Finding Yourself: Book Three

Chapter Fourteen: Shopping Montage

"Can you watch the kids for me tomorrow?" Nick questioned Vincent. Vincent blinked in confusion.

"I thought you were off tomorrow?" he questioned in return.

"I know, Vince," Nick sighed, already feeling guilty for what he was about to say, "But Elian wants to take me shopping for suits. It's important for our plan against Xavier."

"Right..." Vincent trailed, "And what is the plan?"

"That's another thing," Nick continued, "There's going to be a party- almost like a ball really. I'll need you to watch the kids then as well. The plan is to really p*ss Xavier off by showing up with Elian."

"Right..." Vincent mused distastefully, "So, you are going to attend this party...with Elian Laurier? Was this his idea?"

"Well yeah, but I think it's decently effective."

"Oh my God, Nick," Vincent scolded, lifting his feet to set them on the arm of the couch. He had a cup of hot cocoa that Nick had just heated up on the stove, as well as a homecooked banana-nut muffin. His eyebrows were set low on his face, as if Nick had just told him the worst news. "That rich snob is just using you- can't you see? He just wants to fulfill his sick fantasies of having you to himself."

"That's not true!"

"Oh yeah? He obviously has the hots for you. What if he tries something on you while you two are alone?" Vincent argued. "And what if he takes this whole thing too far and gets too attached?"

"Vince, you're being unreasonable," Nick scoffed, "I trust that Elian has good intentions."

"You trusted Xavier too."

"Well not everybody is Xavier, okay?" Nick raised his voice, "And so what if he has the hots for me? So do you! Are you trying to take advantage of me?"

"No," Vincent said stubbornly.

"Then I don't want to hear another thing about it," Nick crossed his arms in return, then said, "Do you want to help me to get my revenge or not?" Vincent dramatically tossed his head back, and sighed.

"I'll be here at eleven to watch the kids," he answered.

"Thank you," Nick said vehemently. Then he sighed as his stubbornness faded. "No, really, thank you for all that you've done for me, Vince," he continued more genuinely.

"Of course, Honeybun," Vincent replied. Then he sighed, "Do you really like coffee now?" The man asked it as if it had been on his mind.

"No," Nick replied.

"Do you still like it when men bite you during-"

"I don't have a biting kink, Vincent!" Nick replied, with a blush on his face. "Stop saying that I do!"

"I disagree," Vincent shrugged, but he was smiling now. "How long has it been since you've had sex? You seem pent up."

"Are you trying to make moves on me?" Nick narrowed his eyes in suspicion.

"I would, if I thought you would say yes," Vincent shrugged, "But I know you won't say yes. Do you not find me attractive or something?"

Nick glanced up and down at the lean, but muscular, man in front of him. This man, with tattoos and long hair and a five o'clock shadow, who has a band and the sharpest jawline, not attractive?

"You're kidding right," Nick said deadpan, "I'm gay, not blind. Of course I find you attractive."

Vincent got a little twinkle in his eye, as if Nick's compliment meant the world to him.