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He grins and presses another kiss to my lips that sort of feels like a promise, and definitely qualifies as foreplay for our future bathroom antics.
“What was that for?” I ask, feeling slightly dazed as he pulls away.
“I’m just so incredibly happy I met you,” he says.
“Ditto,” I say just as our food arrives, and we dig in.
“I’m picking up Milo later,” he says after a little while. He glances toward me. “Feel free to say no if it’s too soon, but I was thinking maybe you two could meet?”
I blink. “Really?”
I can hardly believe he wants me to meet his son. That’s a huge step, but at the same time, it also feels completely natural.
“I mean, yeah.” I nod. “I’d love to.”
He grins, and I return the favor. Then he walks me back to work, promising to pick me up at five o’clock on the dot, which means the workday drags along, slow as molasses. I’m out the door the moment the clock strikes five, taking the stairs instead of the elevator to get rid of some of the excess energy and nerves. I want Milo to like me, but in my current state of excited anxiousness, I’ll just scare him. The galloping in my chest picks up strength when I see Caleb leaning against the wall, scrolling through his phone. I take a moment to just admire him. As if sensing me there, he lifts his head and looks around, and his whole face brightens up the moment he spots me.
“Hey,” he says and follows that with an oof as I walk straight into him.
“Hey.” My lips just refuse to lose the smile lately. Not that I’m complaining.
“Ready to go?” Caleb asks, right after he’s laid a smacking kiss on me. I nod, and he takes my hand in his as we start walking. “Madeline is dropping Milo off at Scoops. We usually get milkshakes there. Sound good?”
I nod. “So, how exactly should I introduce myself?” I voice one of the many, many questions I’ve managed to come up with over the course of the past few hours. I have very little experience with kids, so I have no clue what I’m in for. Oh shit. What if Milo hates me? I did not think this through properly before agreeing.
Caleb grins, seemingly not worried at all. “I’d imagine boyfriend would be a good label.”
Well, now I’m deliriously happy, which is a confusing addition to the nerves and anxiousness that are still there. I might throw up.
“You look a little green,” Caleb remarks.
“Pssh.” I scoff. “No. That’s my natural complexion. I’m fine.”
I don’t think he believes me, but he just squeezes my hand and opens the door. I spot Milo immediately. He looks just like Caleb. The same dark hair and blue eyes, and the same smile.
He lights up the moment he sees Caleb and waves. “Hey, Dad!”
Caleb has the same blinding smile on his lips as he pulls Milo into a hug. “Hi, bud.”
He ruffles his son’s hair, and Milo ducks away, laughing. Caleb grins and pulls me forward. “Hey, Milo? There’s somebody I want you to meet.”
My heart picks up speed. This is it. Oh God. I don’t think I’ve been this nervous… ever.
“Hi, Milo,” I say, smiling. “I’m August.” I’m aiming for friendly, and I think I’m pulling it off for the most part.
“Hi,” Milo says. He looks more intrigued than anything else. The ball of nerves eases up a little. “Who are you?”
“Uh…” I completely freeze, but Caleb comes to my rescue as he snakes his arm around me.
“He’s my boyfriend.”
Milo nods. “Cool. Can we eat?”
God bless well-adjusted kids who take everything in stride. I let out a relieved breath. The introduction round continues with Milo’s mom. Madeline is all smiles as she shakes my hand, and we exchange pleasantries before she waves at all of us, kisses Milo on the top of his head, and walks out the door.
We sit down and order, and soon enough Milo is chatting happily about his week and school and friends, and I manage to ask the right questions and laugh in the right places. When we’re done with dinner, we walk outside. Milo and Caleb are going to head to Caleb’s place, and I’m going home. Partly because I don’t want to overwhelm Milo, partly because I want to end the first encounter on a high note, and partly because I think the two of them should have some father-son time. I’m already in way too deep, because the moment Caleb’s lips leave mine after his goodbye kiss, I already miss him. But interestingly enough, I’m not worried about falling too fast or too soon.
I smile for the rest of the evening, feeling his kiss on my lips, my belly filled with butterflies.
