Page 30 of Cuddles for the Bear
“Even if we don’t find anything, you can learn a lot by touching fabrics and testing the comfort level you think will work for you. Then we can find clothes online in the colors you like.”
“Just going into a shop as a potential customer for the first time is a big deal for me. Flint did say he’d send you the link for the overalls he was wearing this morning, although I don’t think I would wear them when we were out. They are more for lounging around at home.”
“See, you’re already getting an idea of your style.” Wren could tell Devon was pleased. “I’m determined to spoil you, so be prepared for that.”
“You know you don’t have to. You’ve given me so much already.”
“You own my heart. That’s reason enough for me. This is just the start for us, I promise you.” He leaned closer. “All the people you can see, going about their day-to-day, they might not know the truth about us. But to their eyes we’re just two normal men, enjoying a lunch, sharing a laugh, just totally free to be...”
“You were going to say normal again, weren’t you?” Wren chuckled. “I don’t think the word normal will ever apply to us or your friends. Now I’m out, though, I can see what you mean about blending in. It’s lovely to see I’m not the only man wearing pink. That couple down there” - Wren pointed down the road – “the ones with the matching jackets. They’re both wearing colors brighter than my sweatshirt.”
“Again, perfectlynormal. Seeing other people is another way you can learn about the sorts of things you’d like for yourself. You can wear whatever you like, be whoever you like. The only thing we have to keep silent…” Devon waited until a crowd of four people went past the table. “You know about that anyway. I doubt you’ll get the urge to shift and run down the main street in Big Sky as an elephant, for example.”
“There’s no room for an elephant around here. There’d be nowhere for the cars to go. What else do people do on vacation apart from shopping?”
“From what I’ve seen over the years, vacation people fall into two camps. There are some people who fill their days with activities, like hiking, skiing, cycling, or visiting attractions. Then there are other people who curl up by a pool and sip drinks while reading books.”
“What do you like to do?” Wren assumed he wouldn’t have an issue with hiking, but he wasn’t sure about cycling or skiing. He’d be so embarrassed if he made a fool of himself in public.
“I’m not one for doing touristy things myself,” Devon admitted. “It can be fun every now and then, but usually, when I do take a break from the Alley, I like to go and eat out.”
“We’re doing that.” Wren grinned.
“I also like to go to bookstores. I can spend hours curled up somewhere quiet, reading a book. Sometimes, though, I might go and sit somewhere and people-watch. It can be nice to be out and about watching people that me and my friends keep safe – even if they don’t know about it. When people look at me, they see someone who might be a professor, or a teacher, or an office manager, somebody normal and ordinary. They don’t give me a second thought, but I love getting a glimpse of their lives when I’m watching them.”
“That’s not strictly true,” Wren said. “I’ve noticed a few ladies giving you a second look when they walk past, and some of the men as well.”
Devon blushed. His cheeks were bright red. “I wouldn’t notice any of those people because I’m here with you, and you’re the only one important in my eyes. But yes, now you know one of my boring secrets. So many parts of our lives have to be kept hidden, it’s nice to just be out like any other person, enjoying lunch at a lovely café.”
“I can see the appeal.” Wren could. His stomach was full, he had money in his pocket - he needed to go and buy a wallet, apparently – and he was with his mate. Devon said they would buy a wallet when they went shopping.
“Can I ask something? It’s about the paperwork we left back at the hotel.”
“It’s all perfectly safe there. You don’t need to worry about anyone taking it.”
“No, it’s not that.” Wren knew Devon would never take him somewhere unsafe.
“What is it, then? Did they get something wrong? Or did you object to your last name?” Devon grinned. “It’s the name I took when I started my job so I could have a valid ID, but we can always change it if you like.”
“No. No. The name is fine. I like having the same surname as you.” Wren had been surprised when the lady at the hotel called them Mr. and Mr. Taylor when Devon checked them in. But it was a lovely surprise.
“You said those papers were necessary for me to be able to go out, shop, and do all the things people do. But what about when I was enrolled in those online classes? Wouldn’t…that person…have to supply ID papers to enroll me there? They won’t have the same name as these ones. Isn’t that illegal or something?”
“That won’t matter. In fact, it’s best if the names and birth dates are totally different.” Devon’s other hand rested over Wren’s, squeezing it gently. “The paperwork you have now is who you are. You have a Social Security number, a bank account, a passport in case we want to go overseas, and you even have a driver’s license.”
“I don’t know why they gave me a driver’s license,” Wren said. “I’m not sure I’ll ever be confident enough to drive in traffic like you do.”
“You can learn. I’ll teach you. But thinking of cars…” Devon was chuckling. “Be really careful if you get in the car when Python’s behind the wheel. He drives like he’s the only one on the road and road rules don’t apply to him.”
Wren couldn’t think why that would ever happen, but he was also aware he had a lot to learn. “Do you miss being back at the Alley?” he asked quietly. “Being in this place is totally different, and the hotel bed doesn’t seem as comfortable as yours. It seems very hard.”
“This place is fine for a few days. There are times we will have to travel while I work, so getting used to other beds is always a good idea. It makes us appreciate the one at home all the more when we get back there. About the only thing I’ll miss tonight will be the barbecue Levi will probably dish up, but then we can only eat so much barbecue. Sometimes we need a change from that as well.”
“Like what?” Wren didn’t really care. He was still getting used to being able to eat any time his stomach rumbled.
“Chicken,” Devon said firmly. “I’m thinking that if you didn’t want to go out for an evening meal, we could order room service and watch a movie or two tonight. So yep, I’ll be ordering chicken.”
“Why chicken?”
