Page 18 of Every Chance to Stay

“Hey, how about a raincheck on the sandwiches?” Lucky asked, smiling at the message. Antonio was taking a break and wanted to grab lunch. Since their last failed date, finding time in their schedules seemed nearly impossible. If there was even a small chance of seeing the alpha, he really wanted to grab it.

“Oh oh oh, is someone ditching me for an alpha?” Serena teased dramatically, hand flying to her mouth in surprise. The tall beta shoved him lightly from behind, “Go on, go see your big strong lover. And please remember to ask him who on the search and rescue team is single so I know who to ask for next time I tragically twist my ankle surfing.”

Lucky rolled his eyes at her antics. “Alright, alright, I’ll ask.” He smiled appreciatively, turning to give her a quick hug, “I’ll text you after, maybe we could grab drinks.”

“Yeah, yeah. Keep me posted!” Serena waved him off a final time, hurrying him along.

With a wave over his shoulder, Lucky power walked towards the front of the university, texting Antonio a thumbs up and a note on the best place to park. It took fifteen minutes. Nine hundred seconds spent bouncing from foot to foot, heart pounding, eagerly watching for that familiar shape.

Antonio was dressed in black cargo pants and a dark green t-shirt with fluorescent white lettering that read SAR on the front. A couple of the students stopped to stare. Lucky couldn’t blame them, Antonio was incredibly handsome and the SAR team always drew attention when in uniform.

“Hope I didn’t interrupt your study time.” Antonio said as a greeting.

“Not at all, I just got out of a long lecture when you texted, so food was absolutely about to be my next stop.” Lucky smiled, tucking himself into Antonio’s side. The alpha slung a casual arm around Lucky’s shoulders.

“Good to hear.” Antonio kissed the top of his head, “I haven’t been around campus in… ten years? Why don’t you show me where you like to eat.”

“There’s an amazing skewer place. Just a little street stall if that’s alright but they really do have the best skewers!” Lucky guided Antonio towards the manicured quad. Large palm trees and short frond shrubs were tastefully planted around benches and other seating areas to create a comfortable space for the students to hang out. To the north of the quad sat a line of food carts.

“Skewers are always on the menu.” Antonio laughed, “At the team BBQs we always have someone on skewer duty.”

“Is that so, well I’ll look forward to my invite.” He prodded Antonio’s side teasingly.

It was forward. But forward worked because it made Antonio smile and it spread warm feelings through his stomach. They were so much better than butterflies. He didn’t feel nervous, he felt cozy. Antonio’s laugh, his touch, his scent, it was like sliding into a jacuzzi.

Lucky never wanted to get out.

They gave their orders to the guy running the cart: Two picanha (one for each of them), one cheese skewer with sugarcane molasses and a chicken skewer wrapped in bacon (for him), along with a cheese skewer wrapped in sundried meat and a chicken heart skewer (for Antonio).

“Jack hates chicken hearts.” Lucky laughed as they found a bench in the shade to eat their lunch. “Dad sometimes makes them and Jackie gags and cringes the entire time.”

“Mateo is the same way! He makes faces every time I order them.” Antonio snorted. “What about you, yay or nay on the chicken hearts?”

“Absolutely a yay from me.” Lucky paused to take his first bite of the cheese skewer. The sweet sugarcane molasses was truly the best thing. “Here, try this one!” Antonio leaned in to take a bite. His groan of appreciation made Lucky’s insides melt.

“That’s delicious.” Antonio licked his lips slowly, savoring the sweet sauce. Lucky’s mind blanked out. “Do you prefer farofa or Brazilian vinaigrette?

“What?” Lucky asked, unable to process the question. He pried his eyes from Antonio’s lips to be met with an amused stare.

“I asked if you prefer putting farofa or vinaigrette on your skewers.” Antonio repeated. Lucky did his best to ignore the man’s knowing smirk. So, he was attracted to the alpha… Who wasn’t?

“Oh! Ah, I prefer farofa. What about you?” The toasted, buttery cassava flour always added a nice taste to the meat in his opinion.

“Vinaigrette. The fresh red peppers and the sour vinegar help cut through the rich meat taste.” Antonio shook the little container of sauce they gave with the skewers for good measure. “So, have there been any updates on the turtle situation?”

Before Lucky could answer, three sharp beeps shattered the moment.

Antonio’s entire demeanor changed. The smiling, teasing alpha turned serious as he pulled his phone free. Whatever the alert said, his expression became apologetic. “I need to go, there’s a boat accident off Topacio. I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay—” The words barely escaped Lucky’s lips.

Antonio handed off the skewers, kissed the top of Lucky’s head, and dashed off without even a goodbye. It took a moment for Lucky to process the exchange. With a sigh and a small huff, Lucky pulled his phone out, calling Serena.

“Hey, I know you said sandwiches, but I’m sitting in the quad with more skewers than I can eat and no one to share them with… Come help?” He got a cheerful squeal and an aggressive ‘yes.’ They both had busy lives, but at least he had good friends to soothe the sting.

12

Antonio