Page 63 of Joey

The butler, Percy, bowed his head and held out his hand. “Nice to meet you, Master Ethan.”

“Likewise.” And he found it was true. As they headed for the lounge, Ethan said, “You never told me they had money. I thought this was from you.”

Joey glanced at him. “The house is. Everything in it was bought by them.”

“Percy seems to have known you for a long time.”

Joey grinned. “We didn’t always have money, but I was about ten when Dad made a wise business choice and reaped the rewards.” Ethan raised his eyebrows at him. “Investments. Dad has a way with them. They’re not famous by any means.”

“Not like you.” Ethan nudged his side.

Joey chuckled. “Definitely more subdued than me.”

They entered a large, bright room with plenty of seating space, a large coffee table and a bar in one corner. Ethan inhaled and braced himself for meeting the two people deep in conversation.

“Mum, Dad?”

Joey’s mum glanced up, and Ethan could see the resemblance immediately. They had the same facial features, though Joey’s were more masculine than his mother’s. She smiled in the same way, too. Rising from her chair, she opened her arms as Joey went towards her.

“Joey! I’m so glad you came.”

At the words, some of the nervousness disappeared. He’d been worried they would be stuck up and grandiose because of their money, but he could see where Joey got his down-to-earth personality.

“Hi, Mum. This is Ethan.”

Ethan stepped closer and held out his hand, but she grabbed it and tugged him in for a hug.

“Ethan, my dear. I haven’t heard as much about you as I want to know, so be prepared to be interrogated over dinner.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Pfft. Hazel, please.”

Ethan smiled. “Hazel.”

“Sweetheart, come meet Ethan. He’s adorable, just like Joey told us.”

Adorable? He glanced at Joey, whose cheeks had darkened, and he wouldn’t meet Ethan’s gaze. He’d tease him about that later.

Joey’s father rose from his seat and stepped forward, hand outstretched. “Nice to meet you, Ethan. Please call me Jonah.”

“Thank you for having me, Jonah.”

“You’re most welcome. Come, sit.” Jonah waved to the sofa opposite them. “Tell us about you.”

Ethan cleared his throat as he sat. “Um, well, there’s not much to say, really.”

“Of course there is. Joey said you live in Whitby?” Hazel said.

Ethan shared a glance with Joey, who smiled and gave a small nod. He refocused on Hazel. “I do, yes. Although, I’ve decided to, um…” He stared at Joey, wanting his help to explain their crazy, fast decision.

Joey chuckled and wrapped an arm around him. “Ethan is moving in with me. We’ve had a long talk about it, and we’ve agreed that it’s a good decision. He’s going to work as my assistant when I’m on the road.”

Hazel frowned. “It is a bit quick. Are you sure about making such a big decision?” She held out her hands. “Please don’t think I’m against it. I’m not. I’m just concerned.”

Ethan nodded. “I was, too. I kept thinking we were moving too fast, but I think living with someone is the best way to find out if you’re compatible or not. Or at least, the quickest way.” He exhaled and stared at Hazel, seeing the worry and love shining in her eyes for her son. “I love him, Hazel. I know it’s quick.” He stared at Joey, smiling. “But I also know my heart.”

He heard sniffing, and Hazel wiped her eyes. “Oh, I’m just a big softy. Don’t mind me.” She waved him away. “I don’t think we have anything to worry about, Jonah.”

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