“It makes the most sense. I know you wanted to stay here, so the other alternative is to give your parents the bedroom, and we stay out here.”
Alarmed, Hayden shook his head firmly. “Oh, hell no. I can’t spend the night next to you without being inside you. I need to hold you.”
“Then come home with me. We can do whatever you want with them—breakfast, lunch, dinner, museums…I can get tickets to a Broadway show if there’s a play they wanted to see.”
“Dad,” Hayden called out, and his father glanced up from his phone. “Forget it. Armi has a better idea.”
They had a great dinner at an incredible Michelin-starred restaurant, where his parents were impressed by not only the name, but the fact that the owner himself came out to greet them.
“My mother is a favorite and frequent guest,” Armi explained, and Hayden could see his parents were touched by the personal service they received. After they finished their dinners, they sat with their cappuccinos and dessert.
“We don’t do this every night, in case you were wondering,” Hayden explained. “Most nights we order in sushi or salads.”
“It was very nice of Armi to go to all the trouble,” his mother said. “We may be from upstate, but we know about restaurants like this, and we never imagined eating here.”
“My pleasure. If you want to see a show, let me know, and I’ll see about getting tickets.”
“We’d rather spend time with the two of you,” she stated with a nod toward his father, and Hayden chuckled.
“That I could’ve figured. Breakfast tomorrow around ten at Armi’s? Does that sound good?”
“It does, but can I make a request?” his mother asked.
“Sure, anything.” Armi looked to him, but he shrugged.
“Not a clue.”
“I’d like to make my special breakfast. It was always Hayden’s favorite when he was little, and I don’t get to have us all together that much anymore.”
“Say yes, Armi.” He sighed and rubbed his stomach. “My mom makes the best bananas foster French toast and candied bacon.” Hayden groaned. “Oh God, I thought I was full, but just thinking about it, I’m already hungry for it.”
“Who could say no to that?” Armi joked. “Of course. Tell me what you’ll need, and I’ll make sure to have it for you.”
While Armi paid the bill, Hayden called a car for his parents.
“He’s adorable. And so sweet. You couldn’t have found someone better to love you.”
“What? Who said anything about love?”
A snort of laughter escaped her. “Oh, sweetheart. You’re cute.” She patted his cheek and kissed him. “We’ll see you in the morning.”
Armi returned, and his mother hugged him tight. “Thank you so much for tonight. This was the best dinner, and we’re so happy you’re with Hayden.”
His father squeezed Armi’s shoulder. “It was terrific, thank you. And I agree with my wife. I had some reservations in thebeginning, but I can see you’re a good man, and that’s all we want for our son.”
“I’m happy you enjoyed it. I had a really great time getting to know you.”
“And don’t be late for breakfast. I’m still thinking about the French toast and bacon.” Hayden licked his lips.
“Oh, you.” His mother nudged him as the car drew up. “Go home and kiss your boyfriend.”
He blinked and kissed her cheek, then hugged his father. “Thank you,” he whispered.
Side by side, he and Armi watched the car pull away. He took Armi’s hand and laced their fingers together. “That’s the first time anyone said out loud that you’re my boyfriend.”
The second car drove up, and he and Armi slid in. “How do you feel about it?”
Hayden pulled Armi by the tie and kissed him firmly on the mouth. “I like it. I like it a lot.”
