Page 56 of Reaching Roland

Oz prepared our drinks and went to put in our order. When he came back again, he said, “So tell me about this handyman business you're starting, Roland.”

It was Roland's turn to groan. “Who told you that? Never mind. I know. It was Indie.”

“Actually, I overheard Indie, Luca, Chip, and Julian discussing names for your business when they were trying to figure out what Julian should draw up as a logo.”

Roland’s jaw dropped, and I cackled. “They’re amazing.”

Oz smirked. “I'm glad you think so, since they plan on making you their newest little bestie.”

At one time, that probably would've scared the hell out of me. Most of the boys who hung out around here could be a handful, and I already came with my own warning label. Besides, I had the guys back at the LBB, Austin and Michaela, and Will. But these days, I wasn’t feeling sorry for myself and my lack of romance anymore, so getting to know them sounded pretty amazing. Especially since Roland adored all of them so much.

“I'm here. I'm here. I'm here,” Indie said, as he rushed over and sat on the other side of Roland.

Roland spun his chair to face him, but he put a hand back on my knee so I didn’t feel ignored. “Oz said you need to talk to us.”

Oz happened to be walking by with another drink, and he shook his head. “Technically, I said he planned to have dinner with you.”

Roland ignored him, and I imagined that little indentation appearing between his eyebrows again. Standing up, I squished between him and the counter so I could see Indie, too.

Indie took a deep breath, but then he held it. Cameron magically appeared at his side—which happened quite often—and rubbed his boyfriend’s upper back. “Breathe, peacock. You've got this.”

“Dad, did he tell you what he’s doing yet?” Cameron asked his father while we waited on Indie to calm down.

Roland growled deep in his throat, and the noise went straight to my dick. How did I get him to do that again? Please and thank you.

“No, he hasn't said a word.”

Then the floodgates broke. Indie pointed at my face. “First. I listened to what Kenny said, you know, really heard him. I want to do more for the Takoda Outreach Center than just speak to the people who come in. Like, they're already there, right? They don't really need to be told how amazingly helpful the place is, you know? And I'm thinking, like, I have a pretty compelling story.”

“You do,” Cameron agreed, still rubbing his back soothingly.

“Right, so I went to Anson and asked him when the next fundraising event is. I thought the one at the lodge was already over since I’ve been so indecisive about the whole thing, but I was wrong. It's this Saturday, and Anson asked me if I’d be willing to speak. It doesn't have to be long or anything because he and one of the founders were already prepared to do it. They still think it would be good to hear someone's story who went through their program, though, and since I’m definitely a success story, they want it to be me.” He blew out and slumped back into Cameron.

“This Saturday?” I asked, pulling out my phone. “Let me text Austin and Michaela and see if we can get all of my clients covered.”

Indie waved his hands around. “No, you don't have to do that.”

“Yes,” I said. “I want to be there for you.”

Cameron gave me the most genuine smile that I'd received from him since I started calling his fatherDaddyback in December. “What he means is, no, you won't have to take off work. It's a nighttime thing.”

“Perfect.” I set my phone down. “I’m excited for you. I’ll never forget the first time you walked into the salon with the coupon from the Outreach to get all fancied up. You were down on your luck and still charismatic and likable. You’ll do a wonderful job.”

Roland kissed my temple, then turned back to Indie. “You’re sure you want to do this?”

Indie nodded. “But you’ll be there, right?”

Roland puffed out his chest. “Let someone try and stop me. I’m so proud of you, son. I can see you with a future in public speaking.”

Indie smiled slyly. “Like you’re going to have a future as a handyman, Rolly.”

Cameron sighed, dropping his head like he didn’t know what to do anymore. “For fuck’s sake.”

Indie cackled, but instead of protesting this time, Roland focused on me with a smile. As he opened his mouth, Oz carried over three plates, dropping one of them in front of Indie. “I have to get back to work.” Cameron pointed at Indie. “Will you guys please make sure he eats? He’s been a nervous wreck trying to make this decision, so his appetite has practically been nonexistent.”

“You got it,” I said. “I’ll go sit on the other side of him so he’s boxed in.”

Since Oz was still standing there, he moved my stuff for me.

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