Page 53 of Make the Play
Jason groans. Charlie’s louder than life personality so often takes center stage, it’s easy to forget what a spitfire Andrew can be. Then again, it’s easy to forget a lot about Andrew who often fades into the background when Charlie is around.
“You know—” Jason starts, cutting himself off when Denise comes into the front sitting area. He’s only met her a few times from when she did his suit a few years ago, but she looks exactly as he remembers. She’s dressed impeccably as always, her dress shirt rolled to her elbows and a delicate gold chain hanging around her thick neck. Her gray hair is trimmed short on the top and buzzed on the sides, and there’s a stern air about her that softens when she catches sight of Andrew.
“There you are, Doll.” Denise walks right to Andrew, smiling when he bends down to kiss her cheek. “You’re never late.”
“Sorry about that,” Andrew sighs, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Charlie’s fault.”
“Where is that trouble-making shadow of yours anyway?” Denise scoffs.
“Outside making a call, he’ll be in shortly.”
Denise hums before turning to face Jason and Emerson. “You must be my special appointment. Emerson, right?”
“Yes. Thank you for seeing me on short notice,” Emerson says, fidgeting with the cardboard sleeve on his drink. “I hope it’s not any trouble.”
“Oh, he’s handsome and sweet,” Denise grins, giving Jason more indigestion. Maybe he had too much salsa on his eggs this morning. “Why don’t you come with me in the back and we’ll get you all set. No trouble at all, sweetheart.”
“Don’t worry, she’s great with people like us,” Andrew offers, clearly sensing Emerson’s unease.
Emerson’s confusion is evident. “Gays?”
“I’m ace actually,” Andrew offers, surprising Jason. He’s not remotely in the closet, but he’s also painfully private with people he doesn’t know. “I meant neurodivergent. Just let her know what you need.”
The smallest flicker of relief passes across Emerson’s face, and Jason wants to hug Andrew. He doesn’t, if only because Andrew is incredibly selective with who touches him and when.
“I’ll take care of him, don’t worry. You two stay out here, make yourself comfortable. And if Charlie comes, tell him not to touchanything.”
“Why do I feel like there’s a story there?” Jason asks Andrew, all the while keeping his eyes glued to Emerson’s receding back as he’s led into a private room.
“There’s always a story with Charlie, but I’m more interested in what’s going on with you and Emerson.”
“What do you mean?”
“What do I mean,” Andrew scoffs. “You looked like you wanted to crush your drink when Charlie flirted with him.”
“I did not,” Jason objects. “Besides, he shouldn't flirt with Emerson.”
“Why?”
“Because,” Jason grumbles, slumping back into the sofa cushion. The couch is definitely more decorative than comfortable, especially for someone of Jason’s size. He half feels like he might break it, hunching his shoulders in and staring at his mocha.
“You never cared when Charlie used to flirt with Theo.”
“Why would I care if Charlie flirted with Theo?” Jason asks.
Andrew’s face takes on a pinched expression. “Jason.”
“Your face is using its outside voice again.”
“I can’t help it,” Andrew sighs, scrubbing a hand over his face. “I told myself I wouldn’t interfere, but it’s killing me.”
“You are kind of a know-it-all, but we love you anyway.”
Andrew flips him off, but the corners of his mouth turn up in a small smile. “Look, just think about it.”
“About what?”
“About Emerson,” Andrew says gently.
