Page 91 of Daily Grind
Still holding Rob’s hand, Brian led him through the house into the kitchen and holy hell, he was staring at Brian’s parents while holding Brian’s hand. His throat tightened completely.
Boardrooms wereverydifferent from boyfriend’s parents’ kitchens. Smelled a damn sight better in here, but oh, the scrutiny was even more intense.
“Mom, Dad, this is Rob.” Brian gave his hand a squeeze, then let go.
“Hello. Very nice to meet you.” Somehow, he sounded normal, despite the constriction in his chest. He held out his hand to Brian’s father.
No hesitation at all. A firm shake. “Tony,” he said. “And this is Alice, Brian’s mother.”
He would have known that if he’d seen her anywhere. Same eyes. Same smile. But rather than shake his hand, she drew him into an enormous hug. “You’re as handsome as Brian said.”
And wasn’t Brian a pretty shade of red when his mum let Rob go, though given the warmth on his cheeks, he probably wasn’t far behind.
“Yes, well.” His laugh came out as more of a squeak. “He can exaggerate.”
She patted his arm. “Not this time.”
“Mom!” Yes, Brian was horrified and it was perfect, so much so that his cheeks hurt from smiling.
Fucking lucky man. His parents were gems. “Something smells fantastic,” he murmured and peeked over at the stove.
That redirected everyone.
“Homemade ravioli,” Tony said. “Beef and cheese. The cheese ones are for Zoe though, so I hope you like beef.”
Rob bit his tongue to keepthere isn’t a meat I don’t likefrom popping out. “Beef is absolutely fine.” He paused. “Did you make them? Brian said you both cook?”
Indeed, both beamed and launched into how they’d made the pasta and the filling and worked in the kitchen together. It was heartwarming and beautiful. Halfway through, he slipped an arm around Brian’s waist. A hitch of breathing from Brian but a minute later, he relaxed into Rob.
This was exactly how family should be andeverythinghe’d never had.
The lump in his chest returned with vengeance and it must have shown, because Brian’s mom took a step forward. “Is there something wrong?” Same concern he’d seen on Brian countless times.
He tried to smile around the pain. “Nothing at all. This is wonderful. I’ve been here”—He glanced at his watch—“ten minutes?” He met Alice’s stare. “I never had this.”
Another hug from her, this one bigger and warmer. “You’re welcome anytime.”
“They mean that, too,” Brian said.
Of course they did. They were the people who’d born and raised Brian and apparently the apple didn’t fall that far.
“So,” Tony said, “Brian says you’re a CEO?”
He couldn’t quite resist rolling his eyes. He gave Brian a rather poignant look.
He held up his hands. “Hey, you are.”
“It’s true. I am. Please don’t hold it against me.”
Brian’s parents laughed at that.
He was proud of his work and how far he’d gotten, but so many people had misconceptions about CEOs. Or perhaps he was different. He didn’t know.
Brian caught his hand again. “He’s also a photographer.”
Once again, a burning face. “I dabble.”
“You do more than that.”
