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The front door burst open, spilling light onto the dark ground. Quinn and Vic led the charge, closely followed by his parents. He barely managed to open the car door before he was attacked by his sister and the over-excited dog.
“Hayden, Hayden. I thought you weren’t coming. You said seven, and I’ve been waiting at the door.” She hugged him tight, Quinn trying desperately to clamber through the open door.
“I know, Vic. I’m sorry, but I can’t help it if there’s traffic. I’m here now, though. Let me get out of the car. I need to help Ash out, and there’s bags in the boot.”
“His name is Ashok. Why are you calling him Ash?” Vic was very particular when it came to names, although she insisted everyone call her Vic and not Victoria. She had some odd habits.
“I call him Ash, and you can too. He won’t mind.” Hayden turned to see an amused Ashok watching the exchange between the two of them.
“I don’t mind, and I’m very happy to meet you, Vic.”
“Vic, come away and let Hayden get out at least. You can fuss over him all you like when he gets inside. It’s freezing out here. Anyone would think it’s winter.” Hayden’s dad, Bill, took Vic’s hand and led her back inside the house, giving Hayden space to get out.
He opened Ashok’s door, leaning in to scoop him into his arms.
“I don’t need to be carried. I can manage.”
“Not on this surface, you won’t. It’s as slippy as fuck. You’ll be on your arse again if you’re not careful. Better for me to carry you.”
Ashok growled, causing Hayden to laugh.
“Growl all you like. I’m not putting you down yet.” Hayden looked at Ashok as he carried him, noting the pout on his face. He looked cute as fuck, and his smile widened. The next few days were going to be fun.
Once everyone and everything was safely in the house, Hayden’s mum, Dianne, ushered them into the dining room. She always went all out with the decoration: red candles, holly and an evergreen garland draped artistically around the huge stone mantel, a roaring fire in the hearth. This was home.
It brought a lump to his throat and tears to his eyes, and when his gaze found Ashok, he was surprised to see a similar reaction.
“Come on, boys. Sit. Eat. We’ve got lots of catching up to do.”
His mum served a delicious meal of vegetarian shepherd’s pie topped with sweet potato mash. It was delicious. He was grateful to her for taking Ashok’s meal choice into consideration and not just serving something different for him.
“I hope you like it, Ashok,” his mum said. “I made it from scratch. I know it’s not gourmet cuisine, but I’m not used to it yet. Give me time, and I’ll have this vegetarian cooking mastered.”
“Yes, because now you’re Hayden’s boyfriend, you’ll come to visit more often, won’t you, Ash?” Vic spoke with such innocence. As far as she was concerned, Ashok would be around forever.
Poor Ashok coughed, almost choking on his food. Hayden patted his back as he glared at Vic. She knew better and just smiled sweetly back at him. She knew what she was doing.
“What did I say, Vic?” he asked her pointedly.
“You said he was lovely, and we should treat him like family. Family comes to visit all the time, so Ashok will come visit,” she said matter-of-factly.
She put another forkful of food in her mouth and chewed, a thoughtful look on her face.
“When are you getting married?”
This time it was Hayden’s turn to cough, his eyes watering.
“Mum,” he pleaded.
“Shush now, Vic, and eat up. Then you can come and help me with dessert.” She turned to Ashok. “We’ve sticky toffee pudding and our homemade vanilla ice cream. I hope you’ll like it.”
“I’m sure I will. Hayden has told me all about your business. I’d be interested to hear more and taste all the flavours.”
“I can show you. I’m the Customer Services person,” Vic piped up. “I tell all the customers about our ice cream and where it comes from. Do you want me to tell you now?”
“Maybe later, honey.” Bill seemed to be a man of very little words, but when he spoke, Vic listened.
“OK, Daddy. Anyway, Santa will be here soon, and we really don’t have time to go through everything, Ash. Don’t worry, though. I’ll make sure to tell you everything.” She emphasised ‘everything’, and Hayden had no doubt she’d tell him the story from start to finish, and he had to admit, he felt a little sorry for Ashok. Once his sister started, it was hard to make her stop.
