I nodded emphatically. “So happy.”
“See?” He smiled, kissing me again. “We’re going to be happy. I promise. It may not seem like it now, but we will.”
I wanted so badly to believe him, but I wasn’t sure how it could possibly be true. We were good at sex. We were good at secrets. We were good at lies and destruction. But could we actually build a life together?
“We don’t have to do this if you aren’t ready,” he said, rubbing my arms.
I remembered what the past few months had been like. What life was like without him. I’d told him we were toxic, but that was only because he’d poisoned me for anyone else. My heart had always belonged to him, and it always would.
“No.” I shook my head, knowing this wouldn’t get any easier. “It’s time.”
“Okay.” He cupped my cheeks. “Okay.” He drew a deep breath. “I love you, and we will get through this—together.”
I nodded. “I know. I love you too.” He slanted his mouth over mine in a brief but bittersweet kiss that belied our hopes and our fears.
We rode down in the elevator in silence, and I wondered if Jonathan was preparing his arguments like I was. I had no idea what to expect. This wasn’t like a client I could court or persuade. This was my dad. No matter what I said, I was afraid he wouldn’t approve.
Jonathan and I were the first to arrive at the restaurant. I kept turning my bracelets on my wrists, fidgeting with the napkin, anything. He placed his hand over mine but quickly removed it when we spotted my dad and Lea making their way over from the hostess stand.
“Good morning.” My dad pressed a kiss to my forehead and said, “Morning, kiddo,” before taking the seat across from Jonathan.
“Hello.” Lea smiled, her voice cheery as she took a seat.
The waiter came by for our drink order, and then we were alone again. Lea and Dad busied themselves with the menu, but I was too preoccupied to even consider eating.
“So…how did things go with you and Damien?” Lea asked, finally setting her menu aside. “He didn’t want to join us for breakfast?”
“He was nice, but, um…”
“But what?” Lea prodded, and I turned to Jonathan. This was it. This was the moment. Before I could open my mouth, he spoke.
“You know how important your friendship is to me, Ian” Jonathan said, and Dad nodded. “And you know I would never want to do anything to hurt you, right?”
He leaned back in his chair. “Why are you being so dramatic? It’s my birthday weekend. Let’s get some mimosas.”
“Because there’s something I need to tell you,” Jonathan said, and I gripped his hand beneath the table. “I—” He took a deep breath, and I braced myself for the bomb he was about to drop. “I’m in love with Sumner.”
He’d done it. Oh my god. He’d said the words. He’d just claimed me, consequences be damned.
For a moment, it seemed as if everything and everyone froze. All I could hear was the beating of my heart. Feel was Jonathan’s hand clasping mine beneath the table. See was my dad’s expression as he tried to decipher the words.
Dad narrowed his eyes at us and then threw back his head and started laughing. When he finally caught his breath, he said, “You really had me going there for a second.” He swiped at his eyes, but Lea was smiling nervously. “Good one, guys.” He laughed some more, but no one joined him.
“Dad,” I said, unable to hide the hurt and hesitation in my tone. “It’s not a joke. Jonathan and I are together.”
Dad immediately sobered, blinking a few times. “What do you mean…together?”
“Honey.” Lea’s tone was gentle as she placed her hand on his forearm. “They’re a couple, right?” She turned to us.
We nodded.
“No.” Dad let out an unintelligible sound, his complexion paling. “No. That’s impossible. You were dating Jack.” He glanced at me before careening toward Jonathan. “And you,” he panted, eyes widening as if something had just dawned on him. “Someone…” He turned his attention back to me. “Younger. Someone you worked with.”
I shook my head, allowing it to drop between my shoulders. “There was no Jack.”
Dad slumped back against the chair. “Oh my god. Oh my god.”
“So…” Lea glanced between Jonathan and me with a puzzled expression. “Every time ‘Jack’ called or texted. Every time you were staying over at ‘Jack’s place,’ you were actually referring to Jonathan?”
