Page 80 of The Key Holder

“And to answer your other question, they better have. I hope the young one thought you were railing me.”

“Well,” I suggested, “for the next couple we see, just pull your shorts down and I’ll fuck you right in front of them?”

“Really?!”

“No! I was joking.”

"Aww, you had my hopes up there for a minute." He gave my ass a playful smack.

We continued walking, the conversation drifting back to the trail and surrounding woods. My brow and back were sweaty, but I knew we were getting closer to our destination. Dylan’s easy chatter and his casual touches here and there kept my energy up…among other things.

After another twenty minutes or so, the trees began to thin slightly, and I could hear the faint sound of running water.

Nestled in a grassy clearing, next to a vibrant stream that drained into Pathfinders Lake, was the perfect little spot. We worked together, making steady progress, our movements almost synchronized. The tent went up quickly, then, while Dylan dealt with our sleeping quarters, I prepped the stove and started dinner.

As dusk began to settle, painting the sky in soft hues of orange and purple, the baked beans were ready and I had a crackling fire going in a makeshift firepit. During our meal, darkness fell and the stars emerged in a breathtaking display I rarely got to see in the city. Dylan lay on his back, his head in my lap, looking upwards.

"Remember those constellation books we used to have?" Dylan asked.

“I do.”

“What’s that one again?” Dylan pointed to Ursa Major.

“That’s the Big Dipper,” I answered.

“You always knew them better than me.” After a short pause, he added, “That one looks like a penis.”

“Which one?” I leaned down to see where Dylan was looking. After a few seconds, I said, “I think that’s an airplane or a satellite.”

“I know that. I meant over there. See?” He drew in the air the shape of a cock.

“Oh yeah, I see it.” I didn’t see it.

“You’re such a liar.”

“And you have penis on the brain.”

“And hopefully I’ll have penis in my mouth later tonight.”

“What a great band name,” I said.

“What?”

“Penis in My Mouth.”

“I’d listen to them. They sound lovely.”

“I’m sure you would.” I reached over, rummaging in my pack and pulled out a bag of marshmallows, a Hershey’s bar, and a sleeve of graham crackers. “Thought we’d revisit an old favorite.”

"S'mores!" Dylan shrieked, leaping out of my lap. His eyes virtually sparkled with delight in the light of the fire. He ran off, looking for a stick, and was back quicker than a Netflix series getting canceled after one season. He grabbed the marshmallow I held out for him and skewered it expertly on the stick, holding it over the flames.

“If it catches on fire,” I warned, “don’t fling it into the woods like that one time. Just blow it out.”

“I panicked.”

“I remember,” I said, getting the crackers and chocolate ready.

It was a simple gesture, but I knew it meant a lot to him.