“Are you sure they fit okay? You didn’t just say that?”
Luka shook his head and swung the large paper bag that contained the boxed shoes as he walked beside Nate.
“If you say so.” Nate hugged Luka to his side as they swerved to avoid people coming from the opposite direction. “Is this because of the sleepover?” He looked down at Luka, whose lips twitched as he sucked his candy. “So that’s why you were on your best behavior? I already said you could go.”
Luka pulled the lollipop from his mouth with a wet pop. “We went into three shops. I tried on loads of shoes.”
“No. It wasn’t that many.”
“Was, too.” Luka’s brow creased as he complained. “You’re just being weird and forgetting.”
Nate frowned. “Three?”
Luka nodded.
“Really?” Nate rubbed his chin. “Huh?” His gaze drifted over the store windows as they walked. With a sigh, he slowed to a stop and stared at a mannequin dressed in a black paisley shirt and skinny jeans. He hadn’t even considered what he’d wear tonight for his date with Jared.
It’s okay to be looking forward to dinner, isn’t it?
“You’re smiling again?” Luka pointed out.
“I am?”
“Yes.”
“Sorry,” he said with a chuckle.
“Why?”
“Why am I sorry?” Nate queried.
“No, why are you smiling? You keep doing it and not listening to me and made me go into three shops.” He pouted.
“Okay, okay. I’m sorry. I’ll make it up to you.”
Luka narrowed his eyes.
“What?”
“Why?” he repeated, clearly referring to the way Nate had been acting.
Nate turned to stare at the mannequin. He hadn’t told Luka he was seeing Jared that evening. He wanted to figure out what, if anything, was going on between him and Jared before telling Luka more. Luka seemed to like Jared and Nate was sure he’d be excited to get to see Jared again, but if things weren’t going to work out between them, then he didn’t want to leave Luka disappointed.
“Dad,” Luka whined.
Was he being overly protective? “Fine.”
Luka brightened instantly.
“I’m going out to dinner tonight… with Jared.”
“That’s great.” Luka grabbed his hand. “Let’s go.”
“Go where?”
Luka pulled on his arm and walked toward the store doors. “You always buy me new clothes when I go to a party.”
“It’s dinner not a party.”
Luka didn’t seem to be listening and tugged harder, the doors sliding open when they got close enough.
Nate gave in and followed him inside.
“Let’s find the one in the window.”
“Let’s find a price tag,” Nate muttered to himself. He watched Luka’s back, the excitement radiating from him was infectious.
He’s smiling, right?
Nate’s heart swelled. After all, that was all he wanted—Luka’s smiles. He gripped Luka’s hand, his cheeks twitching as he felt a rush of emotion. His own smiles didn’t feel so bad either.
Luka bounced from foot to foot as he waited for Pops by the apartment door.
“Have you got everything?” Nate folded his arms and leaned back against the door jamb.
“Yes. Yes,” Luka said.
Nate shook his head. “Did you eat more candy?”
“No.”
“What’s got you so excited? You have stayed over at a friend’s house before, you know?”
Luka nodded. “But it’s been forever.”
“With good reason,” Nate pointed out.
Luka curled down the corners of his mouth. “I said I was sorry and wouldn’t do it again. And I haven’t.”
“I know. And that’s why you’re allowed a sleepover.”
“Maybe you and Jared could have a sleepover, too,” Luka said innocently.
“It’s just dinner.”
“Then next time I could stay at Auntie Lee’s and he could use my bed.”
Nate pursed his lips. “He could I guess.” He was relieved when the intercom buzzed. “That’ll be your grandpa.” He lifted the receiver. “Come on up.” He buzzed Pops into the building. “Are you sure you have everything?” he asked Luka.
Luka opened the door and stuck his head out into the corridor. “Yep.” He stood there and waited until Pops made it upstairs. “He’s here.” He went to dash outside, but Nate caught him by the hood of his sweater.
“Hold up, kiddo.”
Pops appeared in the doorway. “Hi,” he said and quirked an eyebrow as he watched Luka duck and twist under Nate’s arm, and ended up with his hood wrapped around his face.
“Don’t ask,” Nate said and released Luka who dropped to his knees with a grumble.
“Wasn’t gonna.” Pops chuckled.
“Thanks for taking him to his sleepover,” Nate said.
“No worries. Was over this way anyway because of covering for you. Might as well drop this fella at his friend’s while I’m at it.”
Nate nodded. “You’ve been a big help.”
“You know you can always ask. Even adults need to go out to play sometimes. Isn’t that right, Luka?”
Luka stared up at them from where he had remained sitting on the floor. He clearly hadn’t been listening as he pulled a face before saying, “Yes.”
“Yes, what?” Nate met Luka’s eyes.
“Um, yes, please?”
Nate laughed and Pops sighed. “You’re both useless, the pair of ya. Come on, let’s get out of the way so your dad can get ready for his date.”
“It’s not a—” Why was he trying to deny it again? Was it for Pops’ benefit? For Luka’s? Or for his own? A way to keep his expectations low, to keep some distance between him and Jared? He was still scared to get attached to someone new.
I want to keep moving forward. The steps he’d taken… They couldn’t be for nothing.
“Thanks,” he said instead.
“Dad’s got a date,” Luka said. He chuckled, acting cute and embarrassed at the word date.
Nate reached down and pulled up Luka’s hood. “Both of you,” he looked at Pops, “just go already.”
“Make sure you wear it!” Luka said as he scrambled to his feet. He stood at Pops’ side. “Dad bought a new shirt. I picked it for him.”
“You did?” Pops smiled and glanced at Nate. “If you chose it, I’m sure Jared will love it.”
Luka grinned then jumped back toward Nate to wrap his arms around his waist in a hug. “Love you,” he said. “Have a good date.” There it was again, the cuteness, the childish smile and the puffing of his cheeks.
“See you tomorrow.” Nate followed
