A Whole Latte Sass

by Marguerite Labbe

  “Fuck, I’m pathetic.” Felipe got up with a disgusted groan for his moping. “And sadly desperate and it shows.”

  It wasn’t that late. He could go out and have some fun, only there was jack shit to do in Charles County, Maryland, on a winter weeknight unless he wanted to go to a vape lounge or redneck bar. At least in the summer, there were baseball games, fairs, and racing. Going to DC was no fun alone, and Morris was probably at the bistro’s bar mooning over Theo, which would only make Felipe feel worse.

  The text ping that came through struck another sour note. Abby Albion. The bane of his existence since his very first day of kindergarten when she’d tried to steal his pink crayon and he’d retaliated by drawing an ugly face on her worksheet. They’d both ended up in time-out on their nap mats, and a war started that continued to this day.

  Felipe pulled up a picture of Abby in a Fifth Element Leeloo costume, complete with the orange wig. It suited her long, leggy figure, but he’d be damned if he said it. This beats the hell out of your Silver Surfer.

  Felipe snorted with a grin. Please, Duchess, you may be able to sew, but your makeup and prosthetic skills are nowhere near my league.

  He didn’t actually dislike Abby. She was cool even if she was a constant thorn in his side. And he could admit privately that she was some serious competition for him. If he lost first place in a contest, it was a sure bet that she had a hand in it somehow. At least it went both ways. He had upset her plans for con domination more than once. If they banded together, they could make a killing, but that would require one of them to extend the invitation, and hell if he’d bend first to a crayon thief.

  Asswipe

  Beeyotch

  Felipe grinned. An exchange of words with Abby always amused him. Hey, did you hear that Brenden’s setting up a bigger con in Annapolis next year?

  Yeah, I heard. Not his usual style.

  Felipe had to agree. Brenden was very hands-on and meticulous. He liked to control every detail himself. There was a rumor that he carried around a notebook he called his Con Commandments, but Felipe had never been able to get a hold of his clipboard and accessories to check.

  With a bigger con, Brenden would have to delegate and refrain from micromanaging, and that was going to be difficult for a man who let go of nothing. Good thing he was already bald or else he’d tear out all his hair in the coming months. It would be amusing to watch him come apart at the seams. Felipe felt that he was owed a little entertainment at Brenden’s expense, considering how hard the man rode him while Felipe was dating his brother, and it wasn’t even the fun kind of riding.

  He’d have to hit up Morris and see if he could cozy Brenden into adding a panel on cosplaying. He’d seen the flyers and promo. There would be a costume contest, and the prize was sweet. It would be a perfect time to plan a parade. Annapolis was gorgeous in September.

  Want to see if we can headline a panel together? As soon as Felipe sent the text, he winced and wished he could recall it. Didn’t he just say he would not extend the first invite? He had serious diarrhea of the brain issues. Something popped into his head and he just had to air it. But they could really kick ass together. Like quit the stupid government day job and really make a go at designing costumes and accessories. He just didn’t want to trade one aggravation for another.

  Have you been drinking?

  Felipe glared at the phone. Try to be nice to someone and they immediately suspect you of having ulterior motives or apparently being drunk. The only person Felipe drunk texted was Morris. You know what? Nvrmind.

  Fuck Abby Albion and her superior Duchess attitude. He needed a pick-me-up, a date with sexy-assed Trask if he could get the man to agree. Felipe started to text him and then made himself stop and think it over. He shouldn’t hit up Trask now. Felipe knew how he was when he got in a mood, reckless and pushy. Didn’t he just have the thought that he needed to pause before texting or talking? Yet thinking hadn’t ever stopped him once. Time to find out if there was a chance to get Trask out on a date or if he should just forget it.

  Hey, going to be in Richmond Friday. Wanna go out for a drink? I know a great bar.

  The response was quick and pointed. Felipe got the picture immediately. Don’t drink.

  Felipe stared at it with a sinking heart. Well, he wanted his answer. He had it. It was time to say fuck it and move on. He’d harass Morris, indulge in some wings and a beer, and let himself sulk for one night, no more. There were other men who were more than happy to spend an evening with him.

  Felipe’s phone pinged again. How about getting together for coffee?

  As quickly as his spirits plummeted, they soared again. Coffee? Yeah, he loved a good latte or a dark roast loaded down with cream and sugar. Hell, he’d take mineral water if it meant he could spend an evening with his favorite silver fox. Love to. Know a good place?

  Yeah, Perk it UP. Not far from the Den. Meet me at 7?

  Felipe rescued a tennis shoe from one of the puppies, humming happily to himself. His week just got a whole lot better. I’ll be there.

  He really needed to practice some meditation to balance his moods. He was mercurial. He’d always been like that, bouncing from mad, to happy, to sulky. The only time he seemed to be in a calm zone was when he was concentrating on a project. People found it exhausting, and sometimes Felipe wondered if he were more like others, calmer, maybe he’d have more friends, but then he wouldn’t be him either, and he just couldn’t see changing himself for anyone.

  He cleaned up after the puppies, put down fresh pads, and set up the pen so they’d have room to explore without getting into anything. Lady was dozing in the relative quiet, taking advantage before her brood decided they were hungry. Felipe took a picture of them tumbling about and sent it to his friends. Want one? The only people who were getting Lady’s babies were people he trusted.

  A harvest moon was out, gleaming, a huge, gorgeous ball of orange shining through the black half-bare branches of the trees. Felipe took a moment to drink in the sight. He loved it back here, tucked in on the southern end of La Plata, Maryland.

  Their home was hidden a good mile into the woods with no neighbor in sight. The sprawling farmhouse held three generations of family. His mama’s parents occupied the built-on in-law suite on the southeastern side of the house. It had its own door near the garage and no stairs. His parents and sister lived in the main house, and so had his abuelo until he went back to Colombia after Felipe’s graduation. Then there was his apartment tucked in over the kitchen on the opposite side of the house. It had its own entrance and appliances, so he could see as much or as little of his family as he wanted. The setup couldn’t get any better.

  It was tiny, but it was all his. He paid his rent and utilities, which gave him a sense of independence and the feeling that he was helping his parents. As Felipe headed to his car, he checked out the rest of the house. The lights in the suite were low, so his grandparents had settled in front of the TV to doze and talk before they retired. His dad’s truck and mom’s car were in the driveway, so everyone was home. Felipe glanced through the wide french doors as he passed by on the patio. His sister Mariana was at the kitchen table, finishing her homework. His mom, Ratree, was making her evening tea, still dressed in her hospital scrubs, and talking on the phone.

  Felipe slunk by guiltily. He should be doing his own homework, not spending his entire evening on a costume before heading out to spend the rest of the night with friends. He had the first of several projects due in a few weeks. He was so close to graduating with his associate’s degree in business management in December. He couldn’t blow it off now.

  He didn’t have a show this weekend. He was off from toll bridge duty. On Saturday, he’d hole up in his apartment and knock a chunk of it off. He was invested in the work. He’d designed his project to fit what he wanted to do with the degree. He’d make damn sure it was the best project in the entire class.

  Morris texted him back as he reached his car. No! Cassie would murd
er me in my sleep if I got a dog. Do you want that on your conscience?

  You’re that cat’s bitch. Felipe hit Send and slid behind the wheel. You at the bistro? On my way. Order me some wings in about 30.

  It was a long drive to Solomon’s Island, but at this time of night, the roads were quiet and Felipe knew he could get there in decent time. He waited for Morris’s answering text and then edged out of the crowded driveway. Other than the single lamppost, there was no light under the trees as Felipe took the winding dirt road to the highway. The bumps reminded him that he’d have to help his dad level the road before winter came, just in time for the snow and ice to add new bumps and dips.

  By the time Felipe pulled into the parking lot near the bistro, he was more than ready for those wings and a beer. He spotted Morris’s long, lanky body at a high-top table near the tail end of the bar, where he could watch the football game and keep an eye out for glimpses of Theo at the same time. His friend was such a goner, and it had been hilarious to watch his fall.

  As Felipe neared, Morris half turned, and he spied the tiny baby that Morris cradled to him with the ease of a man who was not terrified of squirming, smelly creatures. “Man, what are you doing with a baby at a bar?” Felipe asked as he approached.

  “Babysitting for fifteen minutes while Jill has some adult conversations.” Morris grinned down at the little bald-headed munchkin with a pink bow wrapped around her head. “This is Olivia, Theo’s niece.”

  Felipe peered into wide gray eyes. “Whose idea was it to wrap her up like a tamale?” The blanket completely encased the baby’s arms and legs, leaving only her blinking face free.

  “Babies like being wrapped up. At least they do at this age,” Morris assured him. “Later on she won’t be such a fan.”

  “The fact you know that is a little disturbing.” Felipe pulled up another stool, eyeing Olivia’s face again. She did seem content enough. Seemed claustrophobic to him. “Sure you don’t want a puppy? They have more personality.”

  “I hear you’re hogging my niece.” Theo came out of the kitchen with a plate of wings that he sat in front of Felipe. “Give her to me. Hey there, troublemaker,” Theo cooed.

  Morris handed her off, and Felipe rolled his eyes at the looks of adoration the two suckers were giving each other and that little bundle of gas that came out both ends. If Morris didn’t watch it, he was going to be married by spring and trying to figure out a way to get kids of his own by fall. “Felipe wants us to adopt one of his new puppies,” Morris announced, sitting back on the stool.

  Theo shook his head with a frown. “I like dogs just fine, but when would we have time to take care of a dog?”

  “Might I remind you Morris is home all day every day, well mostly every day.” Felipe added a little extra hot sauce to the wings. “He’s home enough to love a dog.”

  Theo turned a speculative look on Morris, who shook his head. “And might I remind you, Boarman, our place is not big enough for the three of us and the cat. No way a dog is going to work until after the move. So don’t get any ideas.”

  “And then we’ll have other things on our mind,” Theo said with a wicked laugh as he kissed Olivia and handed her back. “Got to run, just saw a six-top walk in and we’re going to get hit.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” Felipe asked as Theo hustled back toward the kitchen. “Other things on your mind?”

  There was a slightly panicked look to Morris’s eyes as he turned toward Felipe. “Wedding planning, man. Who the hell thought it would be this complicated? All the sisters have gotten involved.”

  Felipe snickered and took a bite of his dinner. The bistro had the best wings in Southern Maryland. He knew how much Morris loved Theo and the idea that they were a permanent item. It was just that he’d been so leery of dating that the idea of permanence still made him twitchy. But the one time Felipe suggested Morris step back and rethink things, he’d gotten a twenty-minute lecture on letting Morris make his own decisions. “He’s talked me into naming a date. Next Memorial Day weekend.”

  “So you want me to have the getaway car ready?” he suggested innocently and grinned as Morris shot him a horrified look.

  “No!”

  “Then chill the fuck out. If you’re not going to run, enjoy the ride.” Estúpido. He didn’t get how Morris, of all his friends, had fallen for a guy like Theo, but somehow they balanced each other out and it worked. If Morris fucked it up, Felipe would kick his ass for him. He’d never seen Morris this happy.

  “You’re right.” Morris gently patted the baby’s back as she let out a soft whimper. “I wish we could get away with a small, chill affair. My sisters are driving me nuts. I think that’s what’s got me in such a panic. I just want something cool, something that fits both of us without all the fuss.”

  “Like superhero capes for all the guests and handmade canapés from Theo’s kitchen?” Felipe teased until it hit him that he could see them suggesting that.

  “Something like that.” Morris eyed Felipe. “You going to be my best man, right?”

  “Do I get to wear a skirt?” Felipe glanced at Morris’s kilt. He’d never worn one before. He’d probably look ridiculous, but hell, it would be fun.

  “I’m working on that. I think I could get away with it if I went with the full deal. Scotsman all the way. Theo does have a thing for kilts.” Morris propped his chin on his hand. “What’s got you in such a good mood?”

  “I have a date.” Felipe smirked.

  “With Trask?” Morris shot him a disbelieving look. “You are serious about him. I have to confess, I don’t get it. I mean, he’s cool enough, in a standoffish kind of way, and I suppose he’s good-looking if you like that type.”

  “Morris, we’ve always had opposite taste in men. You like apple pie, I like something with a little more edge.” Like cherries jubilee.

  “Edgy he is,” Morris agreed. “And completely in another generation.”

  Felipe rolled his eyes. He knew Morris was going to be a stickler for that one little fact. “He’s only about ten years older than you.”

  “And I’m ten years older than you, which makes him old enough to be your daddy.” Morris bounced Olivia as she began fussing. “Let’s go find your mama.”

  “You’re a killjoy,” Felipe shot after him as Morris walked away. He wasn’t about to let his friend sour his mood. It wasn’t like this was unusual for him. His ex, Dakota, was in his thirties, and most of Felipe’s friends were Morris’s age. People his own age annoyed him. Maybe it was the influence of his older cousins, who’d always allowed Felipe to hang with them. His lola said he had an old soul. Felipe didn’t know about all that. He just knew what he liked, and Trask Briscoe hit every one of those buttons.

  Chapter Five

  TRASK WALKED into his favorite coffee shop, struck by the scent of roasting beans, an aroma that evoked a sense of comfort and home. The large roaster sat in the window, its wide stirrers moving gently through the browning beans. Perk it UP was usually quiet on a Friday night. Most of the people who came here to hang out and enjoy a cup were at a bar right now, as Felipe had suggested. There were a few college kids studying in a corner booth, some hipsters and aging hippies scattered around, and the two loner gamers who came most nights. Trask fit right in.

  It was probably not Felipe’s dream first date. But Trask had vowed never to step foot inside a bar again. Besides, this place had a kind of quirky charm that Trask enjoyed, and he thought Felipe might appreciate the vibe too.

  He decided to wait for Felipe to arrive before ordering and turned toward the array of low-slung couches covered in cushions of various hues and the retro tabletop arcade games. His favorite, Galaga, was free and had a clear view of the door. As he sat down, he wondered, not for the first time, what he was doing. Felipe and he were worlds apart despite having many of the same interests.

  It was crazy, but Trask couldn’t deny how he felt whenever Felipe breezed by the booth for a hello and few words and flirt. See
ing Felipe was like that first sip of a perfectly brewed cup of coffee. It woke him up and made him take an interest in everything else around him.

  The chime of the door sounded over the murmur of low conversation and the digital noise of games. Trask glanced over and stood as Felipe entered. The button-up white shirt emphasized the richness of his skin tone, and the rolled-up sleeves gave him a casual, gorgeous air. Trask felt incredibly awkward. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been on a date, probably before Ryan met his lady. Which would make it a sad almost two years.

  Felipe spotted him, and the crooked grin that crossed his face was full of delight. He strolled over to Trask with no hesitation or shyness and brushed his lips over Trask’s cheek. Then he stepped back, gave Trask a once-over, and winked at him. “Sexy. I like your look.”

  “Me too.” Trask found himself reaching for Felipe’s hand for a warm squeeze. He nodded toward the counter that led to the kitchen. “Hungry? They have pretty decent food as well as coffee and tea.”

  “Yeah, actually that would be awesome. I was trying to start this project for school, and I haven’t had anything since a late lunch.” Felipe plopped down on the couch and moved in closer as he pulled out the menu. “Have you tried the veggie flatbread?”

  “Many times. It’s good. So’s the black bean nachos. I can’t vouch for the meat items, but based on everything else I enjoyed, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.” Felipe’s hair smelled faintly of citrus, and the warmth of him near Trask felt right. He slipped his arm across the couch behind Felipe.

  Felipe set aside the menu. “Nachos it is. They are a weakness of mine. And a latte with whole milk. I don’t believe in denying myself one bit. So waistline be damned.”