As intended, Jack laughed and slapped a hand on my shoulder. “You’re right. Thanks, David. I have some paperwork to handle. Let me know if you need anything.”
“Thanks, man. Will do.”
As usual, when I got absorbed in a painting, I lost track of time. It wasn’t until Jack came back at around two in the morning to do rounds before closing that I realized how late it was. I’d spent nearly ten hours on the mural and barely felt a minute of it.
Painting was my passion, my escape. When my thoughts got too loud and the world seemed too dark, I could always rely on the vibrant colors and the sound of my brush moving across the canvas to quiet my swirling thoughts.
Jack was pissed, but not for the reasons you’d think. He’d known me for years, and I’d done several murals at the club for him, so he knew when I got like that, I forgot to feed myself. I was sent home with orders to eat, rest, and not return until at least the next day.
As a Daddy, I understood why he reacted that way. If I were my boy, I would’ve given myself a red ass for that stunt. But the passionate painter inside me was pissed. I loved painting with every fiber of my being, and when I threw myself into a project, it was hard to stop until it was finished. It was like a siren singing. It pulled me in and kept me enchanted until it was complete.
Usually, I’d pack snacks or set alarms to remind me when to eat or take breaks. Originally, I’d told myself I was just going to sketch it out and get things ready, but the next thing I knew, I’d had brushes and paints ready to go. I should’ve known myself and prepared better.
I grabbed some fast food on the way home and then threw myself into bed the second I arrived. After tossing and turning for hours, I knew sleep wasn’t coming for me, though.
It was barely six in the morning when I heard my phone go off.
Daniel
Hey, man. Tristan and his friend spent the night, and they both have fevers. Any chance you’d be available to drop off some supplies?
My heart instantly went out to him. Daniel was one of the best people I’ve ever known, a true caretaker at heart. I had no doubt seeing his boy sick was tearing him up, but I also knew he was in his element and thriving.
The panic I felt itching at me started to ease. I was getting nowhere, just lying here. Getting out of the house might be exactly what I needed. Being there for my friend and his boy sounded a million times better than sitting here pissed that I couldn’t go to the club and paint.
Wait... Daniel said Tristan’s friend was with them too. He had not one but two sick little ones on his hands. I quickly ran through the list of things to do in my head, and I had nothing that couldn’t wait, so I figured I’d offer to help.
I missed my best friend, and helping him take care of two sick littles didn’t sound as bad as one might think. Just like Daniel, I was acaretaker at heart, and the idea of helping make their day a little easier made me feel a little lighter.
Oh, man, you’ve got your hands full. I’ve got no plans today. Text me what you need, and I’ll bring it.
If both of them are okay with it, I can stay and help you out.
I smiled when I saw a small grocery list appear, with several snacks, including ice cream. That man was so far gone for his boy. It was adorable.
Daniel
Thanks, man, you’re the best. They’re still asleep, but I’ll let you know.
His reply made me smile.
You know it ;)
About fifteen minutes later, I received a reply that we were all good to go and that both littles were fine with me coming over tohang out. Apparently, sick littles don’t care who you are if you’re bringing ice cream. I chuckled at the thought and got moving.
Little over an hour later, I was pulling up to Daniel’s house. I’d always loved his house since the first time I came over for dinner, a little over a year ago. I made decent money from my paintings and could afford my own house, but I wanted to wait until I found my forever little. It felt pointless without someone who I could settle down and build our home with.
Despite how much shit I gave David for designing his playroom without a boy in mind, I totally understood it. He’d taken comfort in the room for years; it was his beacon of hope. But to me, it would feel like waving a treat in front of a dog and then not letting them eat it. I’d go insane. For that reason, I decided to keep living in my apartment until I met the right person.
Opening the door, I grabbed the bags out of my back seat and headed up the walkway. I nearly tripped when I saw the for-sale sign in his neighbor’s yard. It was a beautiful house, and while I didn’t know the floor plan, if it were anything like Daniel’s, it would be perfect.
I was a simple man; I didn’t need much, and these homes were beautiful. If only I could find my person, maybe I would consider it.
My hands were full of grocery bags, so I set some down, freed one of my hands, and knocked. Tristan’s squeals hit my ears as Daniel opened the door and welcomed me inside.
He took the bags I’d set down and followed behind me. “Hey, man, did you see the house next door is for sale?”
“I didn’t. What, are you gonna move in next door to me?” he chuckled. I knew he was teasing. He knew I was waiting to find my partner, but I couldn’t help but poke at him.
