Page 41 of For the Love of a Boy

Chapter Twelve

Malcolm rubbed the back of his neck as he went over the monthly business reports for The Silver Chalice. He sat at his antique desk in his home study, clicking through spreadsheets and comparing numbers. It would be the final report before their fiscal year ended on February first. Malcolm leaned back and gazed out the window, watching as the rain fell in heavy droplets. They were due to have quite a few storms traveling through the area in the coming week.

He was glad that he and Seth had taken the opportunity to visit the aquarium the day after Christmas, then take their time traveling back down the coast. On a whim, they’d spent the night in Florence. They were both coming to love that area quite a bit.

But now it was January second, and he had to get caught up with work. Even though he was fortunate that he could spend most days at home and do much of what he needed via Skype and email—there was still a huge responsibility on his shoulders to keep the business running properly. His manager was a dream, but the final decision on everything rested with Malcolm.

Malcolm tapped his fingers on the desk as he continued to stare out the window. His life had changed so much. Not only because he was caring for a boy again, but because Seth wasn’t anything like Everett. His observation didn’t come from a place of judgement or accessing one as being better than the other—merely that they were different boys with different needs and desires.

Malcolm couldn’t run his life the same way he had when he was with Everett. For that matter, he couldn’t run the vineyard the same either. He and Everett had spent the majority of their waking hours together at the winery, working side by side. The amount of time he spent with Seth might be the same, but the circumstances were vastly different. And once Everett had passed, Malcolm had stepped away from the Chalice in more ways than one.

Going to work at the winery had been so painful, that Malcolm had sought out a manager from almost the moment Everett had died. But he’d also retreated from the business mentally and emotionally. He’d become more invested again as the years had gone on, but the attachment he’d once had to the vineyard had dulled considerably. Sometimes he wondered if the only reason he still kept it was that it had been Everett’s, as if it were some sort of monument to the life they’d once shared together.

Unease coiled in his belly. The light Seth had brought back into his world had reminded him that he still had plenty of life to live. He’d condemned himself to misery, had felt sorry for himself and had only half-heartedly gone through the effort of moving forward. As far as he could tell, the only person who’d benefitted from his pathetic existence had been the owner of Woody’s bar.

He scrubbed his face with both hands. The reports weren’t going to finish themselves. Maybe he’d consider other options for him and Seth in the coming year. He couldn’t imagine not having the winery. His entire adult life had been spent first saving the business, then nurturing it. And Seth needed to focus on healing and completing his GED. The New Year would be best spent taking care of that as the priority.

A gentle rap sounded on the open door. “Daddy? Can I bring you anything?”

Malcolm smiled, turning in the swiveling desk chair to face Seth. No matter what plagued him, the sweet face of his baby boy would lighten his heart every time.

“No thanks, sweetheart. I’m fine.” He opened his arms in invitation and Seth came to him without hesitation, sitting on his lap. Malcolm left his arms wrapped loosely around Seth’s waist. “Did you finish your book?”

Malcolm had called it right when he’d picked out the tablet for Seth. He knew Seth would go crazy once he found out he could have tons of books stored on one device.

Seth nodded then yawned. “Sorry. I think the rain is making me sleepy. But yeah, it was really good. The whole section where they were trying to survive the descent from the summit of Everest was intense. I might reread the whole thing again.”

Once Seth had torn through all the classics he’d been denied the opportunity to read, he’d begun reading outdoor adventure books. He loved the non-fiction ones the best.

“I should give it a try then. I’ve only ever seen the film.”

Seth’s jaw dropped open. “There’s a movie? I wanna see it.” He shook his head. “Wow. They make movies out of everything.”

Malcolm chuckled. “Yes, it certainly seems that way.” He glanced at the spreadsheets on his computer screen and tried not to sneer at the little bastards. “Hey, I tell you what. I could actually use a break. Want to share some coffee with me before you start your next book? Or I could find that movie for you.”

Malcolm had declared to Seth that he was officially on winter break from school until at least the following week. Seth rose and offered his hand to Malcolm.

“I’d rather watch it with you Daddy. Unless you’re bored with it and don’t want to.”

Malcolm also got to his feet, accepting Seth’s help. He thought he might’ve overdone it with his morning workout because he was a bit sore. Ever since he’d hadn’t been able to squeeze himself into his old club pants, he’d had losing a few pounds on his mind. However, between all the holiday food and the bad weather keeping them indoors most of the time—he wasn’t making much progress.

“Not bored at all, baby.” He placed his hand at the small of Seth’s back as they made their way to the kitchen. “It’s an exciting film. How about we watch it tonight after dinner?”

Seth grinned. “That would be awesome. And anyway, I was going to do the kitchen and bathroom floors after we have our break.”

“Good boy.”

Malcolm patted Seth’s behind then moved to the counter to grab the coffee from the chrome canister. Right as he was about to scoop the perfect amount and add it to the coffeemaker, his cellphone went off. He set everything down then reached into his pocket, with Seth gesturing that he’d take over the coffee prep duties.

He frowned as he stared at the number. No caller ID was displayed and even the area code was unfamiliar.

“Hello?”

“Mr. Nash?”

Malcolm’s frown grew deeper. “Yes, this is him.”

“It’s Detective Smith from Boise. I’m in Twin Falls with Detective Lopez. We’ve made some arrests.”

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