That did make Bailey realize he would have to do some shopping and not just for extra folding chairs. The house was furnished but he wanted a few new things.
When Matt arrived with the barbecue, Bailey pointed at the kitchen chairs they had to bring out so they could eat on the porch. "That's why I'll have to do some shopping, as well as the grill we don't have so we can make our own barbecue."
"I'll go with you," Matt volunteered. "I can help you carry stuff."
Bailey almost told him he planned to do it online, but since Matt offered to go with him, he couldn't quite get the words out. He just accepted. "Sure. Sounds good."
Joey started listing all the things he might buy so Bailey was thinking that he and Matt should do the shopping while he was at his swimming lesson. Or did he just want to spend some time alone with Matt? He just couldn't trust any decision he made when it came to him.
Chapter 8
Though Bailey had been teaching Joey to swim, he found out about swimming classes at the local swim club from Louise's parents. It seemed like something Joey would like so Bailey signed him up.
After he dropped off Joey at the Laurel Beach Swim Club, Bailey went to pick up Matt so they could go shopping for a grill, some folding chairs and a few other things. Bailey wanted to replace all the mattresses, but he also thought he might buy a new bed for Joey and maybe a few other things to make his room more cheerful.
Bailey already had a plan for where they would go, but as soon as Matt climbed in the car, he told Bailey, "I found the perfect grill for you. Not too big or expensive but good reviews. It's easy to use too."
"Then we'll let Joey do the grilling," Bailey said. "You seem excited about it. Is barbecuing something you like to do?"
"Oh, sure. Though..." Matt frowned and went quiet.
"Sorry, I..." Bailey wasn't sure what he was apologizing for, he could just tell that Matt was upset. He had pulled back in the passenger seat and he was frowning. Bailey didn't think he'd say anything more, but then he did.
"No. I... I just remembered something from when I was a kid. My dad was at the grill and I went over to watch him flipping burgers. He pushed me. I fell to the ground. Someone asked him why he did that. Maybe one of the guests. He said, 'I don't want the little shit to burn himself and start howling.'" Matt said it like it was all coming back to him right now. Then he shook himself out of it and sat up straighter. "Sorry. He was like that. I don't like remembering too many things about him, but sometimes stuff just rushes back at me."
"Do you want to skip getting the grill?" Bailey asked him since he could just order one.
"Oh, no. If I do some grilling with you guys, I'll have something good to remember to chase away the bad," Matt said.
"If you're sure," Bailey said. He was happy to help Matt build some good memories with him and Joey. "Joey was excited about the grill. He had hotdogs first on his list then some chicken legs."
"Sounds good," Matt said and he already seemed more cheerful.
But now Bailey was wondering if his bad memories were what made Gwen uneasy about Matt being their manny, that taking care of Joey might uncover his hidden pain. It was already happening, but Bailey didn't think spending time with Joey could possibly be bad for Matt.
When they got the grill and the folding chairs and table, Matt wanted to put them all in the back of the SUV. "I don't think they'll fit. I'm going to have them delivered."
"I think I can fit them. I'm kind of a pro at that," Matt said, reminding him that he worked for a moving company.
"I'm not doubting you, but we have more stuff to get. We can take two folding chairs with us," Bailey decided.
"Right. What's next?" Matt asked and looked ready for anything.
"I saw a pretzel cart. Pretzels and cold drinks are next," Bailey told him. "Now I'm wishing Joey was with us. He would love a pretzel."
There was a line in front of the pretzel cart that seemed to form just as they headed for it. It was close to a bunch of stores there so it was no surprise.
"I'm sure Joey is having more fun at the swim club than he'd have at any store," Matt said.
"You know the place where they have the swimming classes?" Bailey asked.
"My high school swim team practiced there. I joined for a little bit, but then I decided I wanted to go to college, and I couldn't spend my free time on something that didn't pay." Matt then looked at Bailey. "Sorry, am I talking too much?"
"No. I asked. And you're Joey's manny now, I want to know you better," Bailey told him though that wasn't the only reason. "Did you try for a scholarship?"
"My grades weren't any good. It took me too long to realize I didn't want a dead end job, always at someone's mercy." Matt stopped and looked over at Bailey and smiled. "Never mind that. It's our turn." He obviously had some negative memories and wanted to put them behind him.
Getting to the front of the line at the pretzel cart, they ordered and then walked around and ate. There was a shaded path and then some benches. When they were about to sit, Matt noticed an older woman coming over along with a younger woman pushing a stroller.
