Free Calmly, Carefully, Completely by Tammy Falkner

the boys. “Which wasn’t amusing.”
    Gonzo signs something quickly to Pete. “I know that was meant for me,” Pete says quietly, staring into Gonzo’s eyes. “But she’s sitting right here, and it’s rude to talk in front of her unless I can tell her what you said.” He grumbles something and then says, “And I wouldn’t repeat what you just said for a million dollars.” He holds up his hands as though he’s saying what the fuck . “You don’t talk like that in front of girls, dude.” He jabs a fork at Gonzo. “When we’re alone, you can talk all the shit you want. And it might even be funny.”
    Gonzo taps me on the shoulder so I look at him. He signs something with his fist close to his chest. The color on his cheeks is high.
    “He said sorry,” Pete grumbles. Gonzo signs something else and then blinks his eyes at me, batting his thick lashes. “He wants to know if you forgive him.”
    “I’ll think about it,” I say. I still don’t know what he said, so I don’t know why I should be offended. But Pete’s so serious that I feel like I need to play along.
    “Gonzo, go ahead and get suctioned or whatever it is you do so we can be ready for the first activity,” Pete says.
    Gonzo grins and signs something. But he leaves. Pete shakes his head. More boy humor?
    One of the caregivers rounds up the rest of the boys at the two tables Pete was in charge of so they can get the kids ready for the morning. Pete sits down and heaves a sigh. “That kid reminds me of my brothers,” he says, but a grin tugs on the corners of his lips.
    “You that tough on your brothers?” I ask.
    He chuckles. “I’m the youngest. So, it’s usually me saying something inappropriate and them trying to make me shut up.”
    “What did he say?” I ask. I’m dying to know. But something tells me he’s not going to tell me anything.
    His gaze is hot, his eyes hooded when they meet mine. “If you must know, it had to do with morning wood.” He raises a brow at me, and I choke on my own spit. He laughs and raises a brow. “Should I continue?”
    I hold up a hand to stop him. “I could go a lifetime without knowing any more about that conversation.” I think about it for a minute, though. “Is that something boys talk about?” I ask quietly, just because I’m curious.
    He pulls his chin toward his chest and looks down at me. “Don’t go there, princess,” he warns, his voice suddenly husky.
    “I was just curious,” I murmur. But I feel the need to explai n myself. “My brother’s has autism and barely speaks, so I don’t know how boys behave.” I lay a hand on my chest, slightly abashed at what I’m about to admit. “When girls get together we talk about everything.” I look into his eyes, and they’re suddenly half-lowered and smoldery. My heart thumps. “About men, mostly.” Heat creeps up my cheeks.
    His voice is barely a whisper when he says, “Go there, princess.” His eyes twinkle.
    “Well, apparently, Gonzo wants to talk to you like I’d talk to my girlfriends.”
    “And he can, when we’re alone. Just like I told him.” He isn’t smiling anymore. He turns to face me. “I’m not going to hurt the kid. I won’t even hurt his feelings. But I’m also not going to treat him like he’s made of glass. He’s had enough of that.”
    “Okay,” I say quietly. I’ll drop it. For now at least.
    Pete smiles. He nods his head toward where my dad’s taking up the last piece of bacon. “Breakfast?” he asks.
    “Have you eaten yet?” I ask him.
    He shakes his head. “Too busy so far.” He looks at me. “Join me?” He leans close and whispers, “This would be our second date.”
    I roll my eyes and walk toward my dad, who hands me a plate heaping with food. “I can’t eat all that, Dad,” I complain.
    Pete eyes the plate, licking his lips, and my dad shoves it toward him instead. I go to get a bagel, some cream cheese, and a chocolate milk. Pete sits across from me and starts to