Hide Your Heart

Talking About Vacation

Even though Paul hadn't slept too well, he woke up around seven. Yawning, he got out of bed and stretched. Looking over, he saw the top of Tommy's head poking out from under the blanket.

Placing a kiss on his cheek, Paul headed down to the kitchen and started coffee. He remembered what Eric had said about vacation and thought he would bring the subject up later.

As breakfast cooked, Paul moved around the kitchen cleaning up and loading the dishwasher. He thought Tommy might like to go to Europe so he began a list of possible countries to visit.

"Hm,  I wonder if he'd like to see Germany." "I'd like to go back to Spain."

"Why Spain?" asked a voice from the doorway. 

Paul looked up to see Tommy in the doorway, rubbing sleep from his eyes. His hair was all tangled and he was still wrapped in the quilt.

"I enjoyed the scenery. Spain is very beautiful."

"The countryside or the ladies? I've heard stories on how you practice your vocabulary skills."

"Do I detect jealousy?" asked Paul, a bit surprised. 

"No. I've just never heard you speak Spanish around me. I was actually surprised when Gene told me you spoke Spanish."

"Te amo (I love you) Tomas." replied Paul.

"Tha gaol agam ort. (I love you)" replied Tommy in Scottish Gaelic. He sat down after pouring a cup of coffee.

"So, how would you like to go on vacation?"

"It sounds wonderful. Not Spain though."

Paul raised his eyebrow as he looked at Tommy. "Any reason why?"

"Okay, I'm insecure enough to believe you'd leave me on my own over there while you were out "practicing" your vocab." "I'm sorry if that's upsetting but I'd rather go some place where we could both explore together. Some place not familiar to either of us." 

Paul took a deep breath before replying, "I wouldn't do that. I only did that to Pete because he did it first." "So where do you suggest?"

"Ireland."

"Alright I'll put it on the list." 

Over breakfast they came up with five countries:( 1) Ireland , (2)Russia, (3)Japan, (4) Germany and (5) Canada. 

"Let's look at travel costs now." said Paul. "Airfare, hotels and food, travel time." 

"I'll research Ireland and Russia. You take Japan and Germany and we can look at Canada together." came Tommy's answer.

"Sounds good."

After breakfast and showers, they headed to travel agencies. Paul had forgotten to ask Tommy if he had a spending limit. A quick phone call later gave him the answer. "Alright."

Three hours later Tommy arrived home with travel brochures and a raging headache. Tossing the handful on the coffee table, he took an aspirin and laid on the couch. He closed his eyes and fell asleep, not even hearing Paul come in.

"Tom, I'm-oh you're back already." 

Covering Tommy up, he headed upstairs. Paul had been out longer because he had gone shopping afterwards. Knowing Tommy's insecurities, Paul had gone out and brought him a present.

It was going to be given to Tommy at dinner that night.