Page 7 of Now and Forever

“Well, if you’re in the mood for one, I can vouch that the pot pie here is excellent.”

Seth chewed on his lip. “The menu says they take longer to make.”

Malcolm had become proficient at interpreting Seth’s non-answers. But he still wanted to encourage him to express what he wanted. “I was planning on getting the chicken and waffles, and they take longer to make as well.”

Seth arched his eyebrows. “Chicken waffles?”

Malcolm pressed his lips together to hold in a laugh. “Chickenandwaffles. You can get either two or three pieces of fried chicken, then you get a big waffle to go with it.”

“Is there syrup?”

Malcolm snorted. “There’d better be, or there’ll be problems.”

Seth shook his head. “Okay, if you like it…”

Malcolm nudged Seth’s shoe with his toe. “Don’t judge me.”

Seth grinned. “You’re right. I think I’ve ended up loving about fifty things you’ve made me eat that I never thought I would.”

“Oh, the tragedy. Being forced to eat all those yummy things.”

They broke into laughter right as the server arrived to take their order.

“You guys sound like you’re having a good time.” She radiated a big smile at them. “Were you ready, or did you need a few more minutes?”

Malcolm caught Seth’s gaze. “I think we’re ready, right?”

Seth smiled. He seemed relaxed, content. “Yeah. We are.”

Malcolm winked then regarded the server. “We’d like a three-piece chicken and waffle plate and a pot pie.”

She wrote their order on a small pad. “Am I bringing extra plates so you can share?”

Malcolm checked with Seth and was pleased that he was nodding with clear enthusiasm.

He returned his attention to the server. “Yes, please.”

Once their server was done and heading back to the kitchen, Malcolm noted that Seth still hadn’t folded up his menu and appeared to be engrossed in reading it. He glanced up as if he’d realized Malcolm was staring.

“Sorry, Daddy. I don’t mean to be rude. It’s just so interesting. But I can put it away if you want.”

He shook his head. “That’s all right. You keep reading.”

Malcolm folded his arms then rested them on the table. Seth was right about one thing. Maybe Malcolm didn’t agree with Seth’s use of the phrase ‘messing up’. However, it appeared Seth was going to unintentionally out them to his parents at some point during their visit.

Better start coming up with damage control options.

Malcolm considered Seth as he studied the various stories from a bygone era on the large paper menu. While his love for his parents was unwavering, his love for his boy was fierce and, at times, overpowering. No matter what happened, he would defend his boy—and the nature of their relationship.

* * * *

The sun drew nearer to the horizon and Seth’s nerves were reaching critical levels the closer they got to their destination. As much as he needed his Daddy and Daddy—Malcolm, it’s Malcolm now—needed him to be open and honest when he was experiencing distress, Malcolm had to be nervous too.Hadto be. It was unfair to expect him to deal with both of their worries right now.

Malcolm’s palm landed on his knee. “I’m not going to insist you share everything with me right now, baby. But Iamgoing to remind you that I’m always your Daddy regardless of how you refer to me. So, with that in mind, it’s important you remember that not only does my position in our relationship mean you have someone to give your worries to, it means I have someone who gives me a deep sense of purpose.” Malcolm squeezed his knee. “This isn’t a one-sided deal. Just in case you were considering keeping your fears to yourself.”

Seth gaped at Malcolm.How does he always know? Seth also noted the slight pull of his lips, the hint of a smile. Malcolm didn’t seem annoyed or worried. He seemed…Happy.

Seth swallowed hard. “I guess I was considering it. You know, hiding my fears. I’ll try not to. But…” He chewed his lip. “Can I tell you that one of my fears is that your parents will be mad at you? I don’t want that to happen.”

---