Nicky snorted as he walked toward the table.
“Nicky didn’t drink all your coffee,” Jude corrected. “I will however make you half a cup.”
“Just half?” Liam argued. “But I’m thirsty.”
“Then you can have juice with your breakfast.”
He slid in his seat as he waited for Jude to get Liam sorted out. Nicky hoped it wouldn’t take too long. He was really hungry. And anxious to get started on his plan. He was taking back Christmas. Everything that he and Liam had planned would be happening. It had taken one night of being his true little self for Nicky to wake with a renewed purpose.
Liam stomped into the dining room. Which really was just a table in the space between the kitchen and patio door. It was barely big enough to hold the four of them the previous night. Which was why Nicky had insisted on hosting Christmas at his house this year.
Not that Nicky minded the intimate space for breakfast. The sun shone brightly, making the space warm and welcoming. His bestie dropped into his chair with a scowl.
“At least you get half a cup more,” Nicky said, slurping on his coffee.
“Not fair.” Liam pouted.
“Boy, you better wipe that look off your face or there will be no more coffee at all,” Jude warned.
Liam immediately stopped pouting.
Nicky didn’t even feel a little bad as he took a bigger drink.
Jude placed a plate in front of Liam then him.
Leaning forward, Nicky sniffed the crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, and buttered toast. “Thanks, Jude.”
“Of course.” Jude patted his back. “I know how you boys are after a playdate.”
Yeah, because Jude cared about them. He was the type of Daddy that every little sought. It was enough for Nicky too. Sure, he wanted his own Daddy, would love to spend more time with Law like they’d done last night, but if he never got that, Nicky was going to be okay.
Everything was going to be okay.
Nicky pulled his plate closer as Jude returned to the kitchen. He really was hungry. Being little used up a lot of energy.
By the time Liam had his half mug of coffee, they all had juice, and Jude joined them at the table, Nicky was halfway done with his breakfast.
“What are your plans now?” Jude questioned, picking up his fork.
Nicky shrugged, chomping on the last slice of bacon from his plate. “I guess I need to decorate.”
“You love decorating!” Liam reminded him. “It’s your favorite time of year.”
“I’m just not feeling it this year,” Nicky admitted.
“Because you’ve been gone. That doesn’t mean that it’s too late. You’ll be home and with us,” Jude said. “Don’t let a bad trip ruin this holiday.”
“I know.” Nicky flopped back in his chair. Jude’s advice was solid and appreciated. It wasn’t too late. He might not get everything done that he had planned, but Nicky was able to roll with the punches. He always had been. Nicky hadn’t been in the right headspace but that was different now.
“You stay here?” Liam asked.
“No,” Nicky shook his head. It was nice having playdates with his bestie, and he loved being around Jude, but Nicky was a grown-ass man that had his own place. And he loved his house. Sure, he didn’t need the huge house, but it was pride that kept him holding on to the place. It had been his dream growing up in a cold and lonely house with his father.
“Why not?” Liam whined. “I missed you!”
“I missed you too,” Nicky told him. “But I like spending the holidays at my house. I’m sure once I get everything decorated, I’ll feel better.”
“Just remember you’re always welcome here,” Jude said.
