Hearts and Headstands

Chapter 20

- Six months later-

David waved off a customer, then reached under the counter to grab a piece of Rose Apothecary letterhead. He scribbled a quick note and tore off a piece of tape from the dispenser.

Out to lunch. Back at two.

David grabbed his coat from the back and put it on and swapped his designer shoes for snow boots. Winters in Schitt's Creek were hellishly cold. He taped the sign on the front door and locked it behind him.

David rounded the corner of Rose Apothecary and ascended the metal stairs at the side of the building to the floor above his business. He twisted the knob of the white door and opened it.

Patrick paused unpacking a box and smiled. Smiled like it was the first day they'd seen each other. Like he'd smiled every day in between. Smiled like a man in love.

"Hi, I'm here seeking business consultancy services for my new business." David walked into the room.

Patrick turned toward him and placed his hands on his hips. "Oh? What kind of business?"

"Something super sexy. Like, um, logging or livestock." David made a growl face.

"Livestock?" Patrick laughed. "Have you ever smelled a dairy? Not very sexy."

"Ew! Work with me, Patrick. It's a business for super sexy business things."

Patrick reached out and caught David's chin, pulling him down for a deep kiss. "I love it when you talk super sexy business things, Mr. Rose." Patrick pulled David closer until their bodies were flush.

David pulled back and wrapped his arms around Patrick's shoulders. "How does it feel to own the newest business in Schitt's Creek?"

"Pretty good. Let's hope the other towns can use my consultancy services, otherwise I'll be back downstairs full time."

"There are worse things." David kissed Patrick's ear. "But I'm sure you'll stay busy. There are so many people here who need your help since we don't have the same resources Toronto has." He kissed Patrick's nose.

David had had little experience with compromise and putting others first, but Patrick had showed him how. Patrick had insisted on helping David through the opening of his business and stabilizing it. David had insisted on a six-month cap so Patrick could pursue his dream of helping local businesses. When the insurance agency had moved out of the space above David's store, the timing seemed perfect.

His eyes wandered to the desk behind Patrick. "Aww." He spotted several framed photos of him and Patrick in the box Patrick was unpacking. He reached across Patrick and pulled one out. "Did you pick out the frames?" He looked at Patrick.

"I did. How'd I do?"

"I'm impressed." He rummaged a little further and recognized a frame. The one he'd picked out last week when he bought it to frame Patrick's business license. David put the frame back and faced Patrick, planting a kiss on him, willing him to feel all the love David had in his heart. Pulling back, he grabbed Patrick's hand. "I was thinking we could take our lunch on the road."

Patrick looked up at him with his big doe eyes and smiled sweetly. "Sure, babe."

David led him toward the door and smiled at the yoga mat rolled up and leaning against the wall. One of two Hamish had sent them after David had thanked him for unknowingly playing cupid that weekend. Doing yoga with Patrick was one of his favorite things. Especially what happened sometimes after yoga. "Got your car keys?"

Patrick held them up and gave them a little jiggle. David bit back a smile at the sight of the orange cat key. He loved their little game of sneakily swapping the cat key to Patrick's studio back and forth. They had so much fun together. Easy fun.