Oliver
“Are you sure he said we could pick him up at the office?” Oliver looked over at Troy questioningly. He’d asked the same thing three times, so it didn’t bother him when Troy rolled his eyes. Oliver just didn’t think it was something that Bryce would do.
“His car is in the shop overnight. We’re going to take him out to dinner, then drop him off at home.” Troy sighed and glanced over at Oliver, reaching to take his hand. “It’s not a big deal. We probably won’t even have to go inside.”
Oliver nodded and looked out the windshield. Bryce had gone on and on about how open his family and the people he worked with were. Even if they were just introduced as friends, it would be okay. He was probably overthinking it.
Ever since Bryce had invited them to the next family barbecue, Oliver’s brain had been going in circles with what could go wrong. Troy had made him stop talking about the potential issues when they’d started to veer into the absurd.
He’d said the chance of aliens invading was too slim to worry over.
Oliver had to admit that one was over the top, but most of his worries weren’t. Picking Bryce up at his work wasn’t insane, but how many of his clients stopped by to take him to dinner? It couldn’t be that common.
Was it Bryce’s way of trying to be more open about their relationship?
He was still rolling the possibilities around in his head when they pulled up into the parking lot. At six o’clock on a Friday, he didn’t think that many people would still be working, but there were several cars still around. When Bryce didn’t come right out, they climbed out of the truck and headed for the door.
Entering the building, they heard the chime of a bell letting people know the door had opened. Bryce leaned out of the door to his office, holding his phone up to his ear, almost being strangled by the cord on the headset. He gestured to them to come back, then ducked into his office.
Oliver shook his head, smiling, and headed back. He didn’t know why they were still using out-of-date phones. He should have had a cordless headset. Bryce moved too much to sit still, tied to a desk. As they reached his door, a woman in a long dress came around the corner, holding her purse.
“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t know the door was still unlocked.” She smiled at him, but it felt like they’d done something wrong.
“Um, Bryce is expecting us.” Oliver pointed to Bryce, who was pacing around the office so much he’d tied himself in knots.
“I didn’t see a note on the calendar. I’ll mention that on Monday.”
Troy made an odd coughing sound and shook his head. “It’s personal. We’re just picking him up.”
Her gaze dropped down to Troy and Oliver’s clasped hands. “Oh.” Then she gave them a stiff smile and headed toward the front door.
Troy leaned down to whisper in his ear, “If she holds that bag any tighter it might pop.”
Oliver snorted and whispered back, “It’s protecting her from the big, bad, scary gay men.”
Oliver might have looked fairly casual, but Troy was still in a suit. He looked like a lawyer or something. Shaking his head, feeling a little bit sorry for the mousy woman, he gripped Troy’s hand tighter. “Love you.”
“Love you too, kitten. Come on. Let’s go see what has Bryce flying off the handle.”
They walked in and sat down in the comfy chairs, watching as Bryce opened and closed his mouth several times. “But…I don’t think…Surprising…Mom!”
Bryce finally raised his voice, waving his arms around like he was conducting an orchestra. “You can’t just surprise everyone like that. What if someone has plans—” He snorted and let his head fall back. “No, I don’t think anyone does. Nothing is happening behind your back.”
He sighed and tried to untangle himself enough to sit down, but didn’t do a very good job of it. By the time he was leaning back in his chair, the phone was at a precarious angle at the edge of the desk. Oliver wouldn’t consider himself OCD or anything, but it was making him crazy.
Troy was just watching the circus unfold, trying not to laugh. He was quiet, but Oliver could see his shoulders jerking and silent laughter running through his eyes.
“But, Mother.” He sat up in his chair. “I was not rude. You weren’t listening.”
Slouching back, barely catching the phone before it went crashing to the floor, Bryce sighed dramatically. “Yes, Mother.”
Setting the phone down, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Pushing away his apparent frustration, Bryce opened his eyes and gave the men a forced smile. “Hi, guys. You ready for dinner?”
Oliver let go of Troy’s hand after giving it a squeeze and went around the desk. “Come on, let’s get you untangled. How did you do this?” Bryce was twisted up in the cord so bad, Oliver wasn’t sure they’d be able to get him unstuck without taking apart the phone.
Bryce tried to shrug, but it didn’t work. Laughing, he shook his head. “I don’t know. She makes me crazy.”
“Your mother?” Troy spoke up from the other side of the desk, still trying not to show how funny he found Bryce’s predicament.
“Yes. She’s decided that she’s going to come in on Sunday to surprise everyone. She’s going nuts about everyone settling down, and I think she’s feeling left out. I’m supposed to keep her secret. She’s planning on arriving when everyone is over at the barbecue. It’s not my business, but we all think that Garrett and Wyatt are going to have some kind of announcement about their relationship. Telling everyone about their plans for a collaring ceremony or something.” He sighed and stood up, letting Oliver move him around to untangle his mess. “She’s going to take the focus off of them, but she’s refusing to see it.”
Oliver finally had him free, and he moved the phone back to its usual place. “I’m sorry she’s putting you in the middle of it.”
Bryce gave him a kiss on the forehead and sat down, pulling Oliver onto his lap. “Everyone will be happy to see her. It’s just going to mess up their plans. I’m not one hundred percent sure what they’re doing, but the announcement can’t be that far out.”
Oliver leaned over, giving Bryce another quick kiss, but jerked back when he heard a shocked gasp at the door. They all looked over to the door to see the rude receptionist, who was standing there looking ridiculously shocked.
Like his kiss was something you’d see on a porn site.
Bryce gave her a calm, questioning look. “Yes, Rebecca?”
“I forgot my books.” She held up two huge books like a shield. “I have to say, I’m shocked to see such immoral behavior.”
Huh?
“I’m sorry?” Bryce didn’t seem like he was apologizing. No, he sounded offended. “Commenting on my personal life is not acceptable.”
“I’ve stood by and held my tongue while hearing outlandish rumors, but to see it in person…” She didn’t seem to know what to say.
Bryce did.
“I think it’s best if I speak with the agency about sending someone else. We won’t be requiring your assistance next week.” He was calm and professional, but Oliver could feel the anger vibrating through him.
“I’ve never…” She shook her head, honestly flabbergasted. “Your behavior is—”
“My behavior is my business. For you to stand there and malign my partners is not appropriate.” Bryce gestured toward the door with his head. “I will be calling the staffing company shortly.”
She sniffed like some kind of old-fashioned matron and stormed out. “I never…” Her rant trailed off as she left the building.
Bryce sagged back against the chair. “I actually remembered that one’s name, even if she was a judgmental bat. Why do they keep sending me idiots or crazies?”
“Why are you hiring temps?” Troy asked the question before Oliver could get the words out.
“I loved my previous admin. She handled a lot more than most receptionists and was really helpful. Her husband was transferred because of his job and it all happened quickly. I haven’t found the right person to hire yet.” Bryce looked like hiring an assistant was on the same level as hiring someone for NASA. “I need someone who’s going to work well in the office and with the business, but not go off like that nut when something interesting pops up. If she thought this was bad, she should have been here the last time Grant came in talking about Carter.”
Words were bouncing around in Oliver’s head, but he wasn’t sure if it was right to say what he was thinking. Troy didn’t have the same reservations. “Why doesn’t Oliver help you out? It doesn’t have to be permanent if it doesn’t work. But at least you know he’s not going to freak out if you’re making out with one of your partners.”
Troy was teasing, but Bryce winced. “Sorry, it kind of came out.”
Oliver gave him a cocky smile. “I could have thought of sexier things to call me, but that will work.”
Bryce laughed, pulling Oliver close. “I can think of loads of interesting things when it comes to both of you. Not all of which need to be shared with assholes.” Bryce rubbed his hands up and down Oliver’s back and sides. “I’m sorry you had to see that. I knew she was off, but I specifically asked the temp agency for someone who would not have a problem with the LGBT community.”
Troy snorted. “They must have missed that part.”
“I’m not sure how.” Bryce shifted, pulling Oliver closer. “The owner is a member of the club. He’s not that active anymore because his partner is shy, but he’s been part of the scene for years. He’s going to have a heart attack when I tell him what happened.”
Oliver laughed. “I’m sorry. I know it’s mean, but I just don’t see how she can be so hypocritical.”
Bryce and Troy both looked at him like he was missing a few screws. “Didn’t you guys see what she was reading?”
Both men shook their heads, confused. Oliver couldn’t help but giggle. “Harry Potter and something about the collective works of D. H. Lawrence. A book about witches with a gay headmaster, and the other guy was absolutely scandalous when his books were first published. My kiss was nothing compared to the stuff in her books. It’s kind of ironic.”
Bryce barked out a laugh and Troy shook his head, a little smile peeking out. Oliver gave them both an impish smile. “I thought it was funny.”
Still smiling, Bryce gave Oliver another peck on the lips. “I’m still sorry you had to see that. I’ve always made sure that my staff is open-minded and accepting of my family’s lifestyle. Finding someone to take over the front office is harder than I thought.”
“I still think Oliver would be a good choice.” Troy gave them both a stern look.
Bryce looked at Oliver hesitantly. “I know it would be odd and weird at first, but would you mind? It’s probably a waste of your skills but—”
“I don’t think it would be a waste. I like working with clients and I’m good at dealing with the admin stuff. If your previous assistant did more than just answer the phones, then I should be able to help out just as much, if not more. I even have my insurance license for Virginia, if that helps.” Oliver wasn’t sure if the offer was wanted or if it would even be a good idea, but he wanted to help.
“I’d love the help, if you want to.” Bryce seemed as nervous as Oliver felt. “You’ll tell me if you hate it, though?”
“Yes. I’ll be honest about it. You can’t be any harder to deal with than my last boss.” Oliver grinned at Bryce’s expression.
“Your last boss wasn’t worried about pissing you off and having to sleep on the couch.” Bryce’s words sounded like he was teasing, but something in his eyes made Oliver think he was serious.
“No sleeping on the sofa. I can’t even imagine you demanding your assistant get you coffee. Much less saying something rude.”
Bryce blushed. “No, I get my own coffee, but my last assistant would throw little candy bars at me when she thought I was getting grumpy, her take on that commercial. I once got a mini Snickers upside the head when I was arguing with Grant about something. She took his side.”
Oliver snickered, then let his voice drop low and sexy. “How about I find other ways to keep you happy at work?”
Loud catcalls from just outside the door made him jump. What the hell was up with the people in Bryce’s office?
“Go home!”
“We wanted to see what they look like.” Random heads poked in the doorway as people filed by.
A short guy with blond hair grinned. “They’re cute, boss.”
Off-color jokes along with waves and grins were called out from the hall as the people in his office walked by. They’d waited late on Friday just so they could meet him and Troy? Oliver couldn’t believe it, but Bryce was taking it in stride. “We’re like one big family most of the time. They heard something from one of my brothers, probably, and it spread like wildfire. When I said I didn’t need a ride home tonight, they started speculating right away whether you were coming. I’ve been trying to send everyone home for an hour, but they kept finding things to do.”
He called out as his staff was heading out the front door. “I’m going to remember how busy you guys were the next time someone asks me for time off!”
Laughter and giggles flowed out the door before the office was quiet again. “They’re…”
“Strange.” Troy said it with such a dry, serious expression, Oliver couldn’t help but laugh.
Bryce had to agree. “You’ll find most of the offices are the same way. It takes some getting used to.”
Bryce started to say something else, but a yawn stopped him. Oliver didn’t like the feeling that was settling around Bryce. When they’d come in he’d been frazzled and stressed, but not unhappy. Now that was starting to change. Bryce looked at Oliver, then glanced to Troy. “I know we said you guys were going to come to the barbecue Saturday, but with my mother coming and interrupting everything…”
Oliver wasn’t sure what to say. Troy cleared his throat. “We understand. We’ll meet your family another time.”
“Thank you.” Bryce sighed, sounding torn and sad. “Can I still come over after, or…”
“Yes!” As worried as Oliver was that it wasn’t just about Bryce’s mother coming, he wasn’t going to let Bryce find any reason to push them away. Despite how serious they were with each other, he knew it wouldn’t take much to derail everything. It was still so new.
“You are always welcome.” Troy said the words softly, but husky with meaning. “You need to remember that.”
Oliver had a feeling Bryce was going to be tied to the bed again soon. Troy had that look. It was one Oliver had seen countless times in the past before he would wake up restrained to the mattress so they could talk. In a strange way, it made him feel better.
If Troy was planning something like that, then it couldn’t be as bad as Oliver was imagining. It couldn’t be. He tried to shove the sea of emotions pushing at him away. “Let’s get you some dinner, then you can get a good night’s sleep.”
“Do you still want us to drop you off at home, tiger?” Troy’s question was simple, and Bryce probably thought it was another way to make sure he knew they weren’t upset at him, but Oliver had seen the tactic before.
“Yeah, I just need to relax. I’ll be over to your house after the barbecue. Probably seven or so, depending on what time my mother shows up.” Bryce either didn’t get it or ignored it, but it had been Troy’s way of giving him an out before making a bad decision.
Oliver generally got one “are you sure” kind of question before they talked and sometimes he got punished. He bit back a sigh. Bryce would learn. As much as he was saying he needed quiet, Troy clearly thought Bryce shouldn’t run and hide from whatever was going through his mind.
After their rough start, Troy was a firm believer in communication and working things out. In his mind, no one got to run from whatever was making them miserable. They’d made that pretty clear to Bryce on their tied-to-the-bed-Saturday.
Oliver gave him a kiss on the cheek. “All right, let’s go find food. I’m starved.”
Bryce smiled, but it was a bit forced. “Me too.”
The men stood, and Troy and Oliver went out to the reception area while Bryce locked up. Troy pulled Oliver tight to him. “You’re worrying about this too much, kitten.”
“I’m not sure I am. This feels wrong,” Oliver whispered quietly.
“We’re giving him some space, not letting him run. There’s a difference. Besides, we have a secret weapon.” Troy grinned, making Oliver suspicious.
“What?”
“We know where his family works. If he does something insane, we’ll track him down. I think, from the stories he’s told us about them, they’ll be on our side.” Troy’s eyes had a naughty gleam. Even though he wasn’t close with his family as an adult, he’d had several siblings close together in age. If anyone could relate to Bryce’s brothers, it would be Troy.
“Okay.”
He tried to look happy as Bryce came to the door. Bryce didn’t comment, though. He just took Oliver’s hand in one of his and Troy’s in the other. “All set.”
“Perfect.” Oliver tried not to grip Bryce too hard, but he could almost feel him slipping away.