Page 6 of Just A Little Love

“And I already said I missed working on residential projects.” Rory wanted to argue more, but Margaret interrupted when she swooped in to check on our dinner. We assured her our meals were delicious. I’d hoped Rory would return to the distraction of his remaining food.

He did not.

“A part-time job might be an option. I work a full at the college, but it’s a set schedule. Maybe find a tutoring gig? I waited tables in high school and college, so that's an option, too.”

“It’s already late, and you’re eating dinner after being in your office all day and half the evening. Can you take on more?” It was absolutely none of my business, but the thought of him working himself to the bone sat heavily on my chest. I might learn to keep my mouth shut one day, but it hadn’t happened today.

“Unless you’ve got a better suggestion, I’m not sure what other choice I’ve got here. There's always the lottery.”

“The lottery is a waste of a dollar.” I struggled not to warn Rory about sass when he spoke with such cheekiness.

“I guess the side gig is gonna happen,” Rory answered with a wry laugh.

My phone vibrated again, and I picked it up in time to see Reed’s name flash on the screen. I clicked open the message and couldn’t contain my audible groan.

Reed: Hey, Jakob won’t go to bed until I ask again if you’re sure he will meet your little.

Gabriel: Who’s the Daddy?

Reed: Fuck off. Happy boy, happy life.

Gabriel: Tell Jakob to go to bed and have sweet dreams.

Reed: Absolutely not. Some other daddy isn’t telling my boy to have sweet dreams. Go tell your own.

Gabriel:

When I looked up, Rory had a concerned look on his face. “Is everything alright? Do you need to go?” He looked ready to pack up and go immediately.

“No, it’s fine. My friend is extra enthusiastic about my life and needs to worry about his own.” Rory’s widened eyes turned steely.

“Is this the type of friend who will burst through the door and demand to know why you're eating with someone who’s not them?”

“Since he thinks I work too much and should meet more people, he'd be thrilled.”

“He? Is your friend of the manly variety?”

“Is that your subtle way of asking if I’m gay or straight or something else?”

Rory blushed a little, and it made him look adorkable. I didn’t know if that was an actual word, but I was claiming it.

“Maaaaybe.” Rory flashed a smile. Fucking adorable.

“Yeah, I’m gay. Technically, I’m bi, but I’ve always gravitated mostly toward men. Are you?”

“Oh, I’m gay. Super gay… like wear-a-cape-and-give-me-a-gold-star gay.” I smiled at Rory’s mention of a cape but mentally shook my head. I was reading too much into our interaction because I wanted it to be true. Still, I had no intention of reining myself in.

“Anyway, I hope everything is ok.” Rory’s open expression radiated his genuine kindness, and he truly, sincerely meant it.

Shut the front door. Maybe I could help him and fix my problem, too? Rory needed money, and I needed out of this mess. Why couldn’t the party be the side gig?

“Rory, what do you know about littles?”

“I’ve heard things. I’m unsure if what you're talking about is what I’ve heard about.” Rory’s cheeks flushed, and his eyes widened a bit. “Like daddies and stuff?” he whispered.

I couldn’t blame Rory for being perplexed. “You need a side gig, and I need a date. It’s perfect!”

Chapter 4

---