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Ivor fuckingbeamed. “Thank you, Sir.”
Around them, the group applauded, some of them voicing their appreciation before the crowd dissipated, leaving the two of them alone on the stage. Sol lifted Ivor into his arms and held him against his chest, cradling him, murmuring compliments.
Toby brought his hands together and clapped, and Sol jerked his head in the direction of the sound. He broke into a wide smile, then refocused on Ivor.
“You okay?”
Ivor nodded, smiling. “Thanks. That was awesome.”
“If I let you go, do you think you can make it off the stage?”
“I’ll be here to catch him if he stumbles,” Ryan called out. Ivor gave him a warm glance, and Toby had to smile.
Aha. It was about time. Ryan had been looking for a sub for a while, but no one had caught his eye. Judging by the glances Ivor was flashing in his direction, it appeared his search might be over.
Sol stroked Ivor’s head. “Well, when we do Secret Santa this year, I bet I know what’s going to turn up in his sack withyourname on it.”
Ivor stood, a little shakily. “I don’t think you’d fit into Santa’s sack, Sir.”
He laughed. “Sweet kid.” He patted Ivor’s shoulder, then waited until Ivor was in Ryan’s capable arms before jumping down from the stage, grinning at Toby. “Hey. Looks like a grizzly hasn’t had you for breakfast yet. You obviously don’t taste good.”
They hugged. “Well, I found one bear that likes the taste of me,” Toby quipped.
“So I hear. That’s still working out?”
Toby rolled his eyes. “Does no one around here believe in a happy ending?”
“Sure, but probably not the kindyou’retalking about.” Then Sol’s face tightened. “If it’s going well, I’m glad. Enjoy every minute of it, because none of us know how long we get, right?”
Toby’s stomach clenched. “I hear ya.”
Change the subject.
He indicated the door to Sean’s office. “I saw your handiwork. Very nice.”
Sol’s face lit up. “The website? Yeah, it turned out great.”
“I had no idea you did that kinda thing.”
He chuckled. “I do have a life outside this club, you know. And even in these do-it-yourself days, there are still people out there who don’t feel confident enough to build their own site.”
“Is business good?”
“Better than good. I’m not here as often as I used to be, because of work demands. Can’t tell you the last time I took a vacation. In fact, I think I was still living in Wyoming.”
A germ of an idea took root.
“Can I put some more business your way?”
Sol blinked. “You need a website?”
Toby cackled. “I see. Everyone knows I’ve fallen for someone, but no one’s talking about our new venture.” Which was the main reason for his visit, if he were honest.
“What new venture?” Then Sol pointed in the direction of the bar. “Let’s sit over there, and you can tell me everything over a soda.”
“Can you spare the time?” Toby teased. “I know how busy you are.”
Sol smacked him on the back. “Sure I’m busy, but for you, I’ll make time.”
