Page 13 of A Little Christmas: Rivi
Ozzy held out his hand and I took it. “Nice to meet you.” He glanced up at Trent then back at me. “Before I met Trent, I used to go to the club a lot and you look familiar, but I never knew who you were.”
Ozzy looked familiar to me, too, but I didn't want to say anything in front of Trent. My memory had him as a fairly hard player, a thorough masochist. Rumor was he lived with an abusive sadist who kept him locked away. I remembered him as an obedient slave, which was common in my line of work. Slaves weren't always treated well, but it wasn't my job to interfere with personal relationships, only to make sure the club was safe in those moments those men chose to participate in its games. Maybe if I'd paid better attention, I'd have noticed something was off.
“Maybe you can share the chocolates with Ozzy?” I said to Trent.
“It's possible I'll be keeping these all to myself,” Trent replied. “Godiva is the best.”
Ozzy eyed the box. “Daddy. I like Godiva, too.”
Trent placed a loose arm over Ozzy's shoulders. “Maybe if you're a very good boy I'll let you have one as a treat.”
“Yes, Daddy.” He stared at the box and licked his lips.
I couldn't say I wasn't a bit jealous. Ozzy was delightful. I missed that in my life. Trent was a lucky man.
“All right everybody.” Trent clapped his hands. “Let's all take a seat. Anywhere you like. I was waiting for someone else, but he hasn't arrived yet. I won't hold dinner. I know you're all hungry.”
Murmurs and laughter filled the room. A few people exclaimed, “Hungry? I'm starved.”
Trent motioned me to a chair by him and Ozzy.
Everyone in attendance for dinner was male. Most looked like couples. I thought I might recognize some of them, but I didn’t. Colin and Maddy hadn't arrived yet. I wondered if they were who Trent had been waiting on.
Soon, handsome waiters wearing black and white tuxes brought out the food. A large turkey with all the trimmings. And for those who didn't like fowl, a plate of T-bone steaks with toothpicks in them depicting rare, medium rare, medium, and well done.
We were served individual portions of soup and salad, but the turkey was at the head of the table with a server carving portions to each person's specifications. My exercise regimen had been tough this week, so I decided to indulge. I had some turkey and a steak, rare. I was sure I would be able to eat it all. It looked delicious.
And it did not disappoint. Soon I was shoveling food into my mouth and learning the names of the others.
Midway through the meal, the butler who had shown me to my room appeared behind Trent. He leaned down and whispered something into his ear.
Trent stood, tossing his napkin into the seat of his chair. “By all means, show him in. We've got a spare seat for him right next to Briar.”
I turned just as a young man appeared at the dining room’s archway. He was a cute little guy with big glasses and dozens of brown ringlets framing is cherub face.
Trent went straight to him and gave him a tight hug and a kiss on the cheek. I looked at Ozzy to make sure it was okay. Apparently so, since Ozzy was smiling.
“Everyone,” Trent said. “I'd like to introduce Rivi. He's a cousin of mine and he's staying here with us through New Year's.”
A chorus of hellos rolled toward Rivi. He raised one hand in a light wave and gave us all the cutest little smile.
“Hi.”
As Trent led him to the chair next to mine, my muscles tensed. The skin on my arms and neck grew warm. Uh oh. This wouldn't do. I was attracted to this one in a way I hadn't felt in too long. Trent was going to kill me. I was going to have to be ever vigilant now. Or possibly get kicked out into the snow on my ass.
Besides, a young man small in size did not guarantee he was a little or even the type who was looking for a daddy. It was too early to make those kinds of assumptions.
7
Rivi
It was dark by the time I pulled up to Uncle Trent’s place. I’d never driven up here by myself before. It had been years since Mama and I visited.
When I left, she wished me a good time. She had been fine with me visiting over the holidays. She didn’t say it outright, but I knew she was happy to be able to spend Christmas with her boyfriend.
The house glowed in shimmering white and gold against the fresh white snowfall. It looked like it was on fire. So many Christmas lights outlining the frame. So many lit wreaths on balconies and windows.
I loved all the lights this time of year. It was one of my favorite things about the holidays.
