Page 9 of For the Love of a Boy

“Hi honey. I hope I’m not catching you at a bad time?”

Malcolm’s heart lightened at the sound of his mom’s voice. “Not at all. We were just finishing up dinner.”

“Have you put the turkey away yet? You know you can’t leave it out too long or it’ll go bad. How long has it been out already?”

Malcolm rubbed his forehead. Everett used to always joke that Malcolm had learned his evil Daddy ways from his mother. “It’s fine, Mom. I promise I won’t leave it on the counter to spoil.”

“Okay. But I can call back if you want to go take care of the food first. You don’t want to get sick or get your new boyfriend sick, either.”

His parents had zero clue about his lifestyle. ‘Boyfriend’ had seemed the safest route to go for the time being. “I swear, Mom. No one will get sick.”

“All right, all right. I can tell you’re not going to budge. So,” she sighed. “How are you two settling in together? You know, I’m so relieved you’ve finally found someone you’re serious about.”

“Everything’s going great. He’s a wonderful man and we couldn’t be happier.”

“Are you still friends with Nate?”

Malcolm frowned. “Uh, yes. What does that have to do with anything?”

“Has he met your boyfriend?”

His mom meant well, but damn, she was nosy. “He has. As a matter of fact, he was the one encouraging me to give Seth a chance.”

“That’s very encouraging. Approval from close friends can be an excellent way to make sure you don’t just have stars in your eyes about someone. This makes me so happy. When do you suppose we can meet him?”

Malcolm cleared his throat. His parents knew very little of Seth’s background and situation. Seth didn’t need that added pressure, and in truth, neither did he. His mom would want to swoop in and make it all better, which would probably freak him out more than anything. Seth was already concerned enough over whether they would accept him or not.

“Mom, things are very busy right now. I can’t really travel. And I think Seth needs to feel more at home here before we have guests.”

She huffed, “I’m not a guest. I’m your mother.”

“Yes, I remember.”

“Don’t smart mouth me.”

Malcolm rolled his eyes. “Mom, he wants to make a good impression. He’s a very sensitive guy and meeting you and Dad means a lot to him.”

“Aw, what a sweetheart. Okay, I’ll shut up about it. For now.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

“Can I at least wish him a Happy Thanksgiving? That shouldn’t be too much pressure. Just a hello, that’s it. I won’t ask him a bunch of questions, I promise.”

The woman was relentless. “Hold on, let me ask him. But Mom, remember what I said. He’s a gentle soul.”

She huffed even louder. “My God, Malcolm. You act like I’m a bitch.”

“Mom!” Malcolm gritted his teeth then sucked in a deep breath before speaking again. “You know that’s the farthest thing from the truth. It’s nothing to do with you. He hasn’t had an easy time of it, that’s all.”

“Okay, honey. I can tell there’s a story there, and no, I won’t pester him or you to tell me. When you’re ready.” She sighed. “Poor thing. I hope you’re taking good care of him.”

“Give me strength,” Malcolm muttered under his breath. “Yes, Mom. I’m taking good care of him.”

“Well? Go get him so I can say hello.”

Malcolm sensed a headache coming his way. “All right. Hold on.”

He left his phone on the counter so he could speak to Seth without him feeling compelled to have to talk to his mom if he didn’t want to.

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