Page 65 of The Himbo and the Lord

I walk next to him and press the back of my hand to his for a long moment when he slows down a little. Just up ahead in the hallway, I hear a door open, then an incredibly put together woman comes out. I know she’s Ru’s mom instantly. They have the same lips, the same eyes.

But then I hearhim.

“Get him in here,” he shouts. “He needs to stop all thisqueernonsense.”

CHAPTERTWENTY-SEVEN

Ru

I stiffenat the sound of my father’s voice, the sneer evident in his words. My mother winces and I tell her not to worry. I glance over at Nate and from his expression I know he heard it too. Nearly dying hasn’t mellowed my father at all then. No doubt he’ll blame me, but Nate is right, it’s not my fault. I’m not responsible for his reaction to me being myself.

“What the actual f?—”

“Sir!” I cut Nathaniel off from swearing in a hospital.

“Well, he needs to get his head out of his ass. I want to go in there and tell him exactly what I think.” I move to stand between him and the door. I can see the fire I witnessed earlier starting to form. Was it only earlier today? It feels like a lifetime ago, so much has happened since then.

“I’ll talk to him. He’s had a shock; he needs time to get used to it.” I don’t know why I’m defending my father but I do want to see if I can talk him round first. If not, then I’ll happily let Nate’s father loose on him.

“Alright, but we’re here for you.” He echoes Nate’s words and I can’t quite believe how accepting and supportive he’s being having only just met me a few hours ago. It’s not something I’m used to and a lump forms in my throat.

“Thank you, sir,” I say quietly.

“You can drop the sir? It’s Nathaniel.” he claps me on the shoulder and steps back. I nod at him. I’ll try but habits are hard to break. I catch hold of Nate’s hand. I’ve come so far, and I want to show my father that I don’t care for his words.

The room is darkened, and my father is lying in bed, hooked up to machines. I almost feel sorry for him, but then I catch the steely look in his eye and I know he’s rallied well enough.

“I’m pleased you’re out of danger, father,” I start.

“No thanks to you,” he barks and I sigh. I suppose it makes this a little easier to do.

I approach the bed, tugging Nate with me.

“Father. I wasn’t truthful when I said I was bi, I’m gay. I always have been and always will be. I can’t change who I am, nor would I wish to. I want you to meet Nate Waterford, my boyfriend.”

His eyes flick from me to Nate, his face already twisting into an awful sneer.

“And his father Nathaniel Waterford.” I gesture to where Nathaniel is standing near the door.

I guess Nate’s father sees the expression as well and is done with letting me explain because he speaks.

“Dude, all that shit about queer nonsense is so last century. You really need to chill.” He sounds so much like Nate, I have to smile.

My father raises himself a little on the pillows. “Who do you think you are? What would you know about the world we live in? We’re in finance, were?—”

“I’m Shirley Wall’s VP. I think I know plenty aboutthat world,” Nathaniel cuts him off.

Nate leans around me with a little smirk on his face. “Yeah, I actually call her Aunt Shirley.”

It’s so typically Nate, unashamed and unapologetic. It’s one of the many things I love about him. I squeeze his hand and he squeezes back. No matter what happens I know I’m going to be alright.

My father, for once, is completely lost for words as his gaze swings between us. The silence is broken by Chase walking through the door followed by a guy in a white coat. The guy, who I assume is the doctor, goes to the charts hanging by the bed.

“Chase?” My father looks confused. “What are you doing here?”

“Well, I was having dinner with Nathaniel and Nate until Rupert called.”

“Wait, you knew about this?” He waves his hand towards myself and Nate and I see Chase’s eyes narrow slightly.

---