Page 11 of As I Am
"Thanks, Trev, and tell Prince good luck." Ky smiled.
"I will." Trev waved as he ran to his car and got in.
Ky glanced at Carson. "That was my boss."
"He seems nice. Let's go in and you can tell me if he really said he was rushing off to see a prince." Carson reached for Ky's hand.
Ky didn't object when he linked their fingers. "Okay."
They headed through the back door and past an office and what looked like a break room. The smell of the food coming from the kitchen had Carson's mouthwatering. "I didn't realize how hungry I was."
"The food is really good here." Ky led him out front, slowing when he came to a girl standing at a small podium. "Stacy, Trev said we should sit in the back booth so we have privacy. Is that okay?"
Stacy turned and smiled. "Oh sure, Ky." She glanced at Carson, blinked, swallowed hard, then seemed to remember what she was doing. Wide-eyed, she grabbed two menus. "Follow me back and I'll get you seated." She stared at Carson for a long moment before shaking her head and hurrying to lead them to a seat.
Carson still held Ky's hand and took the chance to rub his thumb gently over his skin. This wasn't exactly how he'd seen his morning going, but he didn't regret that they weren't rushing into bed again. As much as he wanted to be there, it was nice to actually be out with someone. He'd been home at his parents so much over the last few weeks that just this simple breakfast was refreshing.
Once they were seated, and Stacy had rushed off, leaving them alone, Ky smiled. "It's the first time I've eaten out here. Usually I'm in the break room."
"I've been here for dinner a few times. I've always liked this place. They have great gourmet burgers." Carson opened the menu.
"Yeah, I love the blue cheese burger." Ky reached for his water glass.
"Do you know what you're having?" Carson noticed he hadn't picked up a menu.
"French toast. It's my favorite. I remember my mom making it for me before she died." Ky took a long drink of water, turning to look out the window as if he was lost in a memory.
Carson wasn't sure if he should ask more about his mother dying or just let it go. "I'm sorry. I haven't had to face that yet. Both of my parents are still alive."
"I lost both mine the same day. It was a car accident about five years ago." Ky shrugged. "It gets easier, but you remember stupid things like French toast."
"I think I'm going to have a country omelet." Carson set the menu down. He didn't want to linger on death as a topic, so he asked about Trevor. "So, did your boss really rush off to see a prince?"
Ky laughed. "No, Prince is his boyfriend. They've been together for a few years. Prince is opening a healthy all organic bakery down the street. I guess he found a way to make cookies, donuts, and stuff without using sugar or anything unhealthy. I talked to a friend not long ago who tried some of the stuff, and he says it's pretty good."
"Hmm, might have to try it. His name is really Prince?"
"I don't think so, but I've never heard him called anything but that. He used to live on the streets when I first met him. He met Trevor not long after that."
"He was homeless?" Carson had figured Ky might be homeless, but he hadn't wanted to bring it up.
"Yeah, until he met Trevor. The two of them are complete opposites, but somehow it works. He lives with Trevor now. They act like an old married couple."
"But they aren't?"
"Aren't?" Ky looked confused.
"Married."
"Oh, no. Not yet at least, but I wouldn't be surprised if it happened soon. Trevor's brother just got married last month, so maybe he's just waiting to put some time between weddings."
Carson nodded. "Makes sense. How about you? Are you still living on the streets?" The thought of Ky living under some overpass didn't sit well with him, but he wasn't going to say anything that might risk offending Ky. He didn't know his story.
"I was, but I have a small apartment now. It's just a little studio, but it's warm and safe. That's all that matters." Ky ran a finger down his water glass, wiping away the dew on the outside. "What about you? I guess you have a big house?"
"Actually, here in Utah, I stay at my parents' place. I have a big house in California, but I'm hardly there. I bought it without thinking. I hate it there." He paused as a waiter came to take their order. Surprised that so far no one had asked for his autograph. Once they were alone again, he turned his attention back to Ky. "When I have a lot of time off, I come here to stay with my parents. It's quieter."
"Do you get a lot of time off?"
