Page 75 of Unrequited Sloth

Could he feel this way after only two weeks? He’d been thinking about Gabriel differently before they first kissed, and even before that, he’d admired him and wanted the man in his life. Was this a natural progression, or was he getting carried away like he always did? He’d told Alex he loved her within a month, which had freaked her out a bit. It would be best if he kept it to himself for now. They needed to focus on what was going to be a tough day for everyone. He wasn’t sure how things would play out, but he’d be by Gabriel’s side to support him.

“How are you feeling?” asked Bobby, as they approached the front door of Gabriel’s parents’ house.

“Shitting myself. This could be a disaster.”

“Your mum and dad are on your side, aren’t they?”

Gabriel nodded. He’d spoken to his father during the week, and he’d apologised as well. However, it was what Daniel’s guy had uncovered from the private investigation into Dillon which was why they were here.

“I just don’t want to lose my sister.”

Bobby couldn’t reassure him that wouldn’t happen as he didn’t know how Alex was going to react. Gabriel took a deep breath and took hold of Bobby’s hand. He smiled, loving how he wasn’t shying away from saying they were together to his parents. They had a bit of time before Alex and Dillon arrived, and this would be the first time Bobby had seen Mr and Mrs Mensah since before his stag do in Vegas. That felt like a lifetime ago, and it hadn’t even been three months.

The door was unlocked, so Gabriel walked straight in, still holding Bobby’s hand. The smell of cooking made his mouth water. Mrs M was a brilliant cook, and he could see where Gabriel had gotten it from. Bobby should make more effort, but Gabriel seemed to enjoy doing it, even if he moaned about having to do everything. Bobby had ways of making it up to him.

“Mum, Dad, we’re here.”

They walked into the kitchen-diner. His mum was busy in the kitchen, and his dad was reading the paper, as Bobby had seen him do many a Sunday over the past two years. This time he was here as their son’s partner, not their daughter’s, which had to be weird for them, so he was prepared for that. Gabriel was not letting go of his hand, though, so Bobby would take his lead.

Mrs M, which is how Bobby always referred to her, rushed over, clocked their hands, and pulled Gabriel into a hug. She seemed to hesitate for a second before she hugged Bobby as well, which he was happy to accept. Mr M hugged his son and shook Bobby’s hand, which had always been their dynamic.

“Let’s talk strategy before they arrive, shall we?” said Mr M.

Gabriel chuckled. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard you use the word ‘strategy’ in my entire life.”

They all laughed, which broke the tension a bit. The atmosphere still felt awkward, but that was to be expected. This would not be a pleasant experience for anyone, but they were all aligned on the priority for today, which was for Alex to see Dillon as he really was, and for it to be her decision to walk away from him.

After over an hour of talking, which included several cups of tea, the front door opened and in walked Alex, followed by Dillon. It was the first time Bobby had seen him in weeks, and he had an overwhelming urge to punch him in the face for what he’d said to Gabriel, but that wasn’t in line with Mr M’s strategy.

“What are they doing here?” asked Alex.

“I invited your brother and his new partner for Sunday dinner, just like I did with you and your new partner,” said Mrs M.

Bobby didn’t miss the emphasis on the word “new” regarding Dillon, but Alex seemed to have missed it.

“Yeah, but he was my fiancé before Gabriel stole him.”

Gabriel gripped Bobby’s hand under the table. Things were already getting heated, and they hadn’t even sat down yet.

“Well, you’re happy with Dillon now, aren’t you? So it all worked out, didn’t it?” said Mrs M, with an innocent look on her face.

Mr M was reading his newspaper, or making it look like he was. He hadn’t gotten up to greet Alex and Dillon the way he had with Gabriel and Bobby. That had to mean something, didn’t it? Bobby wasn’t sure if they were just tolerating him being here, given what he had on Dillon, but maybe they would be accepting of him and Gabriel as a couple. He hoped they were, as Bobby wasn’t going anywhere.

“Can I get either of you a drink?”

“Beer, please,” said Dillon.

“I’ll just have water,” said Alex.

She went to get the drinks, leaving an awkward atmosphere behind her. Nobody was speaking, and it felt more and more uncomfortable the longer it went on. There was no eye contact either, so no dirty looks to decipher. Just nothing. Bobby was getting restless, but he had to let Mr M drive this. He was still reading his newspaper and didn’t seem to be in a hurry.

Mrs M brought the drinks back in and passed them to Alex and Dillon. They both took a drink, and the silence continued. When was someone going to speak?

“I was listening to something interesting recently,” said Mr M from behind his newspaper. “Well, interesting is the wrong word. It was more illuminating. Your brother shared it with me, Alex.”

“Okay,” she said, sounding unsure.

“Yes, it was quite fascinating. Would you like to hear it?”