Forever Yours

Chapter 17: Evan Campbell

I actually took Marcus's advice and brushed my teeth again before I picked up Gabe. I told Marcus he would find out about the crackers but we were going to the grocery store to meet up with Leonardo today, so that would be the perfect time to get some more.

"Grandpa Leo is going to be at the store?" Gabe asked excited as we drove off.

"Yes," I answered him, "We are going to hang out today and have dinner. Guess who is also coming?"

"Uhmmmm...I don't know," he shrugged cutely as I watched from the rearview mirror. I grinned before telling him, "Layla and Mr.Orlando."

I took another quick look at his face in the rearview and I've never seen his eyes go as wide as they were. He was stiffen in place and I tried to not laugh at my son's blatant reaction of hearing Layla's name as I said, "What's the matter Gabe?"

He didn't say anything at first but then he responded, "We have to get chocolate milk to go with the crackers daddy!"

"Why?"

"Layla loves chocolate milk!" He stated sternly, "So we have to get it."

"How do you know this?"

"She said...she said...it makes her feel good," he smiled. I just nodded at my son. I guess my charming genes rubbed off on him after all.

We pulled into the stores parking lot and saw Leo's truck not too far from the front entrance. We parked and Gabe was rushing for me to get him out of his seat, "Hurry daddy! Is Layla here? I don't want to miss her."

"Sorry Gabe, Layla isn't coming over until later. We are just here to get the food for tonight."

He looked away from me deep in thought before turning to me again and said, "So that means she is still coming right?"

"Yes," I laughed getting him out of his car seat as he jumped up and down. I was still grinning as I took his hand and walked towards the store. Leo was waiting for us to arrive by the door with black cargo shorts and a shirt. As soon as he saw us approaching, his face lit up seeing his grandson and Gabe's did too. He released himself from my hand and ran over to the handsome older man.

"Grandpa Leo!" Gabe screamed jumping into his arms. Leo clutched him tight, making me slightly smile at their interaction before I got to them. Gabe has been so loving and open to him that it was hard for me not to be pulled in too. I was still skeptical and still wouldn't leave Gabe alone with him but if he kept this up, maybe one day I could give in.

"Hey, my big man," Leo cooed before greeting me, "Hey Evan. I'm so glad you guys could make it today. Do you know what you want to eat?"

"I was thinking maybe something a bit different. Like chopped steak with mashed potatoes and broccoli," I told him and Gabe immediately pretended to throw up hearing a vegetable. Leo laughed and said, "I guess we know what Gabe won't be eating."

He tickled Gabe as we walked into the store. It was always an adventure going places with Gabe. It was like everything he saw, he needed it. He has gotten better realizing some things aren't meant for kids but every time we pass something he likes, he just has to touch it.

"Daddy! Cereal," he said pointing towards the cereal aisle. I didn't even look in that direction as I answered back, "Yes Gabe, cereal."

That was him the entire time as Leo held him. Leo played along as I got everything we needed and silently watched their interaction with each other. I was amazed that he wasn't tired of carrying him around. Yet, there he was pretending to make him fly and telling him about what foods were good for him. I caught myself a few times just smirking because they were so full of life together. Gabe was also catching on to the fact that he wasn't just one ethnicity. He was mesmerized when Leo would say something in Spanish and he would even try to repeat it.