Those weeks were the best of his childhood, bar none, and his mother had worked herself to the bone to give them to him. He wanted to give Lauren something similar, if he could.
There was no way she’d accompany him to Florida anytime soon. But on a road trip up the California coast instead, he could help her relax. Really relax.
No work, no responsibilities. Just exploration and rest and companionship. Constant proximity and privacy and huge beds in cool, dim hotel rooms.
He wasn’t a kid anymore. His mother—much as he adored her—was nowhere nearby.
This was going to be the greatest fucking Julyever.
Texts with Marcus: Saturday Night
Marcus:Sorry, I meant to check in earlier
Marcus:I was busy with normal convention stuff, but also April and I worked things out
Alex:Congrats, dude, I’m happy for you both
Alex:Please give her a hug from me
Alex:Which shouldn’t be difficult, since you’re no doubt clinging to her like plastic wrap
Marcus:Well, you’re not wrong
Marcus:Obnoxious, but not wrong
Marcus:You doing okay? After everything that happened last night?
Alex:Great!
Marcus:…
Alex:No lawsuit + no fines + no press junket = ROAD TRIP!!!
Alex:With Wren, obvs
Marcus:Obvs
Marcus:I hope you noted the sarcasm there, because it was distinct
Alex:Nope, I spotted nothing but sincerity
Alex:Anyway, on Wednesday, we’re heading up the coast to Stacia’s wedding
Alex:I plan to woo her along the way in my own unique, extremely charming way
Marcus:So you’ve finally realized you’re into her?
Marcus:Thank fuck
Marcus:I thought we’d both be sitting in our rockers at a nursing home before you noticed
Alex:Self-reflection is not my strong suit, dickwad
Alex:Also, please note how I didn’t make a dirty joke about the “into her” bit
Alex:This is just part of my transformation into a gentleman worthy of Lauren’s affection
Marcus:She seems fond of you as you are
