Page 36 of Kiren

It was like a game. Only real.

That evening,I followed Max back to his house. I had enough clothes for one more day. Then I’d have to go home and grab more. Or just go home. Maybe he would need a break?

The night started out pretty much the same as the one before. I decided I would never grow tired of having Max carry me, dress and undress me, kiss me. I could be his little doll forever and I’d love it.

As I sat on the couch kicking my pajama clad feet, waiting for Max to bring us our after-dinner drinks, my phone chimed. Though I was used to having it on me at all times, I had left it on the table by the front door, not expecting to hear from anyone.

I got up and retrieved it, opening it to my texts.

And there it was. A little quicker than I’d expected. A text from my mom in our group chat with me, my dad and her.

Mom:You’re dating someone? At work? Why didn’t you tell us?

Dad:Do you think it’s wise that it’s someone from the office?

Kiren:I guess you saw the HR paperwork.

Dad:We may not be around all the time, but we see all.

Mom:Tell us about him.

Kiren:He’s nice. I’m at his house right now.

Dad:We’re glad you’re getting out. So happy for you. But he is a department head. There isn’t any imbalance there, is there?

Dad was alwaysthe practical one. His logical mind could come off rude to some, but it was how he looked at everything. He was fiercely protective of me and Mom.

Kiren:No, Dad. We’re fine. We work in completely different departments. We don’t see each other at all during work.

Mom:We’re just looking out for you. We want to make sure you’re treated right.

They still sawme as a child. And worse, after the accident, they saw me as needing care and help even after I moved out. They knew I could function, but their minds still saw their son as weak, needing to be looked after. Little did they imagine how much I did want that, but not because I was weak, but as a kink. They couldn’t know how much Max filled that void that had been in my life for so long since I’d discovered I was a little.

Kiren:He’s very kind to me.

Dad:We want to meet him. Will you both come to dinner on Friday night? About six?

I hesitated.Take Max home to meet the parents? Wasn’t it a bit early for that? My parents didn’t mean to embarrass me, but they could be very forward and demanding when they wanted something. It was one reason their company was such a success.

A minute passed by.

Mom:Well? We’re waiting for your answer.

Dad:Maybe he’s asking his boyfriend right now.

Mom:I suppose.

Max walked into the room,setting down his wine glass and my sippy cup. He glanced at me. I held my phone to my chest as if I didn’t want him to see.

“Something up? Do you need privacy?”

I shook my head. “It’s happened.”

“What happened?”

“Mom and Dad found out. About us.”

His eyebrows rose. “That was fast.”

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