Page 88 of Napkins and Other Distractions
“What do you know about boyfriends?” Gillian snaps the lid onto the container. “You thought I actually wanted help with algebra homework in college. A yutz.” She hands me the bowl to rinse.
“Math is confusing.” Louis sidles up to her, poking at her ribs.
“Says the accountant.” Gillian bats him away.
“Yes. I like him,” I say. “He’s sweet.”
“And dating and working together,” Gillian says with enormous eyes.
“So far, so good,” I say.
“Be careful,” Louis says, handing me a stack of dirty plates. “You don’t want to screw things up. With work. With him.”
“Ah, my Louis, giving his father-in-law dating advice,” Gillian says.
“Not dating advice. Life advice,” Louis says. “Just make sure you keep your head clear.”
“I don’t want you getting hurt.” Gillian places the last plate into the dishwasher and comes behind me, resting her head on my shoulder.
“It’s good.” I reach up and cup her face. “We’re not rushing into anything. We’re just enjoying each other’s company. And the project is on track. We go live soon. Then, the board meeting. It’s been mostly smooth sailing. Vincent and his partner know what they’re doing.”
“Good.” Gillian moves in front of me. “Just take care of this.” She pokes my chest and taps my heart.
“If I need to kick anyone’s ass, you tell me,” Louis says, handing me the last of the glasses.
“You’re not kicking anyone’s anything,” Gillian says, pinching her husband’s bottom, starting a cascade of laughter in the kitchen.
A smile scatters across my face. Being here, even in the chaos, my soul settles. The picture of our family, painted with warm watercolor brushstrokes, comes into focus. And I glimpse a spot for Vincent on the canvas.
CHAPTER 29
Vincent
“Your family is … ”
“A lot,” Kent says. “I know. They worry too much. It’s kind of our thing.” He scratches his beard, and his soft sweatshirt lifts enough for me to steal a peek at his even softer tummy. “They just want me to be happy.”
“Are you?” My stomach flips in anticipation.
“Happy?” he asks. “Generally speaking, I think I’m a happy guy.”
“No, I mean … do I make you happy?” With us both freshly showered, I’m digging in my bag for Kent’s surprise.
“Very,” he whispers, leaning down and kissing the back of my neck. Orange and honey envelop my senses, and I smile. Kent’s thoughtful gesture of stocking my preferred brand and scent doesn’t go unnoticed.
“I bought something for you.” I continue to poke in the duffel bag I bring when I stay over. Sweetums lies next to the bag, wishing, hoping, praying for me to leave it unzipped. No way. He’d sleep the entire night inside it. On my clothes.
Biting my lip, I pull my surprise out. After Kent’s reaction to the butt plug, I decided he might like something a little more … interactive. Thank you, internet.
“What do you think?” I ask.
Holding the gadget out, Kent moves back, taking it in. Larger than it seemed online, the baby blue plastic casing cools my palms. Popping the cap off, I show him the opening. His eyes broaden, and his mouth opens a little.
“What, what is that?”
“It’s a Fleshlight.”
“A flashlight?” Kent cocks his head back and forth, trying to understand what wild sex gadget I’ve brought into his home. “I’ve never seen one like that before. Where does the light come out?”
