“I’ve never had to wrangle anyone’s dreams or hopes other than mine, so maybe my opinion doesn’t count for much, but the way I figure it, you’ve got to live life for yourself first. No one else is gonna make your goals a reality.”
“Truth.” Shane had to swallow hard because he wasn’t sure he’d ever felt so seen before. He had no clue what to do with all the big things Brandt made him feel. But before he could decide on a better reply, the baby started fussing again. “Here, let me take her so you can actually chew.”
He walked around the table to fetch her from Brandt, who handed her over with an easy smile. “You be good for Uncle Shane, Miss Diva.”
“Ha.” Shane stood to bounce her some more. She’d eaten shortly before Brandt came in, so he doubted it was hunger making her so cranky.
“Too bad she’s fussy. I kinda wanted to see that smile. Thanks for doing the picture. I appreciated that.”
“No problem.” He hadn’t been the surest about texting Brandt at work, but the moment had felt too good not to share. “And I discovered after we were back home that I can make her do it, but...”
“You’re blushing.” Brandt waggled his fork in Shane’s direction. “What goofy thing has she got you doing?”
“Nothing.” Shane’s face was hotter than if he had a dozen floodlights on him.
“Nah. You’re lying, and this I gotta see. Make her smile.”
“Okay, but no laughing.” Shane might not have Brandt’s knack for goofy shit, but he wasn’t above trying all manner of things to get Jewel calmed down. “You try spending all day with an infant. You’ll do wacky things too.”
“I believe you. And maybe I haven’t said as much, but I appreciate it, you taking the time to help.”
“Thanks.” And somehow Brandt’s understanding and gratitude made it easier to make a fool of himself. “All right. Let’s see if this works again. Hey, Jewel? You want to mash?”
Bouncing the baby around, he launched into “Monster Mash” complete with different voices, and sure enough she gave a gummy grin at his antics.
“This is no joke the cutest shit I’ve ever seen.” Shifting in his chair, Brandt pulled out his phone.
“Hey, what are you doing? No pics!”
“Trust me. She’s gonna want a pic because I’m fully intending to tell her the story of her first smiles for Uncle Shane.” Brandt’s expression got that far-off look again. Oh, yeah. That was right. This was a guy without baby pictures or many mementos of his own to share with his kid. Shane could understand the impulse to do better for Jewel.
“Okay.” Shane resumed singing, trying to ignore the camera so Brandt could get a good pic of them. “She likes this other song too...”
He went into “She’ll Be Coming ’Round the Mountain,” for which he’d made up Jewel-specific lyrics, which got her smiling and Brandt laughing so loud his eyes crinkled.
“Damn.” Brandt whistled. “If you’re that good at silly songs, I bet you’re killer with a band.”
The urge to show off for Brandt was strong, something he’d never had before. He loved having an audience when he was on stage, sure, but he’d never wanted to sing for one specific person before. But now he did, wanted Brandt to see him at his best. “Come see me this weekend?”
“Yeah?” Brandt dropped his gaze from Shane’s face to the baby. “Isn’t the gig at a bar?”
“No, it’s more of a steakhouse with a Western vibe. Family place. They’ve even got mini golf. I drove by on our way back here. Big, open space. Shouldn’t be too hard for you to sneak out if the diva’s fussy.”
“Sounds a lot better than staying home.”
“Good.” A look passed between them, an understanding of sorts that this was something more than a purely casual friend invite. This wasn’t like the early days when he’d beg anyone he knew to come out, and maybe Brandt knew that because he nodded at Shane, eyes solemn. This thing between them was like the early summer weather, warm but also fragile, rapidly shifting from moment to moment. Impossible to plan for, but still worth enjoying.
Eyes still serious, Brandt’s mouth curved, and the smile worked like a tractor beam, making Shane step toward him. He wanted—
Rah. Rah. Whatever he’d had in mind, the baby had other plans.
“Hey now. None of that.” He half laughed, half scolded because what else could one do with a tiny baby? It wasn’t like she was blocking his romantic urges on purpose.
“Here, let me take a turn.” Done eating now, Brandt pushed away from the table. “You go find those cookies we got at the store. I have a feeling we’re going to need them.”
And they did. Jewel just did not want to settle down for the night. No signs of illness or true distress, but her crankiness knew no bounds. She was happy enough while one of them was holding her, and Brandt’s trick of making the soft toys dance for her worked as a distraction while Shane did the dishes. However, she started up again after her last bottle when Shane tried to put her to sleep in her crib for the night while Brandt took a shower.