Chapter 19 #2
He’s strong and locked-in this time, popping up and balancing himself easily before riding the wave to shore.
“Nice, bro!” I holler as he paddles his way back to me. “That was a good one!”
“Yeah, but you still owe me a steak,” he quips, and I don’t disagree. “Dessert too.”
“You got it, but dibs on the next wave,” I say, feeling relaxed and completely distracted from the mess that is my love life.
Jake and I continue to surf, chatting about school, sports, and parties for what seems like hours. When we finally paddle back to shore, we collapse on our towels, exhausted and out of breath.
“I’m glad we did this,” Jake murmurs, and I can barely hear him over the whooshing of the ocean in front of us and the pulse in my ears.
“Me too. But now I’m starving.” I sit up, chugging the rest of my water and shoving the empty bottle into my bag. “How about filet mignon?”
“Hell yeah, bro,” Jake replies, looking over at me with a satisfied grin. “Let’s fucking do it.”
Even though Tate’s only spending a few days in New York, it honestly feels like a few weeks. I miss him. His presence, his positivity, and his larger-than-life personality that always keeps me on my toes. Fuck. I’m crushing on him. Hard.
My phone suddenly buzzes on the nightstand, startling me out of my thoughts. It’s my mom.
Hi, honey! Just checking in to see how your week went and invite you over for dinner. I miss you, and I’m making your favorite tonight! Chicken pot pie.
I can’t say no to my childhood comfort food.
Hey Mom! It went fast! Dad keeps me busy. That sounds delicious, what time should I be there?
My parents live an hour west of campus, and I haven’t gone to see them much recently. Part of the problem is being stuck with my dad all day in the office, and him telling me what to do all the time.
The last thing I want to do after that is voluntarily spend my evenings with him, too. The other reason I haven't been home in a while is that I’m not ready to come out to them, and my mother has always been able to read me like a book.
Five is good, but you’re always welcome sooner, honey.
See you then, Mom.
I set my phone back down and close my eyes for a second. Sexy dreams starring Tate headline my nap, and even though I sleep for a good three hours, I don’t wake up feeling refreshed. More like desperate, horny, and hard.
I take a quick shower, jerking off as the warm water pelts my back. It’s a lackluster orgasm, but literally anything is compared to Tate.
Dressing in slacks and a button-down that I wear to the office, I hop in my Jeep and start the journey to my parents’ house. I really do love my mom’s cooking, and it’s been a while since I’ve spent time with her. I’m just not in the best headspace to deal with them right now.
I get on the road a little before four, completely zoning out most of the way.
Once I’m in their neighborhood, I stop at the local grocery store and buy a bottle of wine and a bouquet of colorful flowers.
I park behind my dad’s Volvo and take a deep breath before I get out.
I ring the doorbell and wait, even though I have a key.
It just doesn’t feel right to walk in unannounced anymore.
“Hi, honey!” my mom says, greeting me with a giant smile and a big hug.
“Hey, Mom. These are for you.” I hug her back the best I can with my hands full before giving her the flowers. “I can take the wine to the kitchen for you.”
“Oh, Spencer. They’re beautiful, honey. Thank you. You’re such a gentleman. Come in. Come in. You know you don’t have to ring the bell.”
I shrug and follow her into the kitchen, setting the bottle of wine on the counter and saying hello to my father. He’s on his laptop at the island. Working.
“Son. Good to see you outside the office and at home for once,” he says with a curt nod.
“Yeah. Nice to see you, Dad.”
“I just took dinner out of the oven, so we can go sit down if everyone’s ready,” Mom says warmly. “I’m going to put these in some water first.”
I make my way to the dining room and take a seat in my designated chair. My dad carries the large pot pie in, setting it on the wooden trivet. Rich, savory smells fill the room, making my stomach grumble.
Mom comes in next, placing the beautiful vase of flowers in the center of the table with a pleased smile. “There. Now, who’s ready to eat?”
“I am. It smells amazing, Mom. Thank you for cooking,” I say, grateful for a home-cooked meal for once.
Mom beams, pouring me a giant glass of milk and serving me a large slice of steaming chicken pot pie just like old times.
“Let it cool down for a minute,” she tells us after serving herself and covering the pot pie. “So, Spencer, what have you been up to this summer besides working with your dad?” Mom asks with a curious smile. “I feel like I’ve hardly seen you.”
Guilt punches me in the gut for avoiding my own mother. “Just hanging out with my friends, surfing, going out.”
“Going out where?”
Memories of leather, lace, and a lot of flawless skin flash through my mind.
“Uh. To the bar and over to friends’ places. That sort of thing,” I say casually, trying to be vague and willing the sexy thoughts away.
“Hmm. Is there someone special?” she pries, asking the question I’ve been dreading.
I freeze like a deer in headlights, while my parents’ eyes linger on me, waiting for an answer.
Yes.
Someone very special.
I shake the thoughts out of my head. “What is this? An inquisition?” I joke with a chuckle, ignoring her question so I don’t have to lie.
“I hope you’re not drinking and driving,” my mom says out of the blue.
“Mom,” I groan, dragging the word out. “Of course not. That’s what Uber is for.”
What the heck?
“Just checking. I’m your mom, and I’m allowed to make sure you’re being safe.”
I shake my head. “Can we eat now?” I ask, changing the subject away from me and my life. “I think it’s cooled down enough.”
“Go ahead, but be careful,” she warns.
I scoop up a creamy spoonful with peas, carrots, and chicken in one bite, humming at the familiar, comforting taste.
After my mom surprises me with my favorite dessert, strawberry shortcake, I say goodbye, ready to get home and relax before I fall asleep.
“See you Monday morning,” Dad says with a firm handshake.
Mom gives me a hug. “I’ll pack you some leftovers for lunch. Thanks for coming over, honey. I love you so much.”
“Thanks, Mom. Love you, too.”
I zone out on the way home, my mind once again wandering back to Tate. He’ll be home tomorrow, and I’m hoping I can see him soon.