“It’s fine. Rip the band-aid off and all.” He took a deep breath, but maintained eye contact. “I wanted to be who I am. At school I could date, be open with my friends, but whenever I went home I had to watch what I said. I also had to listen to my asshole brother, Jacob, rant on about the fags and how they were ruining the country. He’s such a loser. He has no job, three kids, makes his wife work to support them, and they live with my parents. My mom does most of the work raising his kids. I feel bad for her. She’s a victim of abuse. But it’s so ingrained I can’t save her. I’ve tried, but she sides with my dad and brother and won’t listen to anyone else.”
Though he said he was fine talking about his family situation, it clearly cut deep. I put my free hand over Nick’s. “I’m sorry. Family is important.”
“It is and their rejection hurt, but I can’t spare any time for that. I’ve got to take care of myself now. To complete the family topic, I’ve got two sisters in addition to my brother. Jacob hates having a ‘fag’ for a brother.He managed to convince my parents and sisters I was a spawn of Satan because I’m gay. But I saved the best for last. My grandparents on my mom’s side are great.”
I wasn’t surprised. His grandparents were friends with Alex and he’d helped Nick and Grant get settled in D.C. “Have they tried to help with your parents and siblings.”
“Yeah, but it didn’t work.” He gave me an apologetic look. “They’re my mom’s parents and she listens to my dad and brother. The couple times Grandpa tried to get them to come around, it got ugly. I don’t want Grandpa getting hurt, so I told them to stop.”
For the first time since we started talking about family, Nick didn’t seem so sad. “They sound like wonderful people.”
“They are.” He squeezed my hand before taking it back. “You’ll have to meet them one day.”
Assuming Nick and I didn’t implode over my secret, I wanted to meet them. “I’d like that.”
“My turn. What about your family? Siblings? Where do they live? Do you get along?”
In any other situation, this question wouldn’t have made me so anxious. I’d spent years perfecting this story. By keeping it vague but close to the truth, it made it easy to remember. With Nick, however, I wanted to give him the full truth, and I couldn’t. “My parents live in Atlanta now. I have two older brothers and two older sisters.”
“Youngest kid solidarity.” Nick held out his fist for a bump.
We tapped knuckles, but I still felt like a phony. “My siblings and I get along okay. We’re not what you’d call close, but we’re not estranged. They aren’t fans of working, so my interest in the family business has made me closer with my dad than they are. There’s some resentment, but nothing too bad.”
“Trevor mentioned you’re taking over lobbying efforts for your family business.”
Another point for Grant. He listened and remembered. “My father and uncles wanted someone in the family to take over. Having skin in the game makes it more personal.”
“I understand. I work for the folks that hire lobbyists. I’m a risk assessment analyst for Consolidated Mid-Atlantic Life. I like it and all, but if something better came along, I’d totally jump ship.”
Nick sipped his coffee and then licked a drop off his bottom lip. So damn hot. What turned me on most, was he didn’t do it for a reaction. He didn’t think anyone noticed him thanks to his crappy family telling him he was worthless, and Uncle Uriel making sure no one wanted to date him.
Thankfully, no one was pushing me away. I saw him for who he was, and I wanted to see more. Tossing caution aside, I set my elbows on the table and leaned forward. “This might be a bit forward and totally say no if you’re not interested, but how would you feel about spending the night in Frederick? I’d get a room with separate beds of course.”
“Wow.” Surprise played over Nick’s face, but it turned into a big smile. “That’s unexpected.”
“Yeah, I know, but I think it’d be fun. Believe it or not they have this amazing restaurant whose chef won a reality cooking show. If we stay, I can have wine since I won’t be driving. But no pressure. And I promise to have you back in time for brunch with Alex.”
Waiting for an answer, I couldn’t remember being this on edge. I shouldn’t be. At a hundred and seventy-five I’d had my share of dates, lovers, and partners. Why did Nick make me so unnerved?
“You talk really fast when you’re nervous.”
I did, which told how much I wanted him to say yes. “I’ve been told. If it’s too much too soon, say no and no hard feelings. I thought it would be nice to take our time with dinner.”
“Sure, but one condition?”
I laughed nervously. Whatever he wanted, I couldn’t imagine saying no if it meant he’d spend the night with me. “What’s that?”
“If either of us aren’t feeling it, we come home?” He nodded as if suggesting I might have second thoughts.
There was no chance I’d want to go home early. Hopefully Nick would feel the same. “Agreed.”
Nick
The Maserati eased out of the Starbuck’s drive-thru and I leaned back into the plush leather seat. Careful not to spill my coffee, I took a sip and let out a content sigh.
“I can’t believe you let me drink in your car.” I used my left hand and pointed across my body. “Go right and then follow the signs to I-270.”
“Since I plan to drink as we drive, it’s only fair you get to do it too.”
