Page 44 of Dreams and Reptiles

I stopped off at Nuts and Bolts to pick up the gift I’d had made for Francis, and while I was there, I put together a tool bag for him. It was more complete than the stuff I’d given him. They asked if I wanted the bag personalized, so I had them embroider “Saucy” on it. Cheesy, I know, but I wanted to shower him with gifts.

I never stopped thinking of him. It was even more intense now than when I’d first realized he was my new neighbor. After introducing him to my crew last night and having to tear myself away from our kisses when he went for my dick, I’d done what he said he was going to do. I’d spent way too long in the shower, working myself over and going to sleep with a smile on my face.

We’d talked so much about everything. Now that I knew he wanted to take things to the next level, I thought of all the things I didn’t know yet. I’d shared with him all the biggest bits of my baggage, and he hadn’t balked. He’d been engaged and intrigued by my animals, even asking to touch Richard Burton. That shocked me, but it also made me relax a bit. He hadn’t made excuses and left.

This was something real, and my romantic heart was so full of joy. At my age, to find something so good felt like a miracle. I just hoped I wasn’t overlooking anything or missing any red flags.

I didn’t want there to be any.

I was driving back to my place to clean up when my phone started buzzing.

“Hey, it’s Berto. Are you on your way back?”

“Yeah, what’s up?”

He exhaled into the phone, and my heart thudded to a stop.

“I got here a little bit ago, and everyone’s okay, but two things… One of the lamps in with the rhinos is out, and I don’t see any replacement bulbs, and when I was in there, I noticed that Elizabeth Taylor had a cut on her tail. Only a little blood, but I looked around and found a piece of metal that I think was the culprit.”

I’d already turned around. “Yeah, I don’t have any more of those bulbs. I forgot to order some. I’ll run over to Miller’s Point and grab one. Is she okay?”

“Oh yeah. Didn’t need stitches or anything, I just wanted to let you know. I’ll work on filing the metal down or covering it so she doesn’t do it again.”

“Thanks, man.” Always something. I was beginning to think I should have waited until I was completely retired to start the sanctuary, but I’d gotten tired of waiting for something I’d wanted my whole life. “I’ll be there in about forty-five minutes.”

Shit. It was already five. I didn’t want to be late. In fact, I’d hoped to be early, in case Francis needed any help, which he’d told me not to worry about, but still. As his… date—was it too early to say his boyfriend?—I wanted to support him in everything. Would he continue to be so understanding if me being late became a regular thing?

“All right. Don’t worry, I’ve got feeding handled. I know you have your date to get ready for. The place next door looks amazing. There are tiki torches all around the back patio and the pool. The music’s already going.”

“Thanks, Berto. See you soon.”

Forty-five minutes turned into ninety when they had to check the back for more bulbs, and then the owner of the reptile supply store talked my ear off about a customer’s ball python that needed to be rehomed, and I had to remind him that I wasn’t taking any snakes, but that I’d check with my assistant Alberto.

Then Mom called.

“I want you to know that I’m fine, everything’s fine, but I’m going to be having a procedure tomorrow…”

It took a bit for her to get to the part where she let me know it was a routine colonoscopy, and her best friend Carla was going to take her. They took each other to all the medical stuff. My heart took longer to settle down than for her to finish the story.

“I just wanted to let you know,” she said. “You always want to know my medical stuff.”

“No, I’m glad, thank you. I’m very glad you called. If it’s something you need me for, you know I’m happy to come out, I just need a little notice. Sorry, I’m just getting ready for a thing tonight.”

“Of course, honey. You got a hot date?”

I laughed, the relief helping to loosen my shoulders. “As a matter of fact, I do.”

“Tell me all about him. Or her?”

“Him. Francis.”

I hit traffic going through town as someone’s ancient truck had broken down in the intersection in front of the fire station. The crew on shift was out there helping him get it out of the street, and they waved me off when I started to pull over. That gave me plenty of time to fill my mom in on the basics about my neighbor… and love interest.

“That sounds wonderful. You’ll have to send me pictures.”

“I will. Good luck tomorrow, okay? And if you’re not up to it, please have Carla call me?”

“I’ll be fine, dear. It’s just routine. You’ll need to get yours in two and a half years, isn’t that right? You’re turning forty-eight this fall.”