Jett’s jaw dropped before he snapped it shut. “Did I sound snippy?”

“A tad.”

“I’m sorry. For real. I got excited about the idea, that’s all.”

Silas considered Jett’s explanation. “So, sometimes you say whatever’s in your head without stopping to consider the impact of your words.”

“Uh, hello.” He snorted. “Only all the time.”

“Interesting. Even though you’re aware of that, you still can’t control it? Or don’t want to?”

“Not sure.” He laid his head on the towel again and closed his eyes. “Maybe I haven’t wanted to before.”

“Does that mean you want to now?”

A small smile decorated Jett’s lips. “I will for you.”

Jett’s confession made Silas smile as well, and if he was being honest, filled him with a measure of pride. There was something there, something real.

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