Page 69 of Cinematic Destinies
“Do you love him?”
“It’s been hard to find out until now. I like him. I like him a lot.”
Finn smiled. “Then lean into it. There’s nothing better than finding that person who makes your heart take flight. When you’re ready, your mother and I would like to meet him.”
“Actually, he’s in LA. He flew down with me, and he’s staying at his aunt and uncle’s place in Los Feliz. I thought maybe I would invite him to come tomorrow . . .”—he ran his hand through his hair before continuing—“as my date. But tomorrow is about you and Mom so if that’s not okay, it’s totally—”
“We would love to meet him. He’s more than welcome. Please invite him.”
Albert smiled. “Thank you. For everything.”
Finn patted his arm and said, “Your mother wanted help setting the outdoor table. Shall we?”
Albert nodded and they stood up. Finn put his arm around him and kissed the side of his head. He then playfully tousled his hair, and they headed downstairs.
Ella was placing a stack of dishes on the counter when they bounded into the room. She smiled brightly at the sight of their joyful faces. “There are my guys.”
Finn walked over and kissed her cheek, and they stole a loving glance.
“Can you please bring that out and turn the grill on?” she asked, gesturing at the platter of meat and skewered vegetables.
“Sure,” Finn replied, picking up the tray and heading outside.
Once he was gone, Ella turned to her son. “Well?”
He sprinted to her side and enveloped her in his arms. “Dad was totally fine with it. He said it doesn’t change anything, and I could tell he meant it.”
“I told you, my sweet boy,” she said, rubbing his back. “He loves you more than he could ever say. Just like I do.”
“He even said I can ask Ryan to come tomorrow. If it’s okay with you.”
“Of course it is,” she replied, giving him a big squeeze before letting go. She looked at his smiling face and saw a lightness in his blue eyes she had never seen before. Her own eyes became misty, and she sniffled.
“Are you okay, Mom?”
“I’m perfect,” she replied, wiping her eyes. “Now do me a favor and set the outdoor table. Betty texted and she and Khalil should be here soon.”
“Sure thing,” he said, grabbing the stack of plates and silverware and heading outside with a newfound bounce in his step.
Ella meandered outside and over to Finn, who was standing by the grill. She took him in her arms, held him close, and whispered, “Thank you for being you. I love you.”
“I love you too,” he said, pulling back and gazing into her eyes. “You had to know it wouldn’t make a difference to me. Please tell me you knew that.”
“Of course I did. It was Albert who was anxious. I told him there was no need, that it wouldn’t matter.”
Finn looked down and said, “I feel terrible. I must have done something wrong for him to be so worried about telling me. For him to think it could change things in the slightest. I guess I screwed up.”
Ella touched his cheek. “Look at me.” He raised his gaze and she continued, “You’re a magnificent father. You didn’t do anything wrong. It was just hard for him. Maybe it’s difficult between fathers and sons sometimes.”
“When did he tell you?”
“When he was seventeen. But he didn’t really tell me. He came home crying one day, and I was trying to comfort him. I made it clear that I already knew, and that it didn’t matter and had never mattered. I love him as he is. That’s when he opened up. I told him there was no reason not to tell you, but he wasn’t ready. I hope you understand that it wasn’t my place to reveal something so personal. It had to come from him.”
“I know,” he said, lifting her hand to his lips and kissing it.
“I didn’t give you a head’s up today because I knew it wasn’t necessary. I trusted you completely. I knew how you’d react.” Finn smiled and she continued, “He never dated. Didn’t you ever suspect?”
“It’s crossed my mind over the years, but he’s always been shy and a late bloomer, so I never really knew.” He huffed. “I realize now that you’ve known since he was born.Do you remember when he was only two days old, and we were in bed with him? He was falling asleep in your arms after you nursed him. Do you remember what you said? The promise you asked me to make?”
