"No. I like everybody," Danny said. "Lenny andSuper Strong Little Beeand you and Julian."
Rob was touched to be included. "Oh, OK. Thank you. I like you too," Rob said and made Danny get all shy and hide under the covers.
He came out to ask Rob to stay for the story. Rob sat down on the floor and got ready to listen. About to sit in his usual armchair, Julian changed his mind and sat on the floor too. Soon the room was filled with the sound of Julian's deep, soothing voice reading the book.
That didn't put Danny to sleep though. He was one tough, little customer. Rob got a sweet good night from Danny, and then he went out into the hall while Julian stayed to wait for him to fall asleep. Going to sit on the top step and text for a while, Rob didn't lie to himself. He was there waiting for Julian.
A short time later, Julian was there. Rob was going to get up, but Julian lowered himself down to sit next to him. "He's already asleep with Lenny right next to him," Julian said while a smile played on his lips.
"He went down fast after all."
"It's no wonder. It was such a busy day for him," Julian said. "For all of us actually. A welcome party for Lenny on top of everything. I'm still not sure how it happened."
"They probably do that kind a thing a lot," Rob said. "There aren't a lot of places to go around here, right? These guys have to make their own fun."
"That makes sense, I guess," Julian said.
"Danny was so happy to get to show off Lenny to everyone. And you have Halloween plans," Rob reminded him and watched him make a face.
"A Halloween party here," Julian shook his head like he couldn't believe it.
"I'll be pitching in. It won't be so bad," Rob told him and Julian gave him a grateful look.
"The big table in the formal dining room is perfect for potluck," Rob said and Julian laughed and ran his fingers through his dark hair.
"I was picturing my grandfather's reaction to all this. Just for that, it's worth it." Julian's smile then became wry. "My grandfather will turn over in his grave with the house full of tacky, Halloween decorations."
"For Halloween, the tackier the better," Rob told him. "Does that mean another shopping trip or do you just want me to take care of it?"
"Danny will want to go, and..." Julian hesitated before admitting, "I don't want to miss out either."
"That's the spirit," Rob praised him.
"I feel dumb wanting to go," Julian said and lowered his head shyly.
Rob was tempted to tell him how much he liked spending time with him, and he hoped that Julian felt the same way. Not being able to read Julian, Rob couldn't take the chance that he would push him away.
"Those guys made me feel like... I don't know." Julian rubbed his forehead and sighed. His voice was hushed as he said, "Seeing happiness up close like that..."
"Jealous?" Rob teased him.
"Yes." Julian turned to stare at him very seriously.
His forthright answer surprised Rob. Accusing Julian of being jealous, he was only kidding, but his own jealousy was undeniable. Mostly Rob was jealous that he couldn't have Julian. No matter how much Julian might want something like what those guys had, he wouldn't want it with someone as lowly and unreliable as Rob.
