Chapter 17 - Soaring high #3
“Yep, I’m not leaving your side for one second.
And while I’m keeping most of the details of the trip to myself, I did want to ask about one thing, in case it’s not ok.
Seeing that we’ll be going to be pretty close to Kingston, I was wondering if you would come with me and have lunch with my folks.
It would mean the world to me if you were willing to meet them.
” He asks me with pleading eyes. This is definitely the moment I should say no, it’s too early to meet the parents and I’m not a meet-the-parents kinda guy, but fuck if I’m going to disappoint Leon.
I manage to overcome my fear enough to give him a small smile. “I think it should be fine, although I don’t normally make the best first impressions. I don’t want you to be disappointed if your parents don’t like me.”
“They’ll love you, I’m sure.” I hear the implied as much as I do and my heart is so big it might burst. “And we don’t have to tell them we’re boyfriends, if it’s easier.”
That is slightly disappointing, but the last thing I want to do is push the former “straight” guy to come out to his family. “Makes sense, you probably don’t want to come out so soon, when they’ve known you as straight all your life.”
“What? No!” Leon says firmly. “I don’t give a shit about that, I’ll call them right now and tell them. I just didn’t want to put you on the spot if you weren’t ready to meet them as my boyfriend.”
“Oh.” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. Leon continues to surprise me at every turn with his newfound confidence. “I guess it will be ok in that case. I’m just afraid, you know? I’ve never met someone’s parents like that.”
“I would be really happy to introduce you as my boyfriend, Dex.” He says with a dazzling smile. “They met a couple of my past girlfriends and have always been nice towards them, so I’m sure they’ll be polite in any case, but as I said I’m confident they’ll love you.”
“Ok, stop making my head spin. Maybe let’s play it by ear when we get there.” I tell him as a compromise to stop this particular conversation, although I already know I want nothing more than to be claimed by Leon for the whole world to see.
“Fine, fine.” Leon says as he squeezes me tight, the breath leaving my lungs in a sudden exhale.
“Stop crushing me, you giant fucker.” I joke with him, but I swoop in for a kiss.
“You’re just so damn huggable.” He says back and we’re both grinning. “Ok, I need to get a move on before Kaylee fires my ass. Let me quickly grab her triple shot mocha, so she forgives me for taking a thirty minute coffee break.
“Oh fuck, it’s been that long?” I ask in a slight panic as I move to the counter to order my coffees as well.
“I’m exaggerating, but it’s been a bit. Should I pick you up from work at six and we can go together to mine?” He asks casually, as he places his order.
“That’s fine, but I need to go by my place to grab a couple of things. Are you ok to come to mine and we can take a cab together?”
“Sure, but I’m not coming up, otherwise we’ll never leave.” He tells me with a mischievous smile.
“Deal.” I say, as I turn to the barista to give her my order as well. I’m already so excited I don’t know how I’m going to last the next eight hours.
I rush back to the office with four coffees in hand.
The last one I bought for Macy since I kinda, maybe owe her an apology.
She’s been nothing but a good friend and I have indeed been a dickwad.
I take her overly sweet caramel latte to her desk first and I’m in luck when I find her there, deep in concentration. Now to get the words out.
“You shouldn’t have!” She exclaims cheerily, before lifting a brow at me in suspicion.
“Wait, why did you? Is it poisoned?”
I snort a laugh, “Like poison works on devils. I know better, Mace.”
“Fine, what is this for then? Need a favor? I’m happy to whip the emo girl in shape if you need me to.” He finishes smugly.
“What? You mean Charlize? Why would I want that?” I ask, genuinely confused.
“You know how she is just so… infuriating. Mark my words, I’m going to make that girl my friend if it’s the last thing I do.” She says, seeming equally angry and frustrated.
“I’m sure your devil powers will work eventually, although it might be good for you to learn the life lesson that you can’t be liked by everyone.
It’s just not how it works.” I tell her calmly, thinking about getting back on track to the thing I actually came to talk about.
I’m sure that by the time I make it back to my own desk it will actually have been half an hour.
She just huffs in response, like I’ve just said aliens came down to Earth this morning.
“Anyway, that’s now what I came to talk about.
I’m going away with Leon in a little over two weeks for a long weekend and he’s asked me to meet his parents.
I’m scared shitless that they won’t like me and I need you to tell me how to be charming as fuck.
Please help me, Mace.” I throw everything I’ve got, including my best impression of Leon’s puppy dog eyes, hoping to convince her.
“Dex, you’re actually pretty great when you let your walls down. Just be yourself, honestly. But like, be open with them. Let them see you, not the grumpy and aloof face you normally show the world.” She tells me with kind eyes, making me shift on the spot.
“Gee, Mace. I’m not a cracker so quit buttering me up. Also, can I get something more substantial than a clichéd ‘be yourself’? I’m trying to impress these people.” I volley back, hoping for something more.
“There’s no magic trick. You’re good at reading people, so you could probably work them like you do the clients. But that’s not the point here, the point is for them to see who their son fell in love with. And that’s all you, Dex.” She says, with an infuriating kind tone again.
“Who says he’s in love?” I ask, but I’m deflecting.
“Well, maybe I need to see for myself. When can I meet him?” She asks, brazenly.
“Absolutely not.” I say immediately.
“Come on, Dex. You’re meeting his family, so it’s only fair he meets one of your friends.” She’s at least gracious enough not to say only friend.
“Fine, I guess you’re right. I did meet his friend Ryan over the weekend. But you only get three minutes and if you embarrass me, I swear to God I will douse you in holy water.” I announce menacingly, but of course she just giggles.
“I will be sure to fluff you up, my liege.” She mockingly bows over the desk. “Glad to hear it’s going well though. And Ryan sounds hot!”
“He’s absolutely hot and even bigger than Leon, he’d probably break you in half. But he’s nothing compared to my unicorn.” I say before I can stop myself and can see the hearts forming in Macy’s eyes.
“You’re so cute!” She declares.
“Whatever, just be ready to leave at six and I’ll introduce you since he’s picking me up from work.” I tell her as I collect the now cold coffees.
“So romantic!” She shouts after me, but I ignore her.
I’m already regretting this, but here goes, I guess. In theory it’s good for Leon to see I have at least one friend and am not a complete fucking weirdo. All worries disappear when his wide smile takes front and center in my mind. I’ll never be tired of it.