Page 54 of The Virgin
Jonah’s laugh was weak, but it was a start. He nodded, and his dad ruffled his hair.
“That’s my boy. And, for what it’s worth, I’m glad to see you happy. I’m glad you found someone who makes you want to stand up for yourself.”
“Thanks.” Jonah sucked in a deep breath and followed his dad back into the kitchen.
Colby and Taylor were at the stove, cooking side by side, whispering to each other. Taylor glanced over his shoulder and smiled at Jonah. Well, it was sort of a smile. His mouth made the right shape, but his eyes lacked their usual sparkle. Maybe Jonah wasn’t the only one having a shitty morning. It should’ve been comforting because he was mad at them, but he didn’t find any joy in it.
“Spencer is waiting for you at our table. We’ll be out in a minute. And we’re sorry, Jonah.” Taylor frowned, and Colby mirrored his expression.
“When you guys make that face, you almost look like twins,” Jonah said as a way of accepting Taylor’s apology.
“We didn’t mean to steal your thunder, man. We’re sorry.” Colby looked like he was twice as miserable as Taylor.
“Let’s just…” Jonah exhaled heavily. “Let’s pretend that Spencer and I just arrived. We didn’t walk into the kitchen. We’re waiting for you out front. But I still want my french toast. Okay?”
Taylor and Colby nodded in unison, but it was Taylor who spoke. “Okay, Jonah. Whatever you want.”
Jonah turned on his heel and went out front to their booth. He slid in next to Spencer and squished himself into Spencer’s side. Spencer wrapped an arm around him and kissed the side of his head.
“You okay?”
Jonah nodded and let himself relax in Spencer’s comforting arms. “I’m okay. My brothers are assholes sometimes. Sorry I got all emotional and shit back there.”
“You don’t have to apologize for having feelings, Jonah. I love all of you, all the time. Even when you’re having a bad day.”
“It’s not a bad day, just a bad moment.” Jonah turned so he faced Spencer. He stole a kiss, not caring that they were in public. “In fact, I’m already feeling a little better.” Jonah kissed him again because he could. Because he was happy, and even his shitty brothers couldn’t take that from him.
“Well, if it isn’t the lovebirds.” Colby walked up to the table carrying two plates heaped with french toast. “It’s on the house.”
Jonah rolled his eyes. “It’s always on the house.”
Taylor came out a minute later with three more plates. Their dad followed, dragging a chair over to the end of the booth. He liberated a plate from Taylor, leaving the youngest Bennett to glare at the empty space next to Colby.
Reluctantly he sat down next to his brother.
“So, what about your date with that Grant guy?” Taylor asked, pointedly ignoring the sad little glances Colby shot him. It was odd for those two to be on the outs, but clearly Colby had said or done something to upset Taylor.
“It never happened. My heart wasn’t in it.” Jonah doubted he’d tell his brothers the whole story of how he and Spencer came to be.
“I can see why.” Taylor smirked at Jonah, his gaze darting back and forth between them. “When did this happen anyway?”
“It’s been in the works for a while.” Spencer put his hand on Jonah’s leg and gave it a gentle squeeze.
“We’re happy for you, Jonah,” Colby said. He still looked sad and sheepish, but his smile was genuine enough. Whatever was going on between him and Taylor could stay there.
“Thank you.” Jonah cheeks warmed.
“So, how’d you two crazy kids meet?” Taylor asked, using his fork to cut a bite of his french toast.
Jonah rolled his eyes, but to his surprise, Spencer spoke up.
“He walked into the staff room one day before the school year officially started. The big staff meeting was that day and I knew we were getting a couple new teachers. I’d met the other ones already because they’d been hired at the end of the year, but Jonah was a summer hire.”
Jonah gaped at Spencer. He almost didn’t remember the first time he’d met Spencer, the man who became his best friend. And more.
“The ink on his diploma was still wet and he was so full of hope and enthusiasm. It was impossible to not like him.” There was more affection in Spencer’s gaze than Jonah knew what to do with.
“Oh, gross,” Colby groaned. “They’re all in love and shit.”
