25. Myles
TWENTY-FIVE
MYLES
I stand in the kitchen of my apartment, kneading dough for homemade sausage rolls… a recipe Tristan taught me. Who knew I'd become somewhat of a baker under his guidance? The aroma of warm spices fills the air, and I can almost taste the flaky crust.
"Look, Dad," Nix exclaims from the living room, pulling me out of my culinary daydream. I glance over to see him holding up his VR goggles. Tristan, with his strong, firefighter arms and that boy-next-door charm, is helping Nix with an experiment—their laughter, a beautiful melody to my ears.
"Great job, kiddo!" Tristan cheers, giving Nix's shoulder an affectionate squeeze. A wave of warmth floods my chest as I watch them interact, my heart swelling with love for the two most important people in my life.
"Looking good from here, son."
"Hey, Myles, are those ready to go in the oven?" Tristan asks, gesturing toward the sausage rolls on the counter.
"Almost," I reply, rolling out the last bit of dough. "Just give me a second here."
"Take your time, no pressure," he says with a wink before turning back to assist Nix on his science adventure.
"Okay, I think they're ready," I announce a few minutes later, sliding the tray into the oven. The sizzle of the sausages teases my ears as they begin to cook.
"Perfect timing," Tristan says, glancing at the clock. He wraps an arm around Nix, who beams up at him. My heart skips a beat at witnessing their bond. How did I get so lucky?
"You're doing great with the baking and all," Tristan says, leaning against the kitchen counter. "You've come a long way since that burnt toast incident."
"Hey, I thought we agreed never to speak of that again!" I feign indignation but can't help the laugh that escapes my lips.
"Alright, alright, it's our little secret." Tristan grins, raising his hands in mock surrender. "But seriously, you're amazing. Nix is lucky to have you."
"Thanks," I murmur, feeling my face heat up. "He's lucky to have you too."
Smiling, his eyes soft and reflecting the love he feels for me, Tristan says, "I better head back to the little man before he blows up the living room."
Peeping over Tristan's shoulder to make sure that Nix's attention is still on his science experiment, I blow Tristan a kiss, wafting up the flour still in my hand.
Watching his retreating figure as he heads back to the living room, the cheeks of his derrière on full display make my dick twitch in response. But a knock on the door startles me, pulling my attention away from the sexy sight.
"I'll get it," I say, wiping my hands on a towel.
"Thanks, Dad," Nix calls out, his attention still on the science experiment unfolding in front of him.
As I approach the door, curiosity pricks at my thoughts. Who could it be at the door? Peering through the peephole, I'm met with the unexpected sight of George and Cynthia, my in-laws. My heart plummets like an anchor into the depths of my chest.
"Great," I mutter under my breath, remembering our last conversation weeks ago—the one about the church they took Nix to, the same one that preaches against people like me and Tristan. I swallow hard, trying to push down the unease slithering up my spine.
I swing the door open, inviting my in-laws inside. "Hi George, Cynthia. How have you been?"
"We're doing fine," Cynthia says, her eyes wary.
"Grandma! Grandpa!" Nix's eyes light up at the sight of his grandparents, as he races towards them with open arms.
"Hey there, kiddo." George chuckles, bending down to scoop Nix into a bear hug. The sound of laughter fills the room, melting away some of the tension that had settled in my chest.
"Such a warm welcome," Cynthia muses, her smile genuine as she ruffles Nix's hair. Yet, I can't shake the feeling there's something off about her demeanor. It's hard to place, but it leaves me slightly on edge.
They follow me to the living room where my boyfriend is standing, looking adorably nervous.
"Tristan, meet Cara's parents, George and Cynthia." I gesture between them, trying to sound casual. "George, Cynthia, this is Tristan, my next-door neighbor."
"Boyfriend," I whisper under my breath, testing how the word feels on my tongue. How I long to introduce Tristan as such, but we haven't figured out when or how to come out to our loved ones just yet. For now, "neighbor" will have to do.
"Nice to meet you." Tristan offers a friendly grin, extending his hand. But I know my man well; he's nervous.
"Likewise," George replies, shaking Tristan's hand firmly. Cynthia nods her greeting, her eyes flitting between me and Tristan as if she's trying to decipher a hidden message.
"Would you two like anything to drink?" I ask, hoping to steer the conversation towards neutral ground. I gesture for them to take a seat.
"Water would be nice," Cynthia says, and George agrees.
"Sure thing, just give me a second," I say, making my way to the kitchen to grab glasses for everyone. As I fill them up, I can't help eavesdropping on the conversation happening just beyond the kitchen.
"Your dad tells us you're quite the scientist, Nix." I could hear the pride in George’s voice.
"Yep!" Nix responds excitedly. "Tristan and I were doing a cool experiment before you came."
Nix's laughter fills the air as he animatedly explains the experiment to George and Cynthia. Their eyes are glued to him, captivated by his enthusiasm. It's a heartwarming sight, but I can't help feeling tense as Tristan strolls toward me.
"Should I, uh... should I go?" Tristan whispers, perhaps sensing my unease. "Give you some privacy?"
I glance at him, then back at my in-laws chatting with Nix. It's tempting. But something within me refuses to let Tristan leave. I swallow my nerves and shake my head. "No, stay. Please."
Tristan nods, offering a small, supportive smile. It's like sunshine poking out of the dark-grey clouds after a storm.
As I watch Cynthia laugh at something Nix says, I notice her gaze flicker towards me. There’s an expression on her face I’ve never seen before—curiosity mixed with something else I can’t quite place. My chest tightens. Could she suspect there's more between Tristan and me than just friendship?
"Alright, Nix," George says, clapping his hands, then rubbing them together. "You'll have to show us that science kit in action when we stop by again, okay?"
"Yes, Grandpa," Nix agrees enthusiastically. His excitement is contagious, and despite my lingering anxiety, I can't stop my smile.
"Here you go," I say, as I serve the glasses of water.
"Thank you." Cynthia takes a sip as the room falls silent for a moment, the air thick with unspoken thoughts.
George clears his throat. All traces of humor vanish from his face. "Listen, Myles..." he starts, looking uncomfortable. "There's something Cynthia and I wanted to talk to you about… regarding our last conversation."
My heart beats faster, adrenaline coursing through my veins. The memory of that heated exchange and the events leading up to it send a shiver down my spine. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for whatever comes next.
"Alright," I say, trying to keep my voice steady. "Let's talk in the kitchen," I suggest, not wanting Nix to overhear our conversation. They nod in agreement, following me into the other room while I brace myself for whatever is about to unfold.
We migrate into the kitchen, leaving Nix and Tristan behind.
In my peripheral vision, I see Tristan stoop in front of Nix and have a whispered conversation with him.
Then rising to his feet, he takes Nix's hand, and they both walk to the bedroom.
When I hear the door snick shut, I face my in-laws.
I can't help but wonder if this conversation will change everything…
– whether for better or worse. Only time will tell.