Page 133 of All Tied Up

“I don’t believe that’s germane to the contract,” Neil cut in smoothly. “The Meadowlark Lodge LLC is in a financial position right now to buy you out. As soon as you’re ready to sign, the funds can be released from escrow.”

“Alright, fine,” Henri huffed.

Neil poked his head out the door and called in two others to witness and notarize the documents. In a flurry of signatures and duplicate pages, they were suddenly done. Neil cut the video feed, and that was it. A short goodbye. A final question from the lawyer about timelines. The end.

When everyone left the room, Neil scooped the packets into folders and reached out a hand to each of them. Sebastian took it gratefully.

“How are you two doing?” Neil asked.

“That was surprisingly anti-climactic,” Sebastian replied. “It was… I’m glad we did it. I guess it was more weird than anything else.”

“Henri was a jerk,” Jamie added. “But now it’s done. I feel fabulous.”

“You’re always fabulous,” Neil told him affectionately.

“So, Mr. Big Shot Lawyer…. can we take you out to lunch?” Jamie asked slyly.

“It’s ten a.m.,” Neil protested, but without any heat behind it.

“Brunch then. Ooh! Or tacos. Let’s go to Portland Mercado for brunch.”

Neil looked around the room and finally shrugged. “Sure. Let’s go out for brunch. And ummm...” Neil checked the room again. “I didn’t want to tell you before, but I’ve decided. I’m giving my notice next week.”

Jamie shrieked with joy and barreled into Neil’s arms. “Oh that’s perfect! I’m so happy for you.” He grinned. “And I’m so happy for me, too!”

“Yeah?” Neil asked.

“Yep. I want to see you more.”

“Oh!” Neil looked shyly pleased. Sebastian wanted to see his confidence grow so deep and wide that he never had to doubt how desirable he was. But at the same time, he hoped Neil never lost that shyness. Those blushing cheeks on his large body did it for Sebastian every time.

Neil looked at Sebastian over Jamie’s shoulder and spoke at a whisper. “Is that OK with you… Daddy?”

Was he even worried? “Of course it’s OK with me. I mean, it’s your job, but… I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t hard watching you go into this place every day and hating it. And like Jamie said, I’d like to see you more.”

“Oh good. I’d like that, too. It won’t be for at least a month, though. I mean, handing off my cases is going to take a while and I can’t just leave in the middle of some of these contracts, so…”

Sebastian put a finger to Neil’s lips. “However long it takes, we know you’ll be doing the right thing. As long as you still call me every night and remember to eat.”

Neil gave him a soft look. “Yes, Daddy.”

“Tacos?” Jamie asked hopefully, breaking the moment.

“Tacos,” Sebastian agreed. “We have a lot to celebrate.”

24

Jamie

October

Jamie heard the bedroom door open, but he was too close to finishing his project to put down any of his tools. “Hey, Daddy,” he called out.

“Hey, Jamie,” came Neil’s surprised voice. “What’s going on?”

Jamie quickly set down the putty knife and stepped out of the closet, making sure not to snag his foot on the plastic sheeting. “Neil! You weren’t supposed to be here till tonight.” He let a bit of exasperation slip into his tone, though he was delighted to see him. He was dressed for the office in a suit and tie, looking sexy and distinguished.

“Oh? Should I come back later?” Neil teased.