Page 37 of Trust and Obey

I did so, choosing one of the few clear areas before I sat. “What’s up, Andy?”

“Well, first, you can tell me why you swapped with Elle today.”

I forced an airy laugh. “Oh, you know, I was just hoping for a change of pace. You know that families with little children tend to tip better.”

But Andy wasn’t fooled for one second. “Has your guest,” he glanced at the paperwork sitting directly in front of him. Deacon’s profile, I realized with a start. “Deacon Helman, right? Is he a troublemaker?”

Ah, crap. I shifted around. “What do you mean?”

“Has he made any unwanted advances to you?”

“No,” I said firmly.

Andy squinted at me. “What about that late-night massage?”

“Andy,” I said. “He’s a little intense, and… I don’t know, I’ve been feeling a little burned out. I just wanted to change things up for a bit.”

Andy stared at me for another few seconds, but there was no way I was going to break.

Finally, he sighed. “I got an urgent phone call from the Vander-Hoyts. They want Elle back. They were very persistent about it.”

Well. Shit.

“Did they complain?” I asked. “Did I do something wrong?” Other than feeding them pure sugar for breakfast and letting them scream their little lungs out during swim time?

On second thought, I might have called for a replacement, too.

“No.” Now Andy looked a little uncomfortable. “It’s just… they have small children and were uncomfortable with the sudden change in staff.”

“Oh.”

This wasn’t because I was gay. At least, I was pretty sure it wasn’t.

No, they were uncomfortable with the thought of a male attendant watching over their children.

Well, I certainly didn’t want to be around anybody who thought so little of me.

“I got it,” I said flatly.

“I’m sorry.” Andy at least seemed apologetic.

I waved it away. “It’s fine. Mercedes and Kale were absolute joys. I’m happy to give them back to Elle.”

“Grass is always greener, am I right?”

I nodded and forced a smile as if all was well.

* * *

Elle and I exchanged keys again, and I gave her forewarning about the impending sugar crash.

“Great. Thank you for that. Children are so much easier to deal with when they are grumpy and exhausted,” Elle said, looking more than a little grumpy and exhausted herself at the thought of it.

I winced. “Sorry.”

She glared at me for a few seconds then let out her frustration in a sigh. “I’ll manage. I have a few tricks up my sleeve. Besides, you’re right, I do owe you for covering for me that time on Christmas.”

“How is—” I almost blurted out Deacon’s name, “uh, my guest today? Any scheduled plans?”