“Why you?” Tom asked, shaking his head. “You and Grandma were solid.”
“Yes, we were. But she wasn’t thefirstlove of my life. I like girls, but I like boys, too. You call it bi these days. Mikey was my great love. But...well, it wasn’t so easy back in my day, and my parents threatened him. We split up, and I was introduced to your grandma. She knew all about Mikey. Through cousins of hers. But we hit it off, and she was always sympathetic.” Martin smiled at Tom. “Then we married, had kids. Life moved on, but I never forgot Mikey.”
“And Mum knows this.” Tom sipped his tea as Martin nodded.
“Your father was shocked, and it caused a rift, probably fueled by your mum. But there’s no point me going to them. Your mum doesn’t like that.”
“No. She isn’t approachable if you need something. She hates anyone being needy.” Tom absently picked up a biscuit,nibbling at it. “Tell me more about Mikey,” he asked.
“You tell me about your boyfriend, first.” Martin sat back. “I’m really happy for you.”
Tom grinned. “His name’s Damon.”
* * * *
At Damon’s insistence, they hadn’t rushed into bed. But it had been well worth the wait. Tom wasn’t a virgin, but Damon was far more experienced.
That night, as they lay together in the aftermath, Tom twisted in Damon’s arms so he could look down at his lover.
“I hope you don’t mind, but I’d like to take you to meet my grandad. My parents don’t even know I’m gay. And I know for certain they wouldn’t approve.” Tom’s shoulders dropped, and he looked away, unable to meet Damon’s eyes. A single, insistent finger pushed his chin up.
“I’d be honored to meet your grandad. Especially if you’ve confided in him about us. It can’t be easy for you. Are you out anywhere?”
“He’s really cool.” Tom smiled. “He’s bi. I never evenknew. He settled down and married my grandma. As for being out…only with a close friend at work.”
“That’s tough.” Damon caressed Tom’s chin with his thumb.
“I didn’t want you to think I was playing a game, or ashamed of being with you—” Damon’s lips pressing firmly against his silenced Tom. As they eased apart, he inhaled deeply, getting himself back under control.
“Everyone’s life is different.” Damon spoke softly. “Peopleare different. I didn’t make a move on you just for the hell of it. I think we have something good.” Damon smiled, and Tom’s stomach flipped, as always. “And I’m patient. I’ll be availablewhenever you want to take me.”
“Thank you,” Tom whispered. He leaned down to kiss Damon, unresisting as his lover rolled their bodies, settling once again between Tom’s spread legs.
* * * *
To Tom’s delight, Damon and his grandad hit it off instantly. The three of them even agreed to go to one of the oldest gay bars in the town center. It was a weird thought for Tom that his grandad had been a regular in the bar long before he, or even his father, had been born.
“It’s been a long time since I last went to The Lisbon. It was the place to go in my day. Now there’s a whole pink quarter.” Martin chuckled. “Be good to get out, too.”
“I really don’t see why Mum’s so keen that you move into a rest home.” Tom shook his head. “You’re fit and active, and only in your mid-seventies. That’s nothing these days.”
“Truth is, she wants me in onenow, so that when the timedoescome, there’s no chance of my appealing to your dad and moving in with them.”
“Seriously?” Tom was horrified.
“You know your mother.” Martin shrugged. “The only part ofyourlife she hasn’t controlled is the university you went to, and that you’re flatting rather than back home. And she onlywantsyou at home, because it’s easier to get girlfriends lined up for you. Sorry to say, she already has two or three perfect partners on her list. None of them are male.”
“I should tell them.” Tom covered his face in his hands. “I just know Mum will go off like a rocket.”
“Leave it for now.” Damon rested his hand on Tom’s knee, squeezing gently. Let’s have our night out, then we can reconvene and discuss it further. Okay?”
“Okay.” Tom nodded. It was procrastination, pure and simple, but he really didn’t want it spoiling their night out. Especially with Martin coming with them.
* * * *
The evening went so fast, Tom’s head was in a whirl. His grandad was having the best time ever, chatting with some of the older regulars, while he and Damon were slow dancing together. It all came to an end far too soon for Tom. He pulled Damon down for a soft kiss.
“It’s been a great night. Thanks.” As he released Tom, his heart skipped a beat as he caught a glimpse of a familiar face in the crowd.
