Page 49 of Chance's Choice
I was also able to relate to Ash and Tony, too, though. Ash never had a Daddy before Charlie, and Tony’s brand new to the lifestyle in the same way I feel new to it. Even if I previously identified as a Little, I realize now that I’d barely scratched the surface of all the things I hadn’t tried.
Besides, they’ve all already told me that they would love to see my Pup side just as much as they want to meet Little Kade. I know I’m safe with them. This is just nerves and nothing else.
Reassured by this reminder, I take a fortifying breath and smile at Daddy. “You’re right,” I tell him. “Let’s go say hi to everyone.”
Ted leads us out to the back outdoor entertainment area, which is a beautiful, tiled deck off the back of his house, covered by an extension of the roof and surrounded by perfect green lawn and a stunning swimming pool. In summer, I’m totally telling Daddy to beg Ted to let us come over for a dip in the sparkling blue depths.
In the middle of the space, two large, square, timber outdoor dining tables are pressed together lengthwise, providing enough seating for the large group assembling here today. There’s a state-of-the-art outdoor kitchen off to the left side, and café style patio heaters set up in the corners for when the weather turns really chilly.
Around the table, a few of the others are already nursing drinks and nibbling at a spread of snacks. Katie squeals and pushes back her seat when she sees us, racing over to hug Chance and then me. She’s all sunshine, her ample curves emphasized by the bright yellow dress she’s wearing, and the wide, genuine smile on her round face instantly sets me at ease.
“It’s so good to see you again, Kade,” she says, grabbing my arm and pulling me over to where she and Cherie have staked their spots at the table. “You’ll sit next to me, won’t you?”
“Give the poor boy a chance to breathe, Kate,” Cherie admonishes, but her tone is warm and fond. She smiles up at me from under the whisps of her honey blonde bangs. “Hi, Kade. How are you doing today?”
The whole group knows about my current work situation, of course. It’s been a topic of discussion in both group chats. The fact that it was Chance’s dad who fucked me over has made the whole thing even more of a hot topic. But it’s not something I want to dwell on, so I shrug.
“I’m fine. I’ve done some freelance stuff on Fiverr and Upwork this week, and that’s been cool.” It’s actually been nice to set my own hours and dabble in new industries.
“Oh?” Ted asks, handing me a beer. “Are you thinking about freelancing fulltime?”
“I’ve been giving it some thought, yeah,” I admit, twisting the top off my bottle with a satisfying crack and hiss.
“You should talk to Tony and Spence, then,” he advises. “And Ash and Charlie. They know a bit about starting your own company and working for yourself.”
That’s not a bad idea. But, before I can say as much, another voice speaks up behind me. “Who’s starting up a new company? Is Cheriefinallytaking my advice?”
I turn to find London and Matt walking through the glass sliding doors, clearly having let themselves into Ted’s home as though it’s something they do every day. Chance did warn me that the guys are all basically like family and tend to make themselves comfortable in each other’s lives. Thankfully, none have just let themselves into Chance’s place yet. At least not while I’ve been there. After having our privacy violated once, I don’t want it to happen again. Not even by well-meaning friends.
Matt’s tattoos are mostly covered by a long-sleeved Henley today, and to look at him and London together, you’d think Matt was the Daddy. But London, younger and a tiny bit shorter, radiates Daddy vibes. He’s carrying a duffel not unlike mine, and presses a kiss to Matt’s bearded cheek. “Come sit, sweetheart,” London instructs his boy.
Matt rolls his eyes but does as he’s told. “Yes, Daddy.”
Then London turns piercing blue eyes back on the rest of us expectantly. “So?” he prompts. “Is my bestie finally seeing the light?”
Cherie rolls her eyes at him, waiting until he takes his seat before she picks up an olive from the charcuterie board in front of us and lobs it at him. “I’m not starting a company selling Little wares,” she informs him primly. “I’m happy working for Charlie.”
“With,” the man in question corrects her as he and Ash saunter through the door. He’s not quite as broad or muscular as Matt, but he’s about as tall, and has one of those Hollywood pretty boy faces, all chiseled features and artful dark scruff. His boy, Ash, is shorter with an athletic frame and floppy brown curls. They’re a very pretty couple. “You workwithme, notforme.” Charlie makes his point clear before he drops what can only be described as a diaper bag over by the door. It’s pale blue, covered in cartoon lambs, and is absolutely adorable.
A quick glance over at Asher confirms that he’s wearing a diaper beneath his outfit. The tell-tale padding around his butt is obvious, even under the loose denim jeans he’s wearing. This doesn’t come as a surprise to me, though, because he’s been very open about his fluidity with Little space, and how much Charlie is into the whole diaper change thing.
Cherie and Charlie are still debating semantics when Spencer and Tony arrive. Tony hurries over to sit with Ash and Matt, his shyness as obvious as the diaper he’s also wearing. From where he’s manning the grill, Zephyr gives the newcomers a friendly wave. Meanwhile, Spencer pulls Chance away, animatedly talking, and I still wait to feel jealous, but it never comes.
I thought it would be difficult to reconcile the fact that, where I was once Chance’s only best friend, Spencer shares the title now. He’s been there for a lot of Chance’s adult life, while I was only there for our formative years. Instead of being bitter about it, I’m glad that Chance found someone -a whole group of someones, even- to fill that void.
Yes, I can admit that there is a tiny, possessive part of me that misses those early years where I was his go to for all things, but what we share together now is something nobody else does. Sure, Spencer is a Daddy and relates to Chance in that way, but there’s nothing romantic between them. That part of Chance is all mine, and only mine.
So I’m not jealous that Chance has a new best friend, even though I thought I would be. What Chance and I have together now is so much more than that.
“Hey, newbie,” Josh greets me, shaking me out of my thoughts as he drops into the chair Chance had been sitting in. He looks so much like his brother, Charlie, it’s uncanny, though his eyes are brown to Charlie’s blue, and he’s more muscular up top.
“Hi, Josh,” I answer easily.
He grabs a handful of snacks from the platter in front of us and starts munching down on them in no particular order and with very little finesse. “How’s the job search coming?”
I shrug and repeat my earlier answer about the freelancing. This time, the others around the table who have started their own businesses offer me advice and suggestions, and I have to admit that it’s kind of nice to have this group of relative strangers be so supportive and helpful. In turn, I follow up on some of my previous suggestions about marketing strategies for their own businesses, and that leads to London leaning forward and asking if I’d be interested in consulting with the landscaping company he works for. Before I know it, I have an appointment lined up on Wednesday and Chance’s hand on my shoulder, squeezing as he leans down to tell me that he’s proud of me.
“Well, now that’s settled,” Josh declares through another mouthful of deli meats and cheese, “We gonna have playtime, or what?”
