Page 84 of Dickathlon

“Put me on the spot, why don’t you, sweetie?” She laughed nervously. “If he makes you happy, that’s what matters.”

We all stood up together and I led the way to the front door. I hugged both of my parents goodbye, my father shook Ty’s hand, and my mom pulled him in for an awkward hug. On her part, anyway. Ty was always hugging everyone.

“It was great to meet you both,” Ty said. “I look forward to next time. I’ll be helping this one with his pole.”

I stared in disbelief, waiting for him to realize what he said.

“Vault! Pole vault! I’ll help this one with his pole vault!” Ty’s face was beet red. He wiped his brow; it seemed he was starting to sweat.

“The cream pie was tasty, Mom.” I pulled her in for another hug, then grabbed Ty’s hand and pulled him out the door with me. “Talk to you later!”

The door closed.

“I can’t believe you said that!”

“Let’s just get in the Jeep and go. I’m mortified.”

“Aw.” I pulled him back against my body and grabbed his face. “You were great. I could tell they liked you.”

Ty looked up at me. “You think so?”

And Christ, the vulnerability on his face crushed me. “Oh my God, babe, I know they liked you. You heard my Mom - if I’m happy, she’s happy. And hey, even if they didn’t, I like you and that’s what matters to me.”

He sighed and slumped in my arms, nestling his face against my chest. “If you say so.”

I slowly ran my hand up his back and into his hair. “Let’s get you to Palm Springs. I think you’ll like my surprise.” I checked my watch. “And let’s hope there isn’t traffic.”

* * *

For once in Southern California, the traffic cooperated. We pulled in just past seven. Perfect timing.

“I’ll check us in. Mind waiting here with the bags?”

“Sure.”

I jogged over to the desk, got our room keys and a small map, verified our appointment and headed back to Ty. “Room’s this way.”

“What’s the surprise?”

“Just wait.”

It was a small boutique hotel for gay men only. The pool area was clothing optional. Something I was looking forward to. I loved Ty’s tan lines, but I’d like seeing his buns out at the pool even better. Maybe I liked the idea of showing him off too? Maybe I’d give him hickeys all over so every other guy would know he was mine?

“Here’s our room.”

I unlocked the door and held it open for him.

“Holy shit, Dec. It’s huge.”

“Yeah, I’m used to hearing you say that.”

“I meant the room, and the bed, and the bathtub.”

He’d already made his way into the bathroom. I put his suitcase on the luggage rack and rolled mine next to his.

Ty came out wearing an oversized fuzzy white bathrobe. “Look what I found! It’s so soft!”

“Take that off,” I said, grabbing at him. He ran from me. “I’m serious! I don’t want to be late.”