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Both parents nod, somewhat placated.
“But since we’re talking,” Eli begins. “I’ve been meaning to get over and sit down with you both to tell you my plans.”
He squeezes my thigh underneath the table.
“I plan to stay in Neubrook long term and work with Michel. He has plenty to keep me busy where my skills and experience can be helpful.”
“I thought you didn’t want to do sales anymore,” his dad notes.
“It’s different here, and I plan to be more behind the scenes and let other people do the customer-facing roles.”
“Well, that’s good to hear,” his mother says.
Eli glances at me then blows out a slow breath. “We’re dating.”
His dad starts to speak, but Eli continues.
“Not dating. We’re in love. Way more than dating. We’re together. For good.”
His mother’s eyes soften as she smiles. “That’s wonderful, dear.”
“Didn’t know you liked guys,” his dad says, gruffly. “But whatever makes you happy is fine with us.”
Now Eli is shocked. “Whatever makes me happy? That’s a turnaround.”
Frowning, his dad nods. “We were too hard on you. We see that now. We feel… responsible for pushing you away.”
I can sense the feeling of acceptance and joy washing over Eli as he smiles. “Thank you. That means a lot, but I take responsibility for my life choices. I’m a grown man. I’m just glad my path led me back here so I could find Michel again.”
“We were always meant for this,” I whisper as Eli gazes at me.
“Always.”
* * *
The next day, as I sit in my office going through retail proposals for the new lofts, I hear my name.
“Michel?”
I look up from my desk as Crystal taps on the door.
“Maren George is on line one for you.”
“Thank you.”
She slips out of the room as I answer. “Maren. How can I help you?”
“Good morning. Our friend Garrett was arrested last night.”
My interest perks up. “Arrested? For what?”
“Disorderly conduct and nuisance. His wife called when he slammed her against the wall for attempting to stop him from driving. Fortunately, she got his keys and he took off on foot. Made it over to Randy’s bar where, and this is the part I think you should know, he was loudly threatening to ‘take you out.’ His words.”
“Take me out.” I nod. “So I’m getting to him.”
“Very much so. He posted bail thanks to Ben, so I think you should watch your back.”
“Thanks for the heads-up.”
