Page 10 of A Little Christmas: Rivi
“I—I—well, there were some things I wanted. Uncle Trent, I’m a little and I’ve known it for at least five years.”
More silence.
I continued, not feeling as brave as he’d told me I was only a minute ago. “The guys were talking, and I heard your name. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but it just happened.”
In a robotic tone, Uncle Trent said, “What did they say?”
“That you own Club 99?”
“They said that did they?”
“And that the best Christmas party is not there but out in the country. At an estate.”
“I see. They were talking a lot, then.”
“Yeah, I guess. I asked them some questions. And that’s how I found out it was a Christmas tree farm and huge mansion and, well, that it was your estate. I didn’t say anything to them about you. I promise.”
“I know you wouldn’t out anyone to strangers, Rivi.”
“But that’s just it. They seemed like they knew you or who you were. And it was all just by accident that I heard them. But, Uncle Trent, what I want to know is—is?—”
“Rivi. Stop for a second. Let’s go back a bit. This is a lot of information. Let’s go a little slower. You say you are a little?”
“I know I am. Mama doesn’t know. Actually, no one does. Except now, you.”
“Have you experimented?”
I flushed all over at the question. “Only alone.”
“You’re very young.”
“I’m twenty-one. Not a kid anymore.”
“I know.” He swallowed loudly. “Are you saying you want to come to the club some time?”
“No. No way. I’m not ready for that.”
“Okay, slow down. I understand. It can be overwhelming, at first.”
“Right. But I don’t know any other way to meet people. People who might like me. Except maybe?—”
“Maybe what?”
I was taking too long to get to my point, so I went for it right then. “Uncle Trent, can I get an invitation to your Christmas party—or parties—in the country? I love that place. I feel safe there. And I know this year some of it will be private for kink. I want to come. I need to. With you there, I would feel good. It would be on familiar ground.”
Silence.
“Please. I’m alone and I don’t want to meet someone on some stupid dating site. I don’t want to go to the club. Maybe someday, but your parties sound perfect. Just what I might need.” I had forgotten to breath and inhaled loudly.
“Rivi, I hear you. I understand what you’re asking. And,” he paused, “of course you can come.”
My chest compressed. It took everything I had to hold back my squeal.
“Your mom is not invited. She knows I’m gay but doesn’t know details. I don’t want her to know, so we’ll have to handle that. But you are welcome. And you can stay with me for as long as you like over the holidays. Stay with us, I mean. I have a fiancée now. And he’s a little. Just so you’re not surprised when you get there.”
I nearly sputtered into the phone. “Really? You’re a daddy?”
“Now you know some secrets about me.”
