Page 96 of Twice Shy

“Sure. You’ll be careful and do what you’re told, right, Rory?”

Another of those eye-rolls. “Yes, Ollie.”

“We’ll try not to make him sick,” Luca said with a grin. “But he did a good job on his burger, so I figured…”

“It’s fine,” Ollie assured him. “The occasional treat’s good for the soul. Besides, this is a celebration. No more PTA until September!”

Once the boys were gone, it didn’t take them long to break down the stand and haul everything to the PTA shed. Joel seemed especially motivated, working like a demon to get it all packed away. Ollie figured he wanted to get home and supervise the party at his house. Not the most extrovert of people, it was a big deal for Joel to host a party. Ollie had been surprised when he’d suggested it, but at the same time he couldn’t help feeling that having Ollie at his side helped Joel venture out of his comfort zone. He took that as a good sign. Even so, he was aware of Joel’s tension as they worked to stack the tables into the shed and wanted to ease it. Touching his shoulder, he said, “Hey.”

Joel turned, stopping with a table shoved half into place. “Yeah?”

“It’s going to be okay.”

Joel blinked at him, startled. “What is?”

“The party. It’s going to be great. Everyone’s going to have a fantastic time.”

“Oh.” He relaxed a little. “Yeah. I hope so.”

Ollie rubbed his shoulder. Voices outside drifted closer, but even so he leaned in and brushed a light kiss over Joel’s lips. “I know so. It’s an awesome idea.”

Joel’s expression shifted. “I really hope you’re right.”

Ollie risked another kiss, even though he could hear Jackie’s shrill tones coming closer and the low rumble of the grill being wheeled over the grass. Sounded like Bill had been pressed into service again. “Come on, let’s get this done and get out of here. You’ll feel better once you’re there and can micromanage everything.”

Joel laughed, and to Ollie’s surprise chased his kiss with one of his own, sliding an arm around his waist to pull him close. “I love you,” he said, and even though he said it a lot these days it never failed to make Ollie’s heart soar.

“Right back atcha,” he said, and kissed his smiling lips.

“Oh, excuse me!”

Jackie’s surprised squawk from the shed doorway had them jumping apart like guilty teenagers. Joel flushed, but there was laughter in his eyes as he turned to shove the last table into place. “Sorry, Jackie,” he said, back turned. “I guess we’re a little giddy school’s out for summer.”

“Yes, well.” She cleared her throat. Behind her, Bill was looking startled and pink-cheeked next to the grill. “I came to tell you to go home. We’ll finish the rest and make sure everything’s locked up.”

“But you’re both coming over later, right?” Ollie said, stepping out of the shed to help Bill with the grill.

“Of course. I can’t wait to see your house, Joel. All the work you’ve done. I’m hoping you’ll give Bill some tips.”

Bill shared a look with Ollie and said, “I still don’t see what’s wrong with hiring professionals.”

“The cost for one thing,” Jackie said, in what sounded like a well-rehearsed argument.

Once Ollie had helped Bill get the grill into the shed, he and Joel left them to their debate and headed back across the sports field towards the parking lot and Joel’s car. He’d picked them up this morning, because they were sleeping over at his place for the weekend, and Ollie couldn’t wait. The trunk was stuffed with the kids’ sleeping bags and other necessities—it looked like they were moving in for a week, rather than a couple nights—and Ollie slipped into the passenger seat with relief.

“Is it a sign I’m getting old,” he said, “that I actually enjoy sitting down?”

Joel snorted. “It’s a sign you’ve been on your feet all day.”

“I’m looking forward to a cold beer, that’s for sure.”

“You and me both.”

It was only a ten-minute drive to Joel’s place, and they made the journey in a comfortable silence. Olliewastired, but he was also looking forward to the after-party. Jackie and Alyssa, and all the other parents involved, had worked damned hard over the last year organizing fun and games for the kids, and raising vital money for the school. He was proud of them, and of his own small part in it, and they deserved this party. He’d arranged a collection among the other parents and had bought a bouquet of flowers each for Jackie and Alyssa. He was looking forward to presenting them along with everyone’s thanks. All in all, he felt good. Tired, mellow, and content. No, more than content. He glanced over at the man at his side, his heart lifting toward him as it always did. He felt happy. And lucky as hell.

Joel looked contemplative as he drove, lost in thought. He was an introspective guy, and although sometimes Ollie liked to jolly him out of it there were other times, like now, when he knew Joel needed his inner space. He’d just spent all day at a carnival and was about to host a party. Poor guy was going to be catatonic by tomorrow. The thought roused an affectionate swell of feeling, and Ollie reached out to touch his leg. Joel smiled, and without taking his eyes off the road, threaded their fingers together and squeezed.

Once they’d parked up and were heading into his house, Joel took Ollie’s hand again. The sound of music, chatter, and laughter rose from behind the house, the driveway and street outside crammed with cars as everyone made their way over from the school. Joel’s fingers tightened around Ollie’s, his tension palpable as he opened the front door.

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