Page 2 of Something Like Daybreak
“What are you talking about?” Jace said. “We’re not dead. We’re adorable teenagers who are about to go for a ride on a bicycle built for two.”
“And from the way you were grabbing my butt earlier, I’m guessing you want to be in back?”
“Iamtaller,” Jace said innocently. “Although I do enjoy our usual dynamic, if that’s what you prefer.”
“Then it sounds like we’re in for a long night. But for now…”
“Oh! Right.” Jace grinned while getting on the bike.
His youthful enthusiasm was just what Victor needed to recognize the joy of the present moment. Soon they were riding down small-town streets devoid of traffic. The trees whizzed by,shadow alternating with sun, their hair fluttering in the wind. By the end of the ride, Victor’s troubles were distant and his boyfriend was close as they hugged and said goodbye.
“I’ll see you tonight?” Jace asked with longing in his eyes.
“Count on it,” Victor said. “Now get out of here before I change my mind and make the sun set.”
Jace laughed and grabbed the handlebars of the small Italian moped that had replaced the bike. Victor watched him putter down the street before turning and strolling up the walkway to his childhood home. He was grateful that Jace hadn’t insisted on saying hello to his mother because, well, when Victor knocked, the doorknob was at eye height. The ground was closer too. Victor glanced at the Velcro-strapped shoes that he’d worn back when he was six years old.
“Victor!” his mother said gleefully when the door opened. Rachel picked him up, squeezed him close, and smooched his face. Repeatedly.
“Okay, okay,” he said, squealing with laughter.
She finally set him down. He pushed past her legs, running inside to the living room, which was decorated with balloons, a birthday banner, and oddly enough, a Christmas tree and stockings as well. He turned to his mother for an explanation.
“I couldn’t decide which would be more fun,” she said. “Oh no, honey! Why are you all grown up again?”
“Because I’m not in the mood for either,” he said, having reverted to his preferred age of thirty-three. He’d never made it that far while living but had long suspected that it would have suited him.
“Well you do look very handsome,” Rachel said, pressing a hand to his stubbled cheek. “And I was hoping for some grown-up conversation anyway. Would you at least let your mother feed you?”
“Of course!” he said, following her to the kitchen as the festive decorations disappeared around them.
“Are you craving something?” she asked.
“Always. But in terms of food, I have the oddest appetite for grilled cheese and tomato soup.”
“Coming right up,” she said. “Take a seat.”
She was feeling nostalgic for the mortal world, judging from the way she went through unnecessary rituals like digging around in the cabinet and struggling with the can opener. Rachel could instantly conjure up the meal as Jace had done, but he understood why she didn’t. Much of what he did—including the journey here—was merely symbolic and not at all necessary. And yet, it would’ve been a shame not to have taken that bike ride with someone he loved.
“How is Jace doing?” Rachel asked as she worked. “I felt his presence as you arrived.”
“Good. I’ll catch up with him later, but I’m sure he’s still living together with Ben and Tim and being a complete angel in everything but title.”
“He’s so sweet. I’ll have to have him over soon. What about a sleepover? You could both be little boys. Wouldn’t that be fun?”
“Not as fun as our usual sleepovers,” Victor murmured.
She paused as if this interested her. “So you’re still involved? I want you to have someone. It’s important.”
“Yes. He still puts up with me and my tiresome ways. That’s as together as we’re likely to get.”
As she resumed her work, he caught a worried expression before she turned away.
“How have you been?” he asked.
“Oh! Wonderful really. I attended the most interesting conference about reincarnation.”
“Yeah?”
