Page 13 of Imperfect Skin

Four

CALLUM

As I stepped off the stage, I was caught in a bone-crushing hug from Simon. “You know you’re going to have to sing at the wedding now.”

“First you two need to decide a date.” I gave them both a stern look.

“See, Daddy, I told you we needed to decide sooner than later.” Rhys came up alongside Simon, wrapping his arms around his Daddy, looking smug.

“I promise as soon as Jakob lets me know when he can be here, we can set the date.” Simon brushed a kiss across Rhys’s head.

“You two are disgustingly cute together,” I grumbled

“Jealous?” Rhys piped up from under his Daddy’s protective arm.

“Nah, he’s too bossy for my tastes and you’re too sweet,” I answered, earning a chuckle from Simon.

“He’s right baby bear, he’d eat you up.” Simon tickled Rhys, earning us both a scowl—which, coming from Rhys, was like having a kitten bare its teeth.

Unperturbed by the teasing, Rhys continued, “So, what you’re saying is you need a naughty, bratty boy.”

I let out a laugh. “I’m not falling for that trap, whoever you think would be perfect for me. I’m quite happy with my life right now.”

Rhys let out an adorable huff. “You, Sir, are full of shit.”

“Language, baby bear.” Simon warned softly.

“Sorry, Daddy, but I’m still right. I am so done with people ignoring what’s right for them and what’s right in front of them.” Rhys gave me a defiant look and tipped his chin up, challenging me to argue with him.

I crossed my arms and caught Simon’s stare before I spoke. He gave a slight inclination of his head—it was Rhys’s funeral. He’d decided to start this. “And who do you think I’m ignoring, boy?” I had to give Rhys credit, he didn’t back down.

“You and Mouse are so caught up in your own shit you’re not looking at what’s right in front of you,” Rhys stated.

“Rhys,” Simon growled softly in warning, but I shook my head slightly.

“And what am I blind to?”

Rhys took a deep breath as he looked around the room. Most of the guests had gone back to dancing or eating and nobody was paying much mind to what the three of us were doing.

“Mouse is going to kill me,” Rhys muttered, but then he looked me square in the eye. “You really want to hear this?”

“Lay it on me, Rhys. It seems like you’ve been brooding on this.”

“I don’t brood! I see what’s in front of me and make informed decisions.” Rhys turned a fierce look on Simon. “You need to keep your mouth zipped. Not a word to Mouse about anything I’m about to say, you hear?”

“Alright, but maybe let’s pick somewhere a little more private for this conversation.” Simon pointed to the door that led out to the courtyard.

“Good idea. I’m going to need more fruit punch for this,” Rhys muttered, stalking forwards.

Simon shook his head as Rhys poured another large cup of punch. I opted for the non-alcoholic one, then followed them through to the quiet courtyard.

“Alright, Tiny Teddy, out with it.” I sat down on one of the stone benches and waited. Rhys took a large drink from his cup and paced the small confines of the courtyard, fierce determination etched on his face. If it wasn’t for the serious look on his face, it would have been adorable.

“Alright, look, we all know Mouse is still fucked up about his mum’s death.” Rhys shot Simon a glance. “And it’s fucked him up in other ways. Like, he doesn’t think he’s worthy of good and decent relationships.”

“I should have seen that.” Simon slumped down onto the bench alongside me. “He’s kept Dad and I at a distance for so long, it felt almost normal.”

Rhys sighed. “Mouse puts on a good show, but he’s still hurting, and he needs someone to help him.”

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