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“Please, help yourselves,” Ford insisted as he sat in the chair across from me. I ladled out a scoop onto my plate, my mouth watering at the sight and smell of the meal. Then, out of habit, I served a scoop onto Henley’s plate. I was buttering his roll before realizing what I was doing. But luckily his dad was distracted by taking a long swig of his tea.
It wasn't that I was embarrassed of my care for my boy; that couldn't be further from the truth. But I didn't want to answer any questions Henley wasn't ready for.
Once Ford’s plate was full as well, we all dug in. I moaned when the first bite of warm, savory noodles nearly melted in my mouth. “This is delicious.”
“I'm glad you like it,” Ford beamed before taking his own bite and nodding his approval.
“So good,” Henley chimed in through a mouthful, “But I'd like a little salt. Can you hand it to me, Daddy?”
And then it happened. Ford and I both reached for the seasoning at the same time. He stared across the table at me. The neighbors stared. The president stared. Okay, maybe it wasn't that dramatic, but it sure as hell felt like it with the way Ford's eyes bore into me.
He asked in a thick, deep voice, “Henley, why don't you give Amir and me a few minutes alone?”
My poor boy physically shook in his seat as he looked over at me. Even as nervous as he was, he still silently asked for my permission. I nodded and he rose from the table, cheeks aflame, before scurrying towards the living room.
I looked back at Ford, whose gaze hadn't budged. I was a master at reading people's expressions; my job demanded it, but I couldn't get a solid read on him. I worried that things were about to get ugly since he asked Henley to leave the room. I appreciated that he was leaving my sweet boy out of this if he was going to be negative.
Even though I respected the man as Henley's father, I wouldn't allow him to speak poorly about my boy. I didn't want to cause any rifts, but I would always protect Henley and stand up for him. No one would cause him harm, no matter who they happened to be.
But that didn't mean it was easy. I tried to keep my expression neutral, but my heart was pounding. I'd looked into the eyes of killers, but couldn't remember ever being this nervous.
“Your face is priceless,” Ford said before giving a small chuckle. Okay, so maybe my expression wasn't neutral. I apparently also couldn't hide my confusion, because he snickered again. “I know all about Henley's needs.”
“You do?” I asked, completely baffled. “He never mentioned telling you.”
“He hasn't.”
“Then…how?”
A playful smile crossed his face. “Until a year ago, Henley lived here with me. Some things can't be hidden; mannerisms, curiosities…extended internet search history.”
I smiled, picturing Henley falling into a rabbit hole of online information. “You've never said anything to him?”
“I figured when he was ready to tell me, he would,” he explained with a shrug. “Until then, I didn't feel like it was any of my business.” My respect and adoration for the man grew tenfold. “I'm sure you've noticed he's a little shy and nervous by nature.” I smiled and nodded my agreement. “That's why I asked him to step out; I don't want to embarrass him.”
I nodded, appreciating his discretion, and he continued, “I read through a lot of the research he left on the computer; I wanted to understand what he was going through. I would never overstep a boundary, but I wanted to be able to offer support if he needed it. But now that the secret is out, I have a few questions to better understand his situation.”
His interest and care for his son warmed my heart. “Of course. I'm happy to answer anything I can.”
Ford thought for a minute before replying, “Is there something I should be doing? Do I need to treat him a certain way, or…?” He sighed and ran his hand through his beard. “I'm sorry; I've had these questions in my mind for a while, but I'm not sure how to ask them.”
“There's no need to apologize,” I told him honestly. “And I think I understand.” He basically wanted to know if he should treat Henley like he was younger. “Age regression is part of my relationship with Henley, but it's not something he needs or wants all of the time. When he does, I take care of him. He may be comfortable showing his little side around you one day, or maybe not. If he doesn't, please don't take offense; it's a personal, intimate thing that he may not want to share with anyone but me.”
