Page 22 of For the Love of a Boy

Chapter Seven

As Seth folded the towels, he stacked them on the sofa to be put away. He’d already made up the bed with the freshly washed sheets and as soon as the towels were in the hall cupboard where they belonged, he’d start on the vegetables.

Then what?

Daddy hadn’t texted him for almost two hours, ever since he’d said he was leaving Nate’s office. Sure, he’d mentioned he had to make a quick stop on the way home, but two hours? Seth’s shoulders slumped. He hated how needy he was being. Usually when Daddy went out, he’d give Seth an approximate time when he’d be back and only text if he was going to be much later than anticipated. No big deal.

But today was different. Today, he’d be hearing what the detectives from Idaho had to say about the church.

About my father.

He dropped on the sofa, some of the folded towels toppling over as he did. The one subject he avoided thinking about at all costs was his father. On occasion he’d have no choice but to face the demons of his past. Either a nightmare or other event would trigger a memory of the man who’d filled his life with unending hatred—like when he and Daddy had gone into the toy store. Or, when he’d discussed some of his issues with Dr. Clay.

However, he didn’t see the point in dwelling on what his father had done to him. Obsessing about the past and regretting what’d happened did nothing to help him now or in the future. Even Dr. Clay had agreed that regret or feeling sorry for himself wasn’t healthy. Instead, they were focusing on the result of his trauma and how they could assist him in overcoming his negative thoughts.

Seth refolded one of the towels that had tumbled off the stack. The threat of having to speak to the detectives terrified him. What if he broke down, was a blubbering mess? They’d think he was crazy and never believe his story. And having to go through every detail of his life and the conversion therapy? Reliving it for Malcolm had been awful, but his Daddy had been there to comfort him. Not that Daddy wouldn’t be by his side through everything. Seth knew he wouldn’t let him endure that alone. But sharing such horrible things to strangers, to people who might not approve or understand what being gay in that oppressive environment meant—that was the scariest part.

Seth set down the folded towel then ran his fingers through his hair. His father had to pay. The church members who’d committed cruel acts had to pay. But more than anything, they had to be stopped. Seth knew without a doubt there were children, men and women being tortured and abused in the name of God at that very moment.

Seth regarded the remaining laundry and realized he had to quit dragging his heels and finish his task. It wouldn’t normally have taken him so long, but he hadn’t wanted to be without the distraction of the chores in case Daddy hadn’t returned yet.

There’s still the vegetables to chop.

Anything to keep his mind from wandering to what the detectives and Daddy had been discussing all day.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Seth made quick work of the towels. He ambled to the kitchen then went to the chrome, double-sided refrigerator. That was where Daddy had hung the list of vegetables he wanted sliced up before he returned. Seth lifted the magnet that showed a picture of Mount Hood so he could see what was written at the top. He grinned at how Daddy’s note began: “Sweet boy, could you please…”

He’d never tire of being treated so special.

After gathering the red and green bell peppers, onion, carrots, mushrooms and setting them on the counter, he grabbed the thick, wood cutting board and knife they used for chopping from the butcher block. Seth had just finished rinsing off the peppers when the sound of the front door opening and closing caught his attention. He whipped his head around and dropped a pepper on the floor. His heart seemed to jump into his throat, the sensation making him feel as if he were being strangled.

Daddy.

He took a few breaths to calm himself. Conflicting emotions because of Daddy’s return assailed him. The thrill that Daddy was home warred with the fear of what he’d learn about the interview with the detectives.

Seth retrieved the fallen vegetable then set it aside to wash again when he returned. With trembling hands, he wiped his fingers on a kitchen towel so he could greet Daddy properly. Right as he was about to exit the kitchen, Daddy came around the corner and they almost ran into each other.

“Whoa,” Daddy gathered Seth in his arms. “How’s my precious boy doing?”

Seth inhaled Daddy’s scent, nuzzling his neck as he squeezed his middle. “Much better, now that you’re here.”

They held each other in silence, neither one of them seemingly anxious to let the other go. Seth knew he wasn’t. Letting go meant finding out what the detectives had said.

Daddy pressed a kiss to his temple, patting his behind as he released his hold. However, he did lace their fingers together. Seth held on tight. He’d been without Daddy all day. He could be needy for a little while longer.

“Did you get all your tasks done?”

Seth shoved his free hand into the pocket of his sweatpants. “Almost.”

Daddy peered past his shoulder. “Ah. The vegetables still need to be chopped, I see.” He regarded Seth. “Is everything all right? I was gone quite a while. It shouldn’t have been a problem to get them done in that amount of time.”

His incessant insecurity slammed into him. “Are you mad?”

“God, no. Not even a bit.” Daddy wrapped his arm around Seth’s shoulder. “Leave them for now. I know you want to hear about what happened with the detectives, so let’s go to the den and relax for a bit.”

“Relax?” He doubted it.

“I know. But we need a chance to reconnect—at least I do.”

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