Page 61 of A Haunting at Keystone Manor

She wipes her eyes and dad runs his hand over his hair. It has grey flecks in it now. I really put my parents through the wringer. “I’m really sorry,” I say.

“So, when do we get to meet the boyfriend?” dad asks, slapping his hands on his thighs before standing. “Give me a second to get my shotgun. Me and this fellow are going to have a little chat.”

“Dad, you can’t threaten my boyfriend. He’ll never speak to me again,” I intercept him as he starts moving towards for the door. I grab his elbows because, let’s face it, I’m not tall enough to grab his shoulders. I get my height from mom, not dad. “He’s such a good guy. There’s no need; you’ll love him. Please don’t scare him away.” He grunts.

“We’ll see about that.”

I hear the faucet turn on in the kitchen. “I think that’s him. Wait here, I’ll be right back.” I scurry out of the living room and into the kitchen to see Jake running his hands under the water.

“Hey babe, so funny story. My parents are here. Do you want to meet them?”

He looks up at me with wide eyes. “No!”

I hold my hands out like I’m taming a wild animal. “It’s okay, they’re so nice. They’ll love you. Brandon surprised me by inviting them here.”

“Do they know we’re dead?”

I nod. “I told them. And showed them, but I don’t think it’s fully sunk in yet.” I reach out and grab his hand. “Come meet them. Please?”

“They know you’re gay, right? We won’t be ambushing them?” he asks nervously.

“I’ve told you before, I have the best parents ever. They’ve known I’m gay for a long time, and they don’t care at all.”

He reluctantly follows behind me as I lead him back to the living room. I can tell he’s dragging his feet, wanting to be anywhere else at the moment. My parents are going to love him, I’m confident about that.

We walk into the room together, still holding hands. “This is my boyfriend, Jake.” I look up at him over my shoulder to see him staring wide eyed at them, frozen. I nudge him with an elbow.

He snaps out of his daze. “Hello, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Jake. Alex’s boyfriend. I’ve heard a lot about you from Alex. All good.” My man is babbling nervously in front of my parents. I smile as he scratches the back of his neck. I step to the side and gently encourage him forward with a hand on the small of his back.

My dad walks up to us brusquely and sticks a hand out, expecting a shake. Startled, Jake takes a step back. My dad lets his hand fall, confused. He’s a gruff guy, but he’s a gentle giant with a heart of gold.

“Sorry, sir.” He clears his throat and cautiously steps forward to clasp hands with my father. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“You as well, son. Are you treating my boy right?”

“I try my best, sir.” He looks down at me quickly and smiles. “I just want him to be happy.”

“Good, I’m glad to hear it. I’m glad Alex has found someone. He was always so shy when he was younger. You’d never know it now. We tried to get him to date; of course, back then we thought he was into women. Anyway, if he’s happy, I’m happy. And please, call me Thomas.”

Dad steps back and mom moves forward, slowly so as to not startle him. She can sense he’s feeling skittish and is trying not to spook him.

“Can I give you a hug, sweetie?” she asks him. When he nods, she embraces him gently and he wraps his arms around her, leaning over quite a bit in order to do so. “And you can call me mom. Or Debbie, but I prefer mom.”

After a minute, she releases him and steps back. I can see the approval in her eyes as she studies him. “I like your necklace. What does it mean?”

His hand flies up to the padlock, eyes wide. “Oh, um, Alex gave it to me.” He holds his breath as if awaiting her judgement.

“I should have guessed,” she says with a light laugh.

Sensing that Jake’s had just about all he can take of this encounter, I look at my parents. “Do you guys want to get settled into your room? We have a bit more work to do around the hotel, but I’d love it if we could catch up later.”

“Okay honey, we’ll see you later. Jake, sweetie, it was nice to meet you,” mom says and gives him a warm smile before she and my dad head out.

“You too, ma’am.”

In the lobby I hear my dad say, “I can get my damn bags, Brandon.”

“Your parents are nice,” Jake says once they’re gone.