Page 52 of Snowballing

“Someone like me?” I closed the door and gave him a look that hopefully said he was going to get it later. Hard.

“You know…a dad in the suburbs, working with numbers and money all day.”

My hands were full, so he grabbed the last bag, like the gentleman he was.

“I’d like to convince you that numbers can be sexy, but meh. You’d be surprised how kinky the suburbs can be. I’m pretty sure I heard Clayton mention a Saint Andrew’s cross once, but I’ve never seen them go to church.”

“I’m going to need to google that,” Gareth said, as we made our way into the house.

“Maybe I should take that bag. You’ll be a few minutes.”

“Is this what I think this is? Who is this Clayton and where does he live?”

I wasn’t about to tell Gareth that Clayton was Henry’s dad. Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything in the first place? “Why? You gonna leave me for him if I tell you?” I closed the door with my knee and turned away from the sex researcher.

“Oh no! Not at all. I just think that maybe…we need the contact info for his carpenter. The shed was fun last week, but it could always use a remodel.”

“I think a gigantic leather cross would be a little obvious when Trey puts away the lawnmower, don’t you? Anyway, the food’s probably cold already. Drop it for now or I’ll spank you later.”

“Doesn’t sound like a punishment,” Gareth teased as I opened the door to the house.

“Behave!” I made my way into the kitchen, Gareth following me like a…like a man who wanted to be around me all the time. Out of nowhere, this felt more than casual, but I wasn’t upset. The idea…excited me. “Food’s here, boys!”

The thunder of their running echoed down the hall. I hadn’t realized how much bigger Henry was than Trey. He had to be six inches taller now.

“What took so long, Dad?”

“Oh, we blew a tire, so we had to find the hole, fill it and pump it back up,” Gareth answered.

I tried to ignore the innuendo, but a smirk escaped. I was busy getting the cartons out of the bags, so I don’t think Trey noticed.

“I thought you got those fancy airless tires, Dad? They never deflate.”

Fuck, he’s right.

“I meant to say there was a guy-”

And?

Gareth was attempting to spin his lie. I stopped what I was doing and stared at him, eyebrows raised. I was looking forward to where this was going.

“-in the parking lot at the Chinese place. He’s the one who had a tire that needed pumping.”

What a story!

They’d never buy it.

“So you’re an expert on pumping?” Henry asked Gareth. “Do you ever pump weights? I’m trying to bulk up. I could use a trainer.”

Jesus, is everyone gay?

I couldn’t believe the balls on this tween, hitting on my boyfriend! In front of me!

“Gareth already has many jobs, including looking after children like you.” I not-so-slyly inserted myself in between him and Gareth. “Isn’t there a special Fortnite event happening in-” I glanced at the clock, “-nine minutes?”

“Oh shi- I mean, shucks, Dad. You’re right.” Trey finished filling his plate, grabbed two Gatorades out of the fridge and encouraged Henry to fill his plate faster. In a matter of seconds, they were running down the hall, giggling at whatever.

“Nice save, Gareth.” I grabbed a plate and started with the rice.