Chasing Him (Dark Love 4)

“Poor Noah, he hasn’t step foot in L.A. and already he is a hot commodity,” I men

tion quietly, feeling sorry for the guy if Eric makes it his mission to interfere in his love life.

“Well… that’s what happens when you’re blessed with good genes,” Eric is quick to point out. “I’ll be gentle on him, I promise.”

The party is slowly winding down as my neighbors and some parents attempt to go with screaming children, probably high on sugar and refusing to leave. Andy grabs a few goodie bags and hands them out, settling them almost instantly. Nikki and Rocky call it a day with a late flight back to New York due to Will’s baseball game tomorrow. They say their goodbyes, and an emotional Charlie hugs Will for a long time. He is close to her height, almost a teen, having shot up obviously taking after Rocky. He’s a gorgeous kid, and with that gene pool, he’s going to break hearts all over the world.

“You’re growing up way too fast,” Charlie cries softly.

“It’s only because you don’t see me every day, Charlie,” he reminds her.

“You used to call me Cha Cha.” She laughs through her tears.

“I also used to wear diapers,” he jokes. “I’ll be back next summer.”

Charlie hugs him again, making him promise to call her each week. They have a special bond, and it’s touching to see how motherly she is with Will. Sometimes, I can’t believe that Lex and Charlie could’ve also had a child that age. Fate works in mysterious ways.

With everyone gone, Eric and Tristan stay back along with Charlie and Lex. Tristan, my savior, walks around with a garbage bag collecting trash. Eric moans as Tristan forces him to do the same. They work in tandem silence, and just when Eric says something about floating cake in a kid’s cup, Tristan leans in and kisses him lovingly. As they pull away from each other, Eric’s face is of pure contentment, smiling back at Tristan as they both take a moment to appreciate each other.

“So, tomorrow’s the big day?” Julian asks, patting Tristan on the shoulder.

Tristan has been cast as a lead in a Hollywood blockbuster being filmed in Dubai. The fame is already starting with hordes of girls begging for selfies wherever they see him. According to Eric, he will be gone for three months, and this will be the test as to how strong their relationship is.

Charlie is quick to inform me that Eric already has leave booked in, and although he hates to admit it, he loves Tristan and can’t imagine being apart from him.

“Yep, tomorrow I’m off,” Tristan says.

“I’ll miss you, kid, but I’m stopping over next month, so we’ll catch up then,” Julian adds before they man-hug it out.

Charlie is sitting on the steps with Lex. They both sit in silence as Lex is careful to keep a small distance between them. I take a seat beside Charlie, my feet throbbing from walking around for hours. Julian steps through the back door and sits on the other side of me. I lean my head on his shoulder as he kisses the top of my head. Taking a moment to let it all sink in, I relax knowing it’s all over, and everyone enjoyed themselves without any drama.

For the better part, that search to find Andy did wonders for Lex and Julian. Neither one of them will ever admit it, but ever since they came home, there seems to be some unspoken understanding between them. They aren’t the best of friends, and probably will never be. I don’t care as long as I have both these men in my life, the rest will just fall where it may.

Amelia and Andy are still running in circles chasing Blaze and Ash around the backyard. Ava attempts to follow them, her tiny feet walking unsteady, barely able to catch up. She tumbles over but is quick to stand without shedding a single tear. We watch as they continue to play, silenced by their overactive imaginations.

“Andy, Batman has to marry Robin. Ewic said they’re gay like him and Tristan,” Amelia informs him.

Andy has no clue what that means, shrugging his shoulders at her.

“Batman and Robin will have superhero babies,” Amelia explodes.

“Now that I have a daddy, Mama can have babies, too.”

“Is Jay your daddy?” Amelia asks innocently.

“Yes, because he loves Mama.”

“But you call him Jay?”

The question stumps Andy for a moment.

He runs over to Julian, followed by Amelia.

“Jay, can I call you, Daddy?”

Julian glances at me seeking approval, and I smile reassuring him. I couldn’t have thought of a more perfect present for Andy.

Julian’s face answers before his mouth opens. “I will be honored to be called that.”