Page 55 of Something Unforgettable

Xavier took the phone from him. “Hi, Grace. It’s Xavier DeCain. Listen, I need you to do something for me.”

He paused, nodding in response to whatever Grace said.

“Yes, that’s right. I need you to call Jean. From the hospital gift shop?”

Oh. Oh, that was a fantastic idea. He never would have thought of that.

“Yeah. Can you tell her that Finn and Remy Dalton are just friends? Uh-huh… No. Nothing romantic. It wasn’t a date.” He leaned in and kissed Finn’s forehead. “Yes. That’s right. Thank you, Grace.”

“That was amazing,” he told Xavier when he hung up. “The truth will be all over town before lunchtime.”

Xavier smiled and crowded between Finn’s knees, cupping his cheeks with wet hands.

“Thank you, sweetheart. I might be starting to get the hang of this small-town stuff.” He winked. “Listen, I know this is overwhelming, but I promise it isn’t a big deal. If you aren’t seen with Remy again, it’ll blow over in a few days. We just need to wait it out.”

Finn nodded and leaned his cheek into Xavier’s hand. “Okay, Daddy.”

Xavier kissed his forehead again. “Let me take a quick shower, get dressed, and we’ll have some breakfast.” He hopped out of the pool and Asher went with him.

Finn went back to his phone.

Are you going to the store today?

Ev

Yeah. This afternoon. I just got to the hospital and your granddad’s nurses are all gossipy about the news. That’s how I found out.

How’s Pops? Is he feeling any better. Can you tell him I miss him?

Ev

About the same, I think. He’s still a little confused and they’re doing more tests. He asked about you, though. I didn’t tell him you’re dating Remy Dalton now.

Finn choked on a laugh even as a fist tightened in his chest.

Fuck you. You know I’m not.

Do you think he’s up for a phone call? I want to talk to him.

What he wanted was tobe there. He wanted to see Pops with his own eyes. Hold his hand and tell him everything would be fine.

Ev

He’s kind of dozing now. I think he had a bunch of guests this morning. But I can ask the nurses to call you later.

Finn tried not to let the disappointment get to him.

Yeah. Okay. Thanks, Ev.

He climbed to his feet and dried his legs, then walked over to the lounge chair where his clothes were draped. He couldn’t shake the feeling that this was all wrong. He shouldn’t be in the news. He shouldn’t be here at all. He should be home, watching the store and taking care of Pops. This fantasy was going to come to an end sooner or later. Finn had responsibilities and he couldn’t ignore them much longer.

He was dressed and sitting at the kitchen bar when Xavier returned. Asher had retreated to Xavier’s office to get some work done. Xavier dropped a kiss on Finn’s head as he passed.

“What would you like to eat? I know we’ve been ordering in, but I make a mean omelet.” He flashed Finn a grin.

Finn couldn’t make himself answer. His words froze up in his throat and he could only stare as Xavier’s grin faded.

“Sweetheart, what is it?”

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