Dad?
Up close, the resemblance is undeniable: the same blue-green eyes, though his are a darker shade of green, the same noise, just a body built on a different frame.
Sebastian looks at me and then drags his father my way.
Fuck. This is the moment I meet the parent.
"This is my dad, Nathaniel."
"Nice to meet you, sir," I say, offering my hand.
Nathaniel studies it like he's deciding whether to crush it, then finally takes it. "Nice to meet you too, Ezrah." He says my name like a warning.
"I'd like the three of us to grab a drink," he adds smoothly.
"We're working, Dad," Sebastian protests.
"I already cleared it with Ethan," Nathaniel says, smiling like a wolf.
Does everybody know Ethan and clear things with him? The unease in my gut tightens.
Sebastian orders wine for his father and me, and water for himself, then he leads us to a quiet corner. He takes the middle of the couch, me on one side, his father on the other. Perfect for scrutiny.
I've never been this nervous about meeting the parents of my partner. Sure, I had only one serious partner, but we were sixteen when I met his mother. Now I'm an adult and I don't know anything about Sebastian's father. Only that the man can kill with a look.
"So, I've heard a lot about you, Ezrah," Nathaniael starts.
"I hope only good things," I say lightly.
"Of course, Daddy," Sebastian blurts. I nearly choke on my wine. "I'm so happy. Daddy and Dad in one place is the best thing ever."
My eyes snap to his Dad, waiting to see his reaction. To my shock, Nathaniel actually smiles. The look he gives his son is undeniably fond, and it softens him. For a heartbeat.
Then his eyes cut back to me.
"Tell me something about yourself, Ezrah," Nathaniel says.
I take a sip of my wine before answering. "Well, I'm twenty-six years old. Sebastian and I met again here when he started working at the bar. I'm currently the manager."
"I already knew all of that," he replies. "I meant what makes you you, boy."
I stare at him, trying to read the man, but it's like trying to read a wall.
"I'm not sure I understand, sir."
Sebastian wraps his hand around my arm and leans close. His touch steadies me. God, I hope I'm not screwing this up.
"Let me ask you a few questions then," Nathaniel says, swirling his wine.
"Of course."
"What would you do if my son killed someone?"
I nearly spit my drink, coughing hard as Sebastian gasps beside me, his grip tightening on my arm.
"Dad!"
"What?" his father challenges.
