Page 21 of Beachy Sweetheart
“You can fall asleep, it’ll be okay. And I won’t let you sleep longer than twenty minutes.”
“Tank you, Daddy.” I sigh and shut my eyes.
He cracks the book open and starts reading. His voice is so soothing I relax and pass out.
13
ANDY
I finishthe story and slide the book to the floor. I just want to enjoy having Trevor in my arms, in my lap. He goes to his Little space so easily. And watching him play with his friends is such a treat. He was made to be a Little. My Little. If he’ll have me.
I rock the chair slowly, loving all the sweet soft noises Trevor makes in his sleep. He must have been exhausted because he passed out so fast. He has about five minutes left of his twenty-minute nap and I map every inch of his face. He’s so serene in sleep, trusting me to keep him safe, to hold him. His scent is still fresh, a bright citrus and coconut, and it makes me think of the beach. Like he bathes in sunscreen.
Maddie inches closer. She’s a touch bratty, but her Mommy obviously loves her very much. Almost to the point of just letting her do whatever she wants without discipline. Which I guess is fine, but Maddie’s been a bit naughty a few times already.
I shut my eyes for a moment, just breathing in Trevor and memorizing the weight of him in my arms.
“Maddie, no!” Bel yells, making my eyes shoot open.
Maddie stands right in front of us. Giraffe stuffie poised in the air.
“Time to?—”
My arm shoots out, but I miss the toy. I try to maneuver Trevor out of the way, but can’t protect all of him.
Whack! Whack! Whack!Maddie grins manically as she repeatedly hits Trevor.
“Ow!” Trevor cries out. His hand flies to his cheek.
“Wake up!” Maddie singsongs.
Whack! Whack! Whack!
“Red!” Trevor yells.
Maddie drops the stuffie and backs away with her hands up.
I glare at the offending giraffe. “How the fuck did you get a stuffie with hard plastic in here? I thought they were banned because of this.” I gesture to Trevor, holding his cheek.
Bel whispers, “Bad word.”
“Trev?” Maddie takes a tiny step forward, but Trevor shakes his head.
“Look at me, sweetheart. Let me see.” I don’t force anything though.
Trevor shakes his head and slides from my lap. A hitch in his breath betrays him. He holds out his hand. “Key, please.”
I slide the bracelet from my wrist and hand it to him. My heart hurts for him.
“Trev?” Maddie’s voice is more frantic. “I sorries. It’s okays. Right? Okays?” She rushes to him as he retreats.
“Red,” he says forcefully as he wipes at his eyes. Thankfully, Maddie backs off.
“I sorries. Sorries.” Maddie drops to her knees and watches as he leaves the room. “Come back. Pweease! I be good. I besogood.” She’s crying now.
I look around. Maddie’s Mommy, Penny, mouths sorry to me as she scoops the naughty Little into her arms. What the fuck do I do in this situation? Can I turn it back around? Bring him back? I’m sure as fuck going to try.
Trevor didn’t even botherto change. He’s already out the door by the time I catch up with him.
