This is a sequel to Everything Has Changed...you might want to read that first.
#lemon
The color lemon is a bright shade of yellow. It is often used to symbolize beginnings and freshness.
Ryan walked down by the docks on this beautiful July day. He had the day off and was running errands while he waited for Jayson to get off work. He went into the local market to get some ingredients to attempt to make Jayson a home cooked meal. He stood in front of the meat deli and stared. "I never realized there were so many forms of chicken" he said to the young man standing next to him.
"It's all the same chicken; just some are skinless and boneless. Some have the bone in and skin on and the other is just the way it's cut. Dark, white meat…." The tall slender dark haired teen said. "What are you making?"
"Well I'm going to attempt to make this lemon chicken recipe I got from my mom." He showed the teen his phone with the recipe his mom texted him.
"You need boneless skinless and about four pieces."
"Thank you. How do you know so much about chicken?" Ryan laughed
"Ha, not necessarily chicken, but I cook a lot for my dad and I'm hoping to do it professionally someday."
"That's awesome. I wish I learned to cook. Did your mom teach you?"
"No, uh I taught myself. My dad worked a lot and I got sick of boxed mac n cheese." He laughed "My name's Aaron by the way." He put his hand out for Ryan to shake.
"Nice to meet you Aaron; my names Ryan….so I don't suppose I could talk you into helping me find the rest of this stuff. I don't know cinnamon from nutmeg. I'll pay you."
"You don't have to pay me. I have nothing better to do. I was just in here to buy a couple steaks to grill tonight for my dad and me."
"Oh, well pick out what you want and I'll pay...for you helping me."
They walked through the aisles. Aaron showed him everything he needed to buy to make the recipe exactly like it was shown.
"I hope this is easy." Ryan joked
"Well you said you were a doctor this isn't harder than that" Aaron smiled.
"Not sure about that" he laughed "How old are you Aaron?" Ryan was curious. Aaron seemed physically young, but he was smart and articulate beyond his years.
"I'm 16. I just turned 16 last week."
"Well happy belated birthday. 16 those were some good years." Ryan smiled and raised his eyebrows playfully. "You seem very mature for your age. Hell, if you would have seen me at 16; actually I think I'm still a little immature." Ryan laughed.
Aaron laughed lightly "Well like I was saying my dad worked a lot; I had to grow up fast. It was just me and him." Aaron reached up on the shelf and pulled down the last thing Ryan needed to finish the recipe. "I think that's it. I hope your girlfriend enjoys your effort at least." He smiled.
"She would; except she's a he; my boyfriend." Ryan watched to see how Aaron would react.
"That's cool. My dad's gay." Aaron proudly stated
"Oh, good I didn't want to make you uncomfortable. That's why I didn't say anything at first."
"No problem here. Love is love." Aaron smiles as they walked to the check out.
"Is your dad married or with a partner? I don't mean to pry."
"You're not. No, He's been obsessed with work and me. I wish he would though. Don't get me wrong he does date, but nothing ever serious and he never brings them home to meet me. Maybe this move to Salem will be good for him."
"You guys new here?"
"Yup, we moved a few weeks ago. I have to get used to a new school; joys!"
"Well you are personable boy, shouldn't be too hard to make friends."
"I hope not."
Ryan pays the clerk and hands Aaron the bag for him.
"Thank you for the steaks."
"No, it's my pleasure. You made this shopping trip effortless and fun. Thank you for talking to me Aaron and for all your help." They say their good bye and head separate ways.
Ryan unpacks the groceries onto the counter; starts to wash the vegetables and lemons. Ok, this isn't rocket science…it's just lemon chicken. He's never cooked a real meal. Most of the time he and Jayson go out or get something catered in. They both work a lot of hours and when they are home their tired and just want to eat and spend the rest of the night together. Jayson's been working a lot lately; even traveling between his firm in LA and home, so Ryan wanted to surprise him with a special meal.
"Ok, rinse the chicken. I hate touching fucking chicken." He ran it under the cold water and then followed the recipe to batter the chicken. "This doesn't look right. Oh, this is horrible." The batter flew all over the counter top. "I should have paid Aaron to come and make it and just tell Jayson I did; at least it would be edible." He read on the directions to grate the rind off the lemon. "Grate? How the hell do you do that?"
He had no choice but to call his mom and after she stopped laughing at him she finally explained what a grater was. Problem is he had no grater so he had to improvise and use the food processor. He was feeling kind of overwhelmed when he heard a knock at the door.
"What are you doing?" Daniel laughed at the view of Ryan covered in batter and spots.
"I'm making lemon chicken" they walk into the kitchen.
"Um, I'm not a chef but I don't think lemon chicken is supposed to look like that."
Ryan sighed "I know….Daniel help me. This is a disaster."
Daniel dips his finger in the batter and taste it then made a pucker face "Yeah Ryan, there's no saving that, plus I don't think the sauce was supposed to coat it before you bake it. You put it on after."
"Why wouldn't it say that?" Ryan skimmed the recipe. "Crap, I suck at this."
"I don't know why you and Jayson just don't hire a private chef to cook at least a couple times a week. You guys have the money and you my friend can't cook."
"Hey, it was my first time" Ryan hit him with the hand towel. "What'd you stop over for any way?"
"I could smell the retched scent from the street." Daniel laughed
"You're an ass" Ryan laughed and threw flour in his face.
"Hey, hey…..no but seriously; I was driving by on the way home figured I would stop in instead of call. I was wondering if you could cover for me on Monday night. I have a family thing with Parker I have to go to."
"Parent teacher?"
"Actually a talent show."
"Oh, sounds like fun, dad. Of course I'll cover you. Not a problem."
"When's Jayson getting home?"
Ryan looks at the clock "Any moment now." He looked down at the pile of chicken. "There's no hope for this is there?"
"No" Daniel snickered "I'd bury it in a quiet memorial."
"Why do I even keep you as a friend?" Ryan smiled
"Because you love me! I should get going…..I have a very good dinner waiting for me at home."
"Get out here."
"Later" Ryan smiled and waved.
Ryan tried to clean as much as he could; ok it was more like trying to cover up his failed attempt. He heard the front door open then close. Jayson yelled his name and then walked into the kitchen. He tried to have a straight face, but his nose scrunched up impulsively.
"Baby, what are you doing?" Jayson cautiously asks and kissed the back of his head.
Ryan just stared at him and then busted out laughing. "I tried to make you a home cooked meal, emphases on tried."
"I'm sure it's good. It's probably one of those things that look bad but taste good" and before Ryan could stop him Jayson took a fork full. He smiled as he chewed and then swallowed quickly. "Yeah that's not the case." He started to laugh and grabbed a bottle of water out of the fridge and drank.
"I'm sorry. I tried to stop you." Ryan plumps out his lower lip.
"You are seriously the cutest boyfriend in the universe. I don't love you because I want you to cook for me."
"Thank God for that." Ryan laughed as he dumped the stuff in the trash. Jayson stopped him and pulled him into a kiss.
"You're a master in other areas" Jayson grabs him from behind and holds him.
"Mhhhhm…..well I was planning that for after you raved about my food. Now you get nothing." Ryan joked.
"I have ways of getting what I want" he kissed the crook of his neck "but thank you though for trying. That was very sweet of you." He rubs some sauce off the side of Ryan's face. "How about you go change and I take you out to dinner for slaving in the kitchen" Jayson playfully bit down Ryan's neck.
"I'd love that"
Ryan walked into the other room while Jayson clean up. "How about sea food? I heard that restaurant over by the docks is good; I think it's called Harbor Bay."
"Actually they have really good food. I'm surprised we never eaten there yet."
"Let's go….I'm famished and this place needs to air out." Jayson smiled and laughed.
"You suck" Ryan smacked his behind on the way out the door.
Harbor Bay boasted on fresh sea food and gourmet food. It was a beautiful structure with outdoor seating right by the river banks for an optimal view of picturesque Salem. The hostess seats Jayson and Ryan at a small table for two out on the deck. "Your waiter will be right with you to take your drink orders." She hands them a menu. They scan the menu for their dinner of choice.
"Good evening sirs….I'm Aaron I'll be your waiter tonight." Ryan and Jayson pulled the menu away from their face. "Ryan, how are you?" It was the same boy that helped him at the market earlier.
"Nice to see you again. I thought you were cooking steaks?" Ryan asked. Jayson watch them exchange words with a puzzled look.
"One of the waiters called in sick tonight so I was asked if I could cover. I take it the lemon chicken didn't turn out?" Aaron laughed.
"No, apparently brain surgery is easier for me" Ryan laughed and then looked to Jayson sitting quietly. "Oh, I'm sorry. Aaron this is my boyfriend Jayson"
"Jayson nice to meet you" and Jayson returned the greeting. Aaron heard his name being called "What can I bring you to drink. I'll grab those, see what my manager wants, and then be right back." Ryan orders wine for both.
"Friend of yours?" Jayson turned to Ryan
"No, he was at the market earlier and he helped me pick out all the ingredients I needed to make the chicken. Nice kid….He and his dad are new to Salem."
"You had a full conversation with this kid?" Jayson questioned with a weird look.
"Well he walked the market with me; it would have been weird not to talk. Don't tell me you are jealous. He's sixteen, Jayson."
"I'm not jealous." Jayson grinned and then look to the menu.
"Mhhhhm" Ryan laughed and then went back to his menu.
Aaron returns with their glasses of the signature house wine. He placed one in front of each man. "Sorry about that my boss is kind of demanding." He looked at Ryan and smile. "Not worth the pay if you ask me, but it's in line for what I want to do."
"What do you want to do?" Jayson asked
"I want to be a chef, culinary arts."
"Impressive. That's a skill some do not have" Jayson raises his eyebrow at Ryan.
"You're so funny" Ryan mocks and then smiles. "We should probably order before he gets into trouble for talking too much"
They enjoy their dinner and each other's company. The view was gorgeous; you could see some of the boats with their lights on in the dusk sky.
"How's your crab, baby?" Ryan asked
"It's remarkable" Jayson take his fork and gathers up a small amount and leans over the table to feed Ryan as taste. "Good?"
"Very good; I like this place." Ryan says as he enjoyed his shrimp scampi. "Here taste these garlic potatoes." Ryan feeds him a small amount. Ryan glanced over to Aaron who was watching them exchange their romantic gestures. Aaron catches his glance and turns away quickly. Ryan doesn't pay much attention to it, but Jayson noticed too.
"I think you have an admirer." Jayson smiled
"No, I don't think he's gay and again he's 16….emphasis on the TEEN."
"Well the way he's looking at you."
"He's looking at us baby. He said his dad was gay, but he never brings men around. He's probably just curious or amazed at how open we are."
"I guess. His dad's gay? He was raised just by his dad?"
"That's what he said." Jayson looked over to Aaron clearing the table back in the main dining area. "They're new to Salem?" Jayson asked.
"Yeah, why are you asking all these questions?"
"Just curious; making small talk."
"Hey I do want to talk to you about something. Daniel brought up a good point when I talk to him earlier. What do you think about hiring a personal cook or chef to come in a few times a week?"
"Is that what you want?"
"I'm asking you"
"I want what you want" Jayson smiled
"That's not an answer" Ryan returned a smile. "I was thinking it would be nice. We wouldn't have to go out and then it would be ready when we get home. A real home cooked meal."
They discuss and agree it was a perfect idea for their lifestyle and schedule. Ryan has an idea to ask Aaron to assist; would be good practice and better pay for him.
"He's not a professional" Jayson adds
"I know, but we could see. He cooks for his dad all the time and it's just a few times a week so when he goes back to school it would probably work better with his schedule. We could try it; if it doesn't work then we let him go. Plus I'm a meat and potatoes kind of guy. The fancy stuff is good once in a while but I want home cooking. You know."
"And how about his crush on you" Jayson smirked
"Jayson"
"I'm joking" he laughed "I'm game if you are. They'll be a lot rules though."
"Of course."
Aaron returns to clear their table and offer another round of wine. "Will you be having dessert?" he asked.
"We will but not here; I have that planned at home" Ryan winked
"Ryan" Jayson exclaimed with a laugh. "Excuse him; no we will not take dessert but we do want to talk to you." Aaron looked kind of nervous; he was hoping he didn't do something wrong with his service tonight. Jayson assured him his service was exceptional. He went on to propose their idea and Aaron was pleasantly surprised.
"I'd be honored, but I'm not a real chef. I mean I know a lot and I can cook, but I don't want to disappoint you both."
"We can try and if it doesn't work out. Then we mutually move on. What do you say? You can come over maybe tomorrow and we'll show you the penthouse and go over fine details." Ryan says
"Yeah, that's perfect."
"Good, here is our address" Jayson hands him his business card with their address on the back. "But I am going to need consent from your dad or mom."
"It's just my dad. That won't be a problem. Thank you, thank you both so much."
Aaron excuses himself and they get ready to leave. Jayson leaves the payment and a tip on the table. "How about we take the long walk home and stroll by the river?" Jayson asks.
"That sounds beautiful" Ryan takes his hand and walks down the wooden staircase that exits to the river bend. They walk hand in hand on the moonlit sand. It was a beautifully romantic night. Ryan stops Jayson; walks in front and pulls him into a kiss. "I love you" Jayson returns his words.
"So what'd you make for dessert?" Jayson flirts
"Let's go home and find out" they kiss and walk home.
Aaron's home:
Aaron walked in from a late shift. His dad was asleep on the couch waiting for him. He woke when Aaron shut the door.
"You're boss had you late again tonight" his dad says rubbing the sleep away from his eyes. "Is everything ok, bud?"
"Everything is perfect. I got an offer today to be a personal chef for a couple."
"That's great, but you're not a professional chef. Not that you don't know that, but do they?"
"They know that. They just want to see how it will work out and it may help me. It's just few days a week and they pay well. I can go to high school without worrying about late nights like these."
"Aaron, you don't even have to work. I make more than enough money. I want you to make some friends and worry about being a kid."
"I want to dad. You work so much. If I sit home anymore I'm seriously going to go crazy. When school starts I'll focus on friends. I promise."
"This couple...I take it their rich." He asked as Aaron sat next to him.
"Considering he left me a fifty dollar tip; I think so. It's just them. They have no kids. They just work a lot so they don't have time to cook. They invited me to go tomorrow to see their place and to go over all the details."
"I have that meeting tomorrow." His dad sighs "I feel bad that I won't be able to go with you to meet them."
Aaron looked relieved "Dad, you are doing an awesome job for being a single dad. Don't worry about me so much."
"You're all I worry about bud" he playfully ruffles the back of Aaron's head. "I trust you so if you feel safe and you want to do this. I approve."
"Thanks dad." Aaron gets up to walk to his room. "Oh they said they need permission, so maybe you can call and leave a voicemail on Ryan's phone tomorrow?"
"That's fine. What are their names anyway? I know you said Ryan….what's his wife or girlfriends name?"
Aaron glared at his dad and then to the ground. "Um, I don't know her name." He looked at his dad. Aaron felt horrible; he had never lied to his dad before, but he knew that he had to.
"Well you should find that out." His dad laughed. "Night bud, love you"
"I love you too." He said as he closed the door. "How am I going to keep this from him?" Aaron whispered to himself and then let out a long sigh.