Page 19 of Brighton

“A huge cup of coffee, please.”

Daddy laughed. “Have a seat and I’ll bring you a cup. How do you like it?”

“Lots of cream. I like to drink it right away.”

“Noted.”

While I waited, I pondered what I could buy Daddy for Christmas. As I glanced around, he clearly had everything he needed but I wanted to get him something special. Something from me, and that’s when it hit me, and I knew the perfect gift. I’d probably have to pay extra to get it fast since Christmas was only a week away, but I’d check and see as soon as I got home.

“What are you grinning for over there?” Daddy asked as he set a plate in front of me. It smelled so yummy. Cinnamon rolls and bacon, now that’s what I’m talking about.

“I just figured out what to get you for Christmas.” I shimmied in my seat, beyond proud of this revelation.

“You don’t need to get me anything, sweet boy.” The reverence in his voice said otherwise and I wondered if any of Daddy’s boys had ever thought of him, or only of themselves, and that made me mad.

“I feel the same way but we both know it’s a battle we’ll lose.”

“You’re a sassy boy this morning. Now that I know how you like your coffee, I’ll make sure it’s ready when you get up,” Daddy winked. This flirting game was fun. Jeez, I’d missed so much living the sheltered life I had. I literally went through college with blinders on. Or maybe fate just wanted me to wait for Daddy.

“Just enjoying a good morning after a great night. Thank you, Daddy.” My face heated as I somehow managed to get the words out.

“You don’t ever have to thank me for taking care of my boy. That’s what I do best.”

“That you did, three times over.”

“Sassy and snarky, I think I like this side of you. Not that I’ve found a side I don’t enjoy.”

I think I did, too. I’ve learned much about myself since I moved out and I have to say coming into my own felt pretty damn good. “How do we want to work the travel arrangements for Christmas Eve? Did you wanna pick me up or do you want me to meet you here or at your mom’s house?”

“Why don’t we meet here and then I can drive us both. It’s about an hour outside of town.”

“Sounds like a plan, just tell me what time you want me here and what I can bring. I don’t want to show up empty handed for our first meeting. Also, what can I get her for Christmas?” No way in the world was I not bringing a gift but buying for someone you didn’t know was twice as hard.

“Normally I would tell you not to worry about it but considering it’s the first time you’re meeting her I would suggest a nice bottle of rosé. That should get you through the door. Alcohol is the way to my mother’s heart.” Daddy fake swooned and I nearly shot coffee out of my nose.

“I think I like your mom already.”

Chapter Ten

Edward

“Yes, Mother, I assure you this one you will like.” How many boys had I brought to meet her over the years? Two at most, the others she’d only heard of but never met and thank fuck for that or I’d never hear the end of it.

“Does this one have a real job or is this another that wants you to pay all of his bills and dote on him? Tell me, Edward, do you wipe their asses as well?” Jesus Christ, if she knew some of them had worn diapers, she’d likely have a coronary.

“That’s not nice, Mother. But yes, this one has a job. He’s an accountant and no, Mother, this one does not want me to take care of his bills. Brighton is very independent in that regard.” These questions I should have anticipated, and I somewhat had, I just didn’t realize how personal she would get.

“Well, I’ll be the judge of that. I’ll never understand your need to take care of someone, Edward. Especially a grown man.” I could almost hear her eyes roll and see her perfectly manicured nails tapping the tabletop.

“Then I guess it’s a good thing that it’s not up to you to decide nor to understand. Only to accept that I’m your son and I’m making myself happy. Brighton makes me happy.” I hated to get snippy with her but I was a grown ass man and I made my own decisions. Still, I digressed.

“What time will you be here Christmas Eve?”

“We will be there by four.”

“All right, my darling son, I’ll see you then. Love you.” She blew kisses in the phone, though I knew her tirade was anything but over.

“Love you, too, Mother.” That had to be the shortest conversation in history I’d had with her. Although now it sounded like she was on the defensive and already assumed she’d dislike Brighton. There would be none of that as far as I was concerned. This boy was it for me. I could already see our future and it didn’t include him using me as a doormat.

---