Ari
Mycellphonerang, cutting through the light, gentle, dreamlike quality of Billie Eilish’s voice I was dancing to as I packed my suitcase. I had an amazing meeting today and had signed a lucrative contract, which earned me a hefty check for the two pieces I sold. When I flew to LA to meet with two fashion designer labels, I never intended to sell anything, just to use my charm and my art to garner interest in my work.
My trip had gone way better than I could have hoped for.
I dove onto the bed and picked up my phone, smiling at the name that flashed across the screen.
“Hey, Daddy,” I purred. “Miss me?”
“Hey, beautiful boy.” I melted. “How is everything in LA?”
“Amazing.”
“So you’re having fun without me?”
I giggled. “Just a little. I’ll make it up to you when I come home.”
“I’d like that.” He fell silent, and my radar went off. Something was wrong.
“Are you okay? Is someone giving you any trouble?”
“Of course not.” He gave an exasperated sigh. “You think I can’t take care of myself? I’m more than twice your age.”
“But you’re also my marshmallow Daddy.”
“I’m not a marshmallow Daddy.” His voice came out harder than I expected.
“I love you the way you are,” I said with a sigh. “Did I do something to upset you? You sound off tonight.”
“No, you didn’t. I’m sorry. I just had a disagreement with someone.”
“Who?”
“Ari.”
I rolled over onto my back. “You can’t tell me who? I’m not going to do anything. I promised you.”
“Yes, you did, and you better not break that promise.”
“I won’t. Love you too much.”
He sighed. “Good. You’re a good boy, Ari.”
“The best boy.” I checked my watch. I had some time left before I had to go to the airport. “I wish you were here right now.”
“When are you coming home?”
“Soon.”
He groaned. “Nothing more concrete than that?”
“No. I still have a few errands to run.” I had none, but he didn’t have to know that.
“All right, then. You let me know when, and I’ll pick you up from the airport. Okay?”
“All right, Daddy.” I crossed my fingers as I promised him. I didn’t want him to pick me up because I wanted it to be a surprise. My work here in LA was done, and I was heading out of the city in the next couple of hours.
“I love you, Ari. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”