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Fifteen
Finn
Istrutaroundthehotel proudly with Theo on my arm, wanting to show him off to everyone I can. Especially his asshole ex. I want him to see what he lost and can never have again. Resting my hand on Theo’s feathered hip, I pull him toward the area where the Pupnic is happening. He stops walking before we can get too far, his body standing tall on high alert.
“What is it, baby?”
“Puppies. Too many of them.”
Staring around the room, I take notice of the puppies playing and chasing each other. Some pups are tumbling into piles and others are resting their heads on their partners’ laps.
“It’s okay. I’ll keep you safe. I promise.”
He shakes his head as his nervous stare lands on a few kittens and then to some dragons. “Too many predators.”
“I’m sure they’ll all play nicely.”
A pup barks in our direction and Theo clutches my hand tighter. “Can we… I…”
I breathe in his ear, pressing a soft kiss against it. “We can go.”
I hook my arm in his and quickly spin us around, heading away from the loud noise of excited pets behind us.
“I’m sorry,” he whispers, his head leaning forward.
“Oh, baby, you don’t have to apologize. If you don’t feel comfortable then neither do I.”
He sniffs. “I wish my anxiety didn’t have to ruin everything.”
“Then it won’t,” I say, smiling his way. “I actually have the perfect idea.”
He perks up, his gaze meeting mine. “Yeah? What’s that?”
I guide him toward two large chairs in the front lobby sitting in front of the crackling fire. “Will you be okay to stay here by yourself for a little while so I can prepare everything?”
He stares down at one of the chairs and tilts his head. “Everything ready for what?”
“Wait here and I’ll show you.” I peck at his soft lips peeking out at the bottom of the mask.
He pauses before finally nodding slowly. “Only if you promise not to be long.”
“I won’t. Fifteen minutes, tops.”
“Okay.” He plops down in the chair and I rush back toward where the Pupnic is being held to fill two plates up with sandwiches and a few veggies, along with a small amount of fruit. No one seems to mind me leaving the area with the food and I’m thankful for it. Returning to the lobby, I carry the food to where Theo is patiently waiting for me, his eyes on the waving flames of the fire. I place both plates on the small table resting between the two chairs.
“Back already?”
“Only briefly. I have to grab a few more things first.” I run my fingers through the side of his hair and his head chases my fingers as I slowly pull away. “Don’t touch any of the snacks until I’m back.”
“Okay. I’m not too hungry yet anyway.”
“Good. Let that appetite of yours grow while I’m gone.” I shoot him a wink before disappearing again. I hurry back to our room, jumping out of the elevator before the doors fully open. Once in the room, I grab a few little gifts I bought at the airport because they reminded me of Theo, along with his favorite quilt I managed to fit at the bottom of my bag.
Balancing everything in my arms, I use my free hands to grab two water bottles from on top of the fridge and quickly leave the room.
Theo is staring at me with a look of curiosity by the time I return to where he is. After setting the stuffed animals on the other chair, I lay the quilt out on the floor in front of the fire. Since most people are attending the Pupnic, the lobby is mostly empty.
“Where did that come from?” He sits closer to the edge of his seat.
