The Baby Favor

9.

This was Jason's biggest and fanciest gallery opening her. They had a prime location at Fisherman's Wharf near one of his murals. It would draw in plenty of tourist foot traffic along with fans who were deliberately coming to the gallery itself, and he'd need everyone to support the rent in such a pricy area of town. He felt like he should've been focused on every detail of the event, from which painting hang where to what hors d'oeuvres were being passed by the waiters, but Jason found his mind elsewhere tonight. He knew Ava could handle it. That was what he paid her for. She was the management, Jason was talent.

"Did we leave Carrol with the pediatrician's phone number just in case Luna gets sick again? She was still sniffly when we left."

Michael came up behind him as Jason stood in front of the mirror, fixing his bow tie. Michael's black Armani tuxedo fit him like a glove, highlighting his broad shoulders and narrow waist from years paddling out on his surfboard and skate boarding at the near by skate park. It had been a long time since Jason had seen him dressed up like this. He wore suits almost everyday, but he only pulled this tux out for special occasions. Like their wedding day.

That felt like an eternity ago, and yet he hadn't changed a bit. Well,maybe there was a strand of gray hair at his temple and a few lines around his eyes, but he was still the man Jason said yes to all those years ago.

Michael smiled and patted at his shoulder,"Yes. She has all the numbers, I promise. The house is filled with enough food and baby supplies to last through the nuclear winter. It's just a two day trip. Carrol knows what she's doing. Everything will be fine."

Jason fixed his bow tie and turned around to face him with a wry smile twisting his lips

"I'm being that mom aren't I?"

Michael only smiled,"A good mom, yes. Good moms worry. But tonight, I want you to focus on you. It's your big opening. Everyone is coming out to see your work. I want you to focus on that and only that."

He leaned in and presses a soft kiss to the tip of Jason's nose ,"Are you almost ready? The car is waiting downstairs."

Jason nodded and took a deep breath before grabbing his wallet, and keys.

"How do I look?" He asked, before turning to face Michael.

The look on Michael's face said it all. His ocean blue gaze took in every inch of his body, from the navy and silver suit to the little bald bow wrapped around his throat. Jason thought the color would look nice against his skin and complement the ocean colors of the paintings in his gallery. He seemed to agree. By the time his eyes met Jason's again, there was a huge, devious smile crossing his face. Even his dimples were showing.

"I think we should skip it," Michael said. He presses up against Jason and rested his hands on his waist,"I think you need to get out of this suit right now so I can start all those wicked things I promised to do to you."

Jason smacked him on the chest with the back of his hand.

"Well, I'm glad you approve of the suit, but that isn't happening. I can't be hoarse when I greet all my guests. But after we get back....." he trailed off with a seductive smile as he twisted out of Michael's grasp,"Let's go."

Reluctantly, Michael followed him out of their suit and down to the lobby. Under the portico of the hotel, as predicted, a black town car with the name 'Vincent' in the window was waiting for them.