Page 244 of As The Shifter World Turns

Toby, who was on the other side of Ivor, was beginning to get sleepy as well. It was late and even before Mr. Fashion Guru sat down, things had been geared very much towards the adults networking.

“I do. I have an exciting new line coming out next season.” Great. Now we were in for a full blown explanation of clothing no real person would ever wear.

“I wish I could stay, but my son needs to get some sleep.” I’d take him to Neil until it was time for us to leave. “It was nice to meet you.”

I rubbed Toby’s arm, attempting to wake his now sleeping self. “Let’s get you into bed.”

“I was actually over here to talk to you about some… is there a time we could meet and chat?” Stormy took a card from his pocket—no. Not pocket. The man was wearing a fanny pack. When did that become a thing again?

“I’m in a committed relationship.” Had the man not been human, he’d have seen my mark and put two and two together. Shit, had he paid attention at all he’d have noticed me talking about Neil while I chatted to Ivor.

“I’m saying this wrong.” He thrust the card at me. “My new line is for dads. Like things real people would wear and not just the rich boardroom types.” I’d seen fashion shows. That wasn’t how I’d ever describe their clothing, but okay.

“That’s nice.” I ruffled Toby’s hair to keep him from falling back asleep.

“And I thought maybe you might be interested in modeling it for me.”

“Because I have a dad bod?” I gave him side eye. “I think no.”

“Are you saying no because you don’t have a dad bod or you’re not interested in a job? Might be a new career if it pans out.”

“And this pays in money not ‘exposure’, right?” We could use some more funds and I hated that finances played the deciding factor here.

“Very many dollars.” He held out the card again only this time I took it. “Let’s do lunch and go over the details.”

“Yeah. Okay.”

Please let this not be a huge mistake.

109

ON THE ROAD

Neil

“When you said you were renting a coach, I assumed you meant with rows of seats and if we were lucky, a toilet at the back,” Ryder told Daire as we got on the bus and stared.

The extended Sunshine Manor family was headed to Dreamland Park, a family-oriented amusement park. It was Micah and Daire’s surprise to celebrate the successful release of their reality program.

Flying with kids was a pain in the behind so they suggested we hire a driver, but Anthony informed us he was licensed to drive a coach. It had two big living areas, a kitchen, three bathrooms, and eight bunks, which was the name for a really small bedroom with a double bed, and a huge spacious suite toward the back. As Micah and Archer had two young children, they got the suite. The rest of us took the bunks with Toby excited to have his own.

“As it’ll be a squeeze having the two of us and Charlie in one small room, I’ll sleep in one by myself,” Martin told me. “I’m getting so much work, Neil, I think I need an agent.”

I was so excited for my mate. Of course I was pleased he was earning an income and contributing to the family financially again, but he’d come alive. Meeting new people, being engaged in a new industry, he practically skipped around the apartment.

His phone beeped and he mouthed, “Sorry,” and closed the bunk door.

When Daire had said we could stay on the bus or book hotel rooms at the park, I thought that was a ridiculous suggestion. After checking out the bus, Anthony said he was happy to sleep there and he didn’t need a hotel room,though the rest of us had kids and even though the bus was spacious, we wanted rooms with a view over the park.

With the luggage stowed—there was a lot with all the kids’ paraphernalia—and everyone on board, Anthony closed the door and we were off.

“I’ve counted the TVs on the bus and there are twelve,” Toby shouted.

“Inside voice, sweetheart,” I told him, though I should have informed my mate of the same thing. His raised voice boomed through the bus as he negotiated his hourly rate, informing the person on the other end he wouldn’t get out of bed for under a certain amount of money. Yikes! He hadn’t been modeling for long and I wondered if the listener would call his bluff and he’d lose whatever job they were discussing.

Archer gave me a look while Martin continued to yell as we sat in the spacious back living area. My friend had been dealing with everyone involved in the reality show and when we first met, he was a personal assistant. He had tons of experience in managing people. Ivor nudged Ryder who motioned to Martin to lower his voice. My mate headed toward the front of the bus, where Micah was keeping Anthony company.

Toby raced out of the closest bathroom. “I was the first one to pee on the bus.”

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