Love Is Always Write Volume 4

shrugged, glancing back at Kevin.
    "No, really, I'm very sorry," said Kevin, feeling more than a little gutted with guilt. He'd never intended to hurt Little Liam. "I'll make it up to you, okay? Just tell me what you want."
    "Another empty promise?" asked Liam.
    "No," stated Kevin. "I mean, had I known how much that meant to you back then, I would have taken you. I mean, I probably wouldn't have dated you because you were so much younger, but …"
    "Fine," said Liam, still looking skeptical, as if he really didn't believe Kevin would keep his promise. That just made Kevin all the more determined to keep it. "I'll continue working tomorrow if you make a picnic basket and be ready at eight o'clock. This time I'm picking you up."
    "A picnic basket?" Kevin asked, blinking several times.
    "Yes, a picnic basket. When I say you make it, you make it, not just buy something readymade. I'll bring drinks."
    "How am I supposed to finish the report if I have to prepare food for a picnic basket?"
    Half the time would be spent just to come up with ideas. He didn't even know what Liam liked.
    "Well, if you don't think you can do it …" said Liam, reaching for the jackhammer.
    "I'll do it," Kevin said quickly. How hard could it be? A couple of sandwiches and some fruit? Worst case scenario he'd beg Dinah to make something.
    Liam eased back up, jackhammer in hand. He gave Kevin a tight smirk. "Fine, I'll pick you up at eight … if you'll still be here."
    ****
    Okay. Cold chicken salad, ham and bacon quarter sandwiches, sweet and sour noodles, fruit salad, still-warm focaccia bread buns and basil pesto, little bread squares with smoked salmon and eggs, homemade oatmeal biscuits, mini apple pancakes, and the star of the bunch: a big round box with a cooling cherry pie – grandma's recipe. Plates and cutleries on top. Red napkins in the side pockets. Would Liam bring a blanket?
    He'd forgotten how relaxing cooking and baking was. Having a busy job in L.A. meant take-outs and quick-grabs. Most of the time, though, he forgot to eat throughout the day and came home to an empty fridge.
    When he lived in Castor Springs, he'd done a lot of baking in his parents' bakery. They'd also served a bit of cooked food and he grew up helping his mom prepare it for the following day. That was before things turned sour. He'd only worked at Liam's dad's grocery store that last summer, to actually get paid for his work.
    The sound of a car rumbling up the driveway had Kevin running to the hallway mirror, heavy basket in hand. His black hair, styled with gel, looked good with the bright blue dress shirt. It was probably an overkill, but he wanted to look good for Liam. His now stubble-free skin was terribly pale after spending so much time indoors. You'd think, after having lived in L.A. for years, he'd be nice and tanned, but with the job he had and the commuting, the sun was usually gone by the time he got home.
    A car door slammed and Kevin's heart sped up with the anticipation of seeing Liam. He hadn't gone out in a really long time, always too tired to bother finding a date.
    There was a low, hesitant knock.
    "Hey," said Kevin as he opened the door, taking in the startled look on Liam's face. "What?"
    "Nothing," Liam said, clearing his throat. "Just half expected you wouldn't be here." His eyes trailed down Kevin's body and ended on the big basket. "You actually made a picnic basket?" he asked. His white and red-checkered shirt was a little dressier than his work shirts – it not being made of flannel – and the blue jeans looked tightly fitted and perfect.
    "I made a promise, right?" Kevin answered with a small smile as he grabbed the keys and locked the door behind him. "Where are we going?"
    "Out of town," said Liam, as if Kevin hadn't already expected that. It's not like they'd get much privacy from curious eyes if they dined at Lankford Park.
    The truck purred to life and sailed smoothly from the curb. The soft voice of Phil Vassar filled what would otherwise have been an awkward silence. Liam hummed with the tune, occasionally glancing at Kevin. Kevin answered with a smile whenever he caught it, but Liam didn't smile back. It was impossible to tell if Liam was disappointed that Kevin had fulfilled the promise or if Liam was simply nervous. Whatever the reason, Kevin had the hardest time taking his eyes off Liam's beautiful profile. The sun-streaked hair was tied back at the nape of Liam's neck with long strands around his face. It was just so