Page 8 of Ancient Obsession

That prompted the grin Dave was aiming for.

“Well, it was just the first day, so a lot of finding my way around and feeling way too old to be doing this.”

Dave massaged the sole of one foot, the toe of the sock loose. “You’re not too old.”

“We’ll see.”

Dave gave his foot a shake. “You’re not.”

“Thanks.”

“What did you think of the instructors?”

“They’re good. The guy for my journalism class is pretty intense, but I met a nice kid in there.”

“Oh, yeah?”

“Uh huh. They’re young, maybe twenty, and friendly. Their name is Robin.”

“They/them pronouns?”

“Yep.”

Dave switched his massage to Oliver’s other foot. “The next generation is so cool.”

“Right? Much cooler than us.”

With a grin, Oliver sat up and leaned forward to deliver a sweet kiss. “No one’s cooler than you.”

Dave gave him a longer, deeper kiss. When they parted, Oliver laid down again and Dave resumed his massage.

“You met Cody for lunch, right?” Oliver asked.

“That’s right.”

“What’s with the grin?” Oliver raised up on his elbows, eyes wide. “Did Lucia give Cody a parking ticket or something?”

“No, nothing like that. Cody was being…well, Cody⁠—”

“Sassy,” Oliver cut in.

“Stop. He was getting loud about something he felt was important.”

“Me attending your party, I’m sure.”

Dave paused his massaging. “Did you learn interrupting techniques in class today?”

“Ouch. Sweet burn.” Oliver mimed zipping his lips.

“Thank you.” Dave continued, digging his fingers into the muscles. “Anyway, Margie came over and told us both to quiet down, and when Cody protested, she triple-named him.”

Oliver’s eyes went wide. “First, middle, and last names?”

“Yep.”

Oliver grinned. “I’ve always liked her.”

“Uh huh. Anyways, she picked up the bill for our lunches.”