“Not like this.”
The problem was, they weren’t that new but Sky was still waiting for a sign that this was “it,” and Rob was the right man. Heshouldhave been the right man. Rob had retired from professional rugby four years earlier and had come out as pansexual so there was no need to hide. If anything, Rob was a little too open and public about his interest in Sky. He had posted several pictures of them together on his Instagram account and had insisted that they meet each other’s parents over Zoom two weeks earlier.
Oh, you sweet summer child.
But only in his heart.
Rob was a beast of a man with a generous, gentle soul. He had no business being with someone as broken as Skylar Sutton. Despite numerous warnings, Rob had stuck around, often joking that he was tough and had learned to fight for a reason. Sky knew that introducing him to Adele was aterribleidea. But he figured it was only fair and would help prepare Rob, if he lasted long enough to meet his mother in person.
Rob’s parents had been a delight, both warm and welcoming and as laid back as their son. They complimented Sky on his first book and said they were excited about his upcoming release. He was invited to visit New Zealand and stay on the family farm, and they askedso many questions.It was charming and Sky appreciated their interest and thoughtfulness. But he felt like a freak as he dodged questions about his family and upbringing.
“That wasn’t so bad. I told you they’d love you,” Rob had said as he hugged Sky and kissed his cheek. They were seated on the sofa at Rob’s place and his laptop was open on the coffee table.
“You were right: your parents are great.” Not that Sky had doubted Rob or had been all that worried. There was no way Rob’s parents could be worse than Stewart and Adele Sutton. Sky had beenraised by assholes, and no one could dislike him more than his father had. “You know this isn’t going to be anything like talking to your parents, right?” he had cautioned Rob again, just before they joined Adele.
“It’ll be fine!” Rob had flashed his biggest, cockiest, flirtiest grin and pulled Sky close for a quick kiss. “I don’t care if your mum is a dark, drunk demon, like you say she is. I want to know more aboutyouand where you came from. Good and bad. And wouldn’t you like to show her that you’re happy?”
“Right…”
That would be stretching the truth because Sky wasn’t entirely sure he was happy. He wasn’t a generally happy sort of person, even when things were going well for him. Hedidn’t mindgoing out to dinner and having sex at Rob’s place. Unlike Sky, Rob didn’t have a roommate and the traffic was quieter in his neighborhood.
Was Sky happy?
“I’m not sure if Mom cares about that.”
“I’m sure she does. Even if she’s terrible at showing it.” Rob opened the Zoom room and pointed at the message informing them that someone was waiting to enter. “Maybe this will help you two open up,” he whispered before he clicked it.
“I don’t think so.”
With Nadine’s help, a tablet had been propped on the dressing table in front of Adele. It took a moment for Nadine to turn up the volume and put them on full screen for her. Adele was fully made up—complete with false eyelashes, deep red lipstick, and a gleaming, black bob—but she was still in a sheer red robe and lace nightgown. It was after ten so Adele had a martini glass in her hand.
“What is it, Skylar? Why have you summoned me for this tacky nonsense?”
Sky held up a hand, sort of waving. “Hey, Mom. How’s it going?”
“Darling, it’s the same as it was yesterday and the day before that. I’m having dinner at the club, and I haven’t decided what I’m wearing, so if we could move this along…” She reached for something behind the tablet and Sky saw Rob frowning and checking his watch. He clearly didn’t appreciate how long that could take. Adele sprayed herself with something, then sighed at the screen. “Are you sure your sister can’t handle this? You know how easily I get headaches these days.”
“It’s nothing like that, I promise.” Sky cleared his throat and gestured at Rob, waiting patiently next to him. “Mom, this is Rob Taylor. He used to play professional rugby but he retired and is a journalist. He writes about sports and travel now, mostly. Rob, this is my mother, Adele Ainsley-Sutton.”
Rob gave her his most dashing smile and leaned in as he waved. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, ma’am. I can see where Sky gets his stunning blue eyes and captivating smile,” he said with a cheeky wink, but Adele’s face pinched and she blinked at the screen, unimpressed.
“I don’t understand,” she eventually whispered as she scowled at Sky. “Does he want money? Am I supposed to hire him for something?”
“No, Mom… We’re…dating,” he finally decided and held up his hands. “Normal people introduce their parents to the people they’re dating. From what I’ve heard.”
There was another encouraging laugh as Rob put an arm around Sky and ruffled his hair. “I’m wild about your son, Mrs. Sutton, and I’m trying my best to spoil him.”
“I see.” She leaned in again, her eyes narrowing as she studied Rob’s side of the screen. “Hmm.” Adele sat back and lit a cigarette and Sky heard Rob hold his breath as he waited for her verdict. Sky wanted to warn him again. Whatever Adele was about tosay wouldn’t be sentimental or welcoming. “Rather coarse and boring, but I bet he fucks like an animal. Congratulations, darling.”
“Thanks, Mom,” Sky responded flatly while Rob stood and walked out of sight of the camera. He picked up a pillow and turned so Sky couldn’t tell if he was laughing into it or screaming.
“That’s more than we can say about your sister and that boneless boy scout she married. I don’t think she could have found a more boring man if she had tried.”
Sky bit down on his lips, holding back a swear and silently begging her to drop it or change the subject. “Please don’t start.”
“Why not? That’s one more thing you and Sarina have in common, isn’t it?” Adele asked, her brows lifting expectantly. But Sky didn’t know what she was suggesting or if it was safe to reply. “You both like big, boring men.”
“Rob’s not boring. He’s from New Zealand and he plays rugby.”
