Page 36 of Havoc
His computer chiming drew him out of his haze, and Remy opened the email he’d just gotten. They were expense reports from Carlos, and Remy decided he would look them over in his last hour of work. Since Kieran informed him he was trying to balance work and life, Remy took on particular expense reports to take them off Kieran’s plate.
“Mr. Price,” Chloe’s voice came over his phone. “You’re two-thirty is here.”
Remy furrowed his brow. When she went over his schedule with him that morning, he didn’t have a meeting scheduled at that time. She may have put it in after that, and while he usually consulted his schedule throughout the day, it was something he hadn’t done that day.
“Show them in, please, Chloe,” Remy responded.
He only had to wait a moment before the door opened, and Chloe led Lawrence in. Remy stared at the other man, and he thanked Chloe. Once she stepped out and closed the door, Lawrence went to one of the chairs at his desk and sat down. There was silence between them, and Remy wouldn’t break it.
“How’s work going?” Lawrence asked.
“It’s fine,” Remy replied. “Is that what you made an appointment to ask me?”
“No, I made the appointment because you didn’t text me back or answer my call.”
Remy remained quiet. He hadn’t wanted to hear whatever excuse Lawrence would give him, and admittedly, he was probably more upset than he should have been.
“I know I upset you by wanting to introduce you as a friend. I just needed time to tell my dad that we were dating. While heknows that I’m gay, it’s always a taboo subject with him when I bring up someone I’m dating.”
“That’s what you should have told me,” Remy said. “That, I can understand. Instead, you made me seem like your dirty little secret.”
“You’re right. That wasn’t my intention, and I apologize.” Lawrence paused for a moment. “Come to dinner tonight with my dad and me. I’ll tell him we’re dating.”
Remy pushed his chair back and stood, walking around the desk. He stood in front of Lawrence, leaning against it.
“I’ll go if you’re ready to tell him.”
“I am.”
“And we aren’t dating,” Remy told him. He watched as confusion entered Lawrence’s eyes. “We’re in a relationship.”
“Those mean the same things,” Lawrence stated.
“They don’t. If we’re dating, we aren’t exclusive and can date other people. I’m not having that shit.” Remy gripped Lawrence’s chin and leaned down, kissing his lips. “Next time, just tell me what’s going on.” Lawrence nodded, and he kissed him again. “Let me know where and what time tonight, and I’ll meet you there.”
“Okay,” Lawrence responded, standing. “I’ll see you tonight.”
Remy watched him walk to the door, returning to his chair when it closed. He could understand Lawrence’s situation with his father and wished he’d told him yesterday. He wouldn’t have spent the night upset, and Lawrence wouldn’t have needed to apologize. Either way, Remy would prepare himself for dinner because if Lawrence’s sexuality was an issue, he wanted to be ready for anything that could happen.
Remy sat at the table, waiting for Lawrence and his dad to arrive. He’d gotten to the restaurant a few minutes early, and the hostess sat him. The server stopped by, bringing water to the table, and he told her he was waiting on other people. At seven-thirty, Remy saw Lawrence walk in with a slightly shorter man.
He stood when they reached the table, and Remy tipped Lawrence’s chin up. He leaned in slowly to see if he would stop him, and when he didn’t, Remy kissed him softly.
“Dad, this is my boyfriend, Remy. Remy, this is my dad, Dennis.”
Remy held his hand out, and the other man took it. “Nice to meet you,” Remy greeted.
“Same here,” Dennis responded, and the three sat. However, his tone of voice and the weakness of his handshake told Remy differently. “So, how long have the two of you been friends?”
“We’ve been together for a couple of months,” Lawrence responded.
Remy nodded in agreement as their server returned to the table. They ordered drinks, and Remy watched Dennis pick up his menu.
“Remy,” Lawrence called, gaining his attention.
“Yeah, baby?”
“What dish did you bring me from here a few weeks ago?”
