Mike returned to the back of the house holding two takeout boxes in one hand and two drinks in the other. He looked on the porch to see his dad looking through his wallet, counting the cash and cards that were in there. Mike walked up and set the boxes down on the patio table next to his phone.
“Lose something at the gym?” 47-year old Mike asked his 16-year old adult father.
“Uh, no, I was just double checking that it’s all here. Better to be safe than sorry.” Jeff put his wallet back in his back pocket, smirking a little at his new acquisition. He then reached for the boxes and opened them, looking inside at the contents to find which was his.
One box contained a southwest-style triple patty turkey burger and a vegetable medley, and the other had a 12-oz steak and two sides or broccoli and potato wedges. The two drinks were a Croak and a peanut butter and banana smoothie, marked as ‘double protein shots, no sugar added’. Jeff, being the healthy adult, grabbed the box with the turkey burger and the protein smoothie, leaving the other box and drink for his son.
The two men chatted a little between bites, Jeff asking his son how work has been like any father would ask how school is going. Mike inquired about his dad’s upcoming bodybuilding competition, and Jeff told him about going out of town in a couple weeks for his competition coming up.
Then, Jeff finally had the courage to ask his son, “So how’s the dating life going? Any cute guys you’ve got your eye on?”
Mike blushed a little. “Well, actually, there’s this one guy you go to class with, you know Chase? Well, we’ve been talking about it for a while, and we kinda made it official last week.”
“Good for you.” Jeff spoke proudly of his son, though hesitation was in his voice still. “And you’re being careful? He’s been tested, yeah?”
Mike flushed with embarrassment. “Oh my god dad yes, Jesus!” Mike partially his his face behind his hand instinctually, embarrassed by his dad. “We’re totally safe, we haven’t even done anything yet…”
“Sorry, sorry, just want to make sure my boy’s being safe. But yeah, I like Chase, he’s a good guy.“
Mike’s phone buzzed and he looked at it. He unlocked his phone and began typing something, afterwards speaking up. “Speaking of, he actually just texted me. Wants to know if I can go to a bonfire with some other friends tonight? It’s at David and Darian’s house.”
Jeff remembered them. Pair of twins that were his friends. However, it’d be weird of an adult to be friends with his son’s peers… they were, after all, Mike’s friends now.
“Well I don’t see a reason why you can’t go. But you have to be home by 11.” Jeff replied.
“One!” Mike responded, trying to bargain for a later curfew.
“Midnight, final offer or no deal.” Mike nodded and agreement and began racing to finish his food. Once he was done, he ran inside to shower and get a fresh set of clothes on, something fit to impress his boyfriend. Jeff chuckled, enjoying seeing his son in young love.
Once Jeff finished his food, he continued to sit on the porch, reflecting on what to do for the evening. He decided to go out, explore what his new adult life could offer him, and went inside. As he walked to his bedroom, Jeff looked around, admiring the new furniture that felt more like his home, and were far more modern furniture choices than anything his mother had picked out. He noted that the game console that was once upstairs in his room was now proudly displayed and hooked up to the living room TV.
Once he reached his room, he got dressed, choosing clothes that would best fit his chosen destination. Once he had, he returned to the living room to wait for Mike, surprised to see Mike already waiting for him. He was all cleaned up, and wearing a clean white T-shirt that fit snugly over his soft muscular frame, and a pair of new jeans.
“Looks like someone’s excited.” Jeff said lightly. Mike nodded with excitement. The two men proceeded to the garage, where instead of finding the van that was in there just a short while ago, Jeff instead found a large truck, the exact one he’d had an eye on when he turned 16 and got his learners permit, only a newer model. The two men climbed inside and Jeff was pleased to find that the cab had plenty of room to fit the two massive men inside.
Jeff and Mike made small talk on the drive, and Jeff finally pulled into Darian and Duane’s parents driveway, where Chase stood waiting. Mike thanked his father and jumped out of the truck, and walked over to his boyfriend, giving him a peck on the cheek as he reached him. Jeff smiled and pulled back out of the driveway, toward his chosen destination…