Page 6 of In the Name of the Father

Now to discover what I’m dealing with here.

Chapter Two

Seth marveled at how lucky he was to have run into Malcolm. While he still wasn’t completely sure Malcolm was trustworthy and wouldn’t try to put the moves on him later, at least at a coffee shop he’d be safe and could have a decent conversation.

So much better than that awful bar.

The decision to go to such a seedy place had been impulsive. His co-worker Mike had suggested it after Seth had spurned his advances. They worked together at Vino’s Italian restaurant where Seth was a dishwasher and Mike was a prep cook. He’d been so shocked when Mike had suggested they go into the alley for a quick hand job after closing, that he’d broken a dish, the plate slipping through his soapy fingers. When he’d explained that he didn’t do those kinds of things, Mike had laughed at him.

The memory brought heat to his face. Once Mike realized Seth was sincere and embarrassed, he’d gently explained that he might want to hang around other gay men, maybe get more comfortable in his own skin. Seth supposed it made sense. But the last thing he’d felt at the bar wascomfortable.

He snuck a sideways glance at Malcolm. The handsome man was older than him by at least a dozen or so years. Something about him seemed sophisticated and worldly. But he was also one of the kindest people Seth had ever met. And while he shouldn’t be noticing such things—however, since he’d given up on not being able to control his sinful urges—he couldn’t help but also find Malcolm attractive.

Everything about Malcolm called to him. His compassionate gray eyes, his sharp, masculine features, how tall he was and the way he spoke with such a deep and commanding voice. He radiated certainty, confidence. In addition, the royal blue button-down shirt he wore stretched across a broad chest accentuated his build, and when Malcolm had grabbed the guy who’d tried to drag Seth out of the bar, his sheer strength had been apparent.

Seth wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, the sweat forming on his upper lip becoming an annoyance. The cab of the SUV was very warm. He’d been surprised that Malcolm had turned on the heat when they’d gotten inside since he was wearing a leather jacket. Of course, with as chilly as it was outside, Seth had been grateful. He planned on hitting one of the thrift stores with his next check and stocking up on winter gear, but for the time being, all he had were T-shirts.

Whatever I could stuff into my backpack before I escaped the camp.

“Here we are.” Malcolm pulled into a parking lot with a brightly lit, rectangular shaped restaurant at the farthest end. He angled into a spot then cut the engine. With a smile, he turned to him. “I can personally vouch for both the marionberryandcherry pie.”

“That sounds great, but I’m not all that hungry.”

He was pushing it with the coffee as it was after the five dollars with tip he’d wasted on the beer—then left almost untouched.

“Hey, I invited you, right? It’s my treat.”

Before Seth had a chance to protest, Malcolm had hopped out of the cab.

I guess that would be okay. It’s not like he’s buying me dinner at a fancy place and would expect something in return.

Since he’d used his dinner money on the beer, hewaskind of starving.

When Seth opened the door, he was startled to discover Malcolm standing there. He’d assumed Malcolm would already be headed up the stone walkway to the entrance. Seth placed one foot on the runner then dropped down the rest of the short distance. He couldn’t understand why he was so self-conscious around Malcolm, but he couldn’t shake off the sensation.

Malcolm gestured for him to go ahead the way he had at the bar and the hint of a thrill rushed through him. Why he was drawn so strongly to Malcolm remained a mystery. If the only attribute that had captured him was how good-looking and nice Malcolm was, then he could understand his reaction.

Something else. Seth bit his lip as he took a quick glance over his shoulder at Malcolm following behind him.He makes me feel safe.

Never once in his life had Seth felt safe.

When they entered the coffee shop, he was treated to more warmth. A cashier station with a glass case attached to it featuring a variety of cakes and pies stood just past the small waiting area. An open dining room edged with booths and square tables with chairs in the middle took up the right side of the restaurant. A long, row of booths along the windowed side of the coffee shop was to the left. Everything was done in reds and yellows and reminded Seth of an old homestyle bakery his mom used to take him to when he was little.

His eyes burned at the memory and he buried the pictures in his head right back into the dark where they belonged.

“Hey, Veronica. Can I grab my usual spot?”

A middle-aged woman who reminded him a bit of his aunt, but who appeared much friendlier, waved at them from the right side of the restaurant where she was holding a tray of salt and pepper shakers.

“Sure thing, hon. Coffee for you both?”

“That would be great, thanks.” Malcolm jerked his head toward the section on the left. “Back here is my booth.”

This time, Seth did the following. Once they were seated, Malcolm turned both of their coffee mugs upright. Malcolm handed him a small laminated menu that was propped up between the packets of sweeteners and a glass vase with a fake red carnation peeking out of the top.

“Here are the desserts.” Malcolm rubbed his chin as he seemed to look right through him. “Unless you’d rather have something on the regular menu?”

“Oh, no. This is fine. Thank you.”

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