He drove toward a double-fronted house. He pointed out an annex on the righthand side to Tom.
“That’s a fully furnished granny flat. Perfect for privacy, or wandering around to the back of the house, and coming in through the kitchen.”
“You livehere?” Tom breathed.
“I own it outright. No siblings to fight me over it when my parents died. I like the bedsit as it’s in the city, and convenient if I’m working there. Otherwise, it’s lovely to unwind here, even if I do rattle around it. You don’t have to move directly into my bedroom.” Damon’s voice grew deep and husky. “You can have a room of your own, with its own bathroom, if you want.”
“Well, maybe to start with.” Tom grinned at Damon. “For my stuff. But I want to sleep with you. Every night.”
* * * *
Six months sped past. Tom was fully installed inThe Manor Houseas he’d dubbed it. Old George was resuming his job working the lift, and Damon moving on to help one of hisfavorite charities where he already had a place on the Board.
It’s well past time he met my parents. Nothing’s going to shake us.
The cool welcoming smile on his mother’s face died instantly when he showed up at the door with Damon behind him. She didn’t take them into the living room. Just walked stiffly ahead of them into the kitchen. His father trotting after them, a thoughtful expression on his face.
Tom took a steadying breath. “Mum, Dad, I want you to meet Damon. My boyfriend. I met him at work. He was covering for our usual lift operator, George, who’s just had surgery.” Tom felt the words come tumbling out. He wouldn’t have been surprised if they’d been totally jumbled. His dad was eying Damon critically, assessing him silently.
Like two alpha males. But I’m not a prize to be won. I love Damon, and he loves me. Despite our differences, maybe even in spite of our differences.
However, his mother’s face grew increasingly red as she stared, saying nothing, her gaze flitting from him to Damon and back again. Then the dam burst.
“Aliftoperator? What thefuckare youthinking? He’ll justleechoff you. And aman? Since when have you been attracted to men? What aboutgrandchildren?”
The usual trembling started as it always did when his Mum had one of her melt downs. But this time, Damon’s reassuring hand was on his shoulder. It gave him the boost Tom needed. He stood a little taller, recovering his composure.
“I said he’scovering. I never said that washisjob. Yes, aman. You’d have to have beenblind, or in denial, to realize I’m anything but gay and have been since childhood. No, it’s not just aphase. It’s very real. And as for grandchildren, well, as it stands, I don’twantkids. I may in time, or rather,wemay. But that’s a future thing.”
“Have you no consideration forus? For the sacrificeswemade so you could go to university?” Liz continued as if Tom hadn’t spoken.
“Let me see…Iwas the one who gave up playing with friends after school to take extra classes, likeyouwanted.Iwas the one who stayed home weekends to make sure I got the grades to be accepted at university.Iwas the one who studied accountancy, even though Ihateit, becauseyouwanted me to. I think I’ve repaid every sacrifice you made. It’s my life. I’m finally doing somethingIwant, with the personIlove. I’d like you to be a part of that life. But if that’s not whatyouwant, then so be it.”
Liz glowered at John, who shrugged. “He’s an adult. They’re his choices. Does Grandad know?”
Finally, Tom relaxed a fraction. He nodded. “Yes. And I know about his past.”
John nodded. “I’d say welcome to the family, Damon, but…well…you know. I’ll text you, Tom. We can meet up.”
“Is thatallyou’re going to say?” Liz’s voice was almost a screech, her expression now one of disbelief as John turned to walk away from her.
“Being closed minded caused a rift with my dad. It’s time I sorted that. And Iwon’thave one with my son. If you don’t accept him, fine. Your loss. I’ll see him away from here.Withoutyou.” John came to Tom, enveloped him in a hard hug, then stuck out his hand to Damon. “Be seeing you around. Take care of my boy.”
“I will.” Damon took John’s hand in a firm shake, and Tom grinned delightedly.
“Thanks, Dad. I’ll text you. You need my new address.”
“What happened to your flat?” John frowned. “I thought you liked that place.”
“I did, but not everyone is as accepting as you are. I’m staying with Damon. Up on the Manor. He has a house there.”
“I see.” John’s eyebrows climbed high, and he looked at Damon with a new expression. “So long as you’re happy.”
“I am, Dad.” Tom leaned into Damon.
“I don’t knoweitherof you anymore.” Liz’s angry voice drew their attention. “All I’ve done, and this is the way you repay me. Well, I wash my hands of it. Don’t come crying to me.” Liz turned on her heel and stomped away.
Tom gazed into Damon’s eyes. “I never went running to her.” He sighed. “She never wanted to have to deal with me when I was upset. Just told me to deal with it. I guess that’s why I don’t like seeming needy. I’m afraid I’ll be turned away.”
