Page 41 of Big Britches
“I plan on it. If you’ll have me.”
“That’s a line.”
“No, it’s not. I swear.”
“No. Sorry. I meant mine. See only me. Tony says it to Maria in West Side Story.”
“That’s the second time you’ve mentioned that movie today.”
“It’s my favorite. The song Tonight has been in my head ever since I left you. Just like in the movie. When I was a child, I dreamed of coming to America and finding my Tony. It’s why this feels like a dream to me.”
“Well, you’re not dreaming. You’re with me. We’re out in the country a good two miles from the nearest house. It’s just us, the stars, and the fireflies. My name’s not Tony, but it does begin with a T.”
“Big T,” Pedro said. His blush returned.
Titus stirred beneath him. Pedro reached down, taking him in hand and exploring his girth. His eyes widened.
This time, it was Titus who blushed. “Let’s have a drink first,” he said. “I want to hear more about you.”
Ten
Titus tossed Pedro a towel, and they went to the table where they’d lunched earlier that day. On it was a tray with a plastic pitcher and some salt-rimmed cups.
“I made Margaritas?” Titus said. “Wait. Is that–?”
“Cliché?” Pedro grinned. “Yes. Sensitive? No. I love margaritas.”
“Good. I’m glad. I usually drink beer, but I wanted something special for tonight.”
Titus stirred the pitcher with a wooden spoon, poured, and handed him a cup. Pedro sipped, eyes brightening. “Mm. This is delicious.”
“I hope so. I’m not much of a bartender, but I found my dad’s old Mr. Boston book.”
“Mr. Boston?”
“It’s like a bartender’s bible. Recipes.”
“I see.”
“And Mike was kind enough to make a delivery.”
“Mike?”
“Yeah. His old man owns Pop’s Package Store. Mike’s another teammate from school.”
“Did he know you were entertaining a guest?”
“I didn’t say anything. If he was curious, he didn’t show it. He talked me into some top-shelf booze, though–” Titus gestured to a half empty bottle of tequila. “–so I talked him into delivery. It was a good sale. He was happy.”
“It’s delicious.” Pedro took another sip. He could already feel the spirits intermingling with his body chemistry, relaxing him further.
“Yeah? I thought so too. I had one before you came… and maybe a shot.”
“Aha! That explains your boldness.”
Titus reddened.
“You’re very cute when you’re shy.”