Sundae's Best (Briar County 2)

They shared their caffeine and conversation and learned quirks about each other, like Grady needing at least half an hour between brushing his teeth and eating or drinking or Grady teasing him for always sleeping in his socks.

By the fourth night at Grady’s, there was no more hesitation, no wondering what he was doing or why. And when he noticed Grady’s smile, or his scent, or when his own fingers danced along Grady’s arm around him, he didn’t worry over that either. When he felt that heat pool low in his gut, it didn’t much matter why it was there, only that it was…and that he didn’t mind it.

Hell, he maybe even liked it.

Every night, even when he had dinner with Granny instead of Grady, he ended up at his friend’s house afterward. In his bed. In his arms. Not feeling alone.

The following Saturday, they were debuting Grady’s new ice cream flavor. Deacon had a surprise for him, one he hoped Grady liked—one that would probably look weird to those on the outside, to people like Eugene and Frances, but he couldn’t find it in himself to care what anyone thought. He’d always cared too much about everything. He just wanted to enjoy this and to make decisions without overthinking them every step of the way.

Grady was working that day. He didn’t get off until five, but he was supposed to come to Sundae’s Best afterward.

They were busy for a December day. They always made a big deal out of reveal day, decorating the store and having specials. People were in and out, some sticking with their favorites, others venturing to try the new flavor, and each person who did seemed to fall in love with it. Deacon couldn’t say how many people had told him they hoped it became a regular in the rotation of Sundae’s Best’s ice cream.

He also noticed all the looks, heard the quiet comments, and even fielded some questions about the name. He didn’t let that bother him. He couldn’t wait for Grady to arrive, for him to see people’s reactions and how much Deacon had sold.

It was now a little after four, and when the bell rang over the door, Deacon looked up to see a large purple hat and matching purple dress and couldn’t help smiling. “Granny, hey. You come to sample the new flavor?” No one else in his family had been down yet, but that was to be expected. They couldn’t come every time Deke ran a special or had a debut.

“Of course I did. Something about this one tells me it’s going to be special.”

Deacon thought so too. “Sit down. I’ll get you a bowl.”

She shook her head. “I don’t need to sit down. I’m fine.” She walked over to the freezer case and peeked inside. Deacon waited for her reaction, waited to see what she would say when she saw the name. “Looks good,” was all she said.

He should have known better. This was his granny he was talking about, and she had always been different than most. She would make sure they were alone before talking about it.

“He did a good job.” Deacon got her a scoop.

“I’m pretty sure he didn’t do it on his own. Sounds to me like it was a joint effort.”

Deacon signaled to his employees that he was taking a break. They had a lull in customers, and he had an extra person on shift.

They sat at one of the tables in the back corner, Deacon wanting a little privacy.

“You named an ice cream after that man,” she said. Deacon had expected it. How could she see it and not mention it?

“Yep. It’s his flavor.” Which was true, but that hadn’t been the only reason he’d done it. The truth was, he’d just…wanted to. He’d wanted to do something nice for Grady, and he wanted a reminder of their friendship, something that would stick around even if Grady didn’t. That thought left a void inside of him, the possibility of Grady leaving. Maybe Deacon also did it to help Grady put down roots, to see a part of himself in Everett.

“You only do that with family.”

“I guess not anymore.” He wasn’t sure what else to say, how to explain it so this whole thing would make sense to her. “He’s a good friend, Granny.”

“I like him,” she replied, and he chuckled.

“You don’t even know him.”

“I like anyone who can make you smile the way you just were.”

He’d been smiling? Hell, he didn’t even know why. He wondered what she’d think if she knew he’d crawled out of Grady’s bed that morning, that he’d slept there for a week, tangled up in him.

“You two can meet,” Deacon found himself saying. He liked the idea of that—his granny knowing Grady.

Just then the bell over the door jingled, and he looked up in time for his gaze to meet Grady’s. A grin shot his way, and he couldn’t help returning it—not that he wanted to help it. Grady took a few steps, then seeing Granny, he paused as if unsure about coming over. Deacon nodded, the hesitation short on Grady’s side before he began moving again.