Page 31 of Carver’s Craving

“God save me.” Ulysses gazed up at the ceiling. When his gaze returned to us, he said, “Finn needs to stay awake because he’s exhausted and has the next three days off so he needs to sleep normally tonight. But Espresso has him bouncing off walls.”

“Hence my relief that Styx didn’t pick that flavor.” Carver gave me a defiant look—just begging me to argue.

Of course, I wasn’t.

“I’ll have chocolate.” Ulysses shrugged. “I like what I like.”

“Great choices. I’ll bring those in go-cups in just a few moments. Then pay at the front—no rush.” With that, Sarabeth was gone.

I gazed around to find the place full now and a lineup visible from the front windows. I turned to Carver. “We really did get here at just the right time.”

“Yep. As soon as we’ve got our shakes, we’ll take off.”

“What are your plans for today?” Finn tapped the table, a staccato rattle of beats.

“Lord, give me strength.” Ulysses laid his hand over his husband’s. “I don’t think you need Espresso.”

“Oh, I’m heading to the shelter. I’ll just exhaust all the dogs. Oh, are you coming, sweetheart?” He offered up what I’d term puppy dog eyes.

“Regretfully, no.” Ulysses’s smile was…regretful. “I have to finish the feature I’m writing. A bit of peace and quiet will help. Plus, I’ll keep Thelma company so she’s not too jealous when you come home smelling of ten other dogs.”

“Thelma’s never jealous.” Finn—with absolute certainty.

“Agreed.” Ulysses feathered Finn’s gorgeous red hair. He turned to Carver—although his gaze encompassed me as well. “You two have plans?”

“Walking Walter and Poppin. I want to show Styx more of the neighborhood.” Carver traced an indecipherable pattern on the tabletop.

“Oh.” Finn raised his hand like he was in a classroom. “I think Ulysses should do a profile of Styx. And Carver too. About what it’s like to be in a rock band.”

“No.” I was startled because Carver and Ulysses joined me in vetoing the idea.

Finn blinked. “Well okay, then. I just thought it might be nice to have someone featured who—” He rolled his hand.

Ulysses grabbed the hand. He leaned toward Finn. “Give it a rest, sweetheart. I don’t think you were even supposed to look at the video.”

“But the video was so good.” Finn pouted.

“I’ve got everyone’s milkshakes.” Sarabeth put the four in front of us. Along with straws.

Carver handed two of those straws back to her. “I’ve got some solid plastic ones at home. No offense, but better than paper.”

Ulysses handed one back. “I won’t be drinking mine until later—and I have a straw at home.” He unwrapped Finn’s and unceremoniously stuck it into the cup. “He’ll have most of it finished before he gets to the shelter.”

Sarabeth pressed a hand to her chest. “I love that Finn does that. You’re such a good man.”

Finn preened—no other word for it. Then he rose. “We’ll pay. I have to run Ulysses home before I head to the shelter.”

“Wait.” Carver raised his hand. “That’s, what, twenty minutes out of your way?”

Ulysses managed to stand before Finn kissed his cheeks. “Anything for my honey bunches.”

To my amusement, Ulysses rolled his eyes. I’d bet he was blushing as well. His dark skin tone made it harder to tell.

“What I’m trying to say is, we don’t live far from you guys. We’ll take Ulysses back to your place.”

“Yeah?” Ulysses perked up. “That would be amazing. Gives Finn more time with the dogs and cats.”

“Sure.” Carver nudged me. I’d been so busy watching the interplay between the husbands that I’d sort of missed that I needed to get up. I grabbed my jacket and rose.