After the walking tour, which was fairly interesting and kept his mother from making too many snide remarks, George had booked a boat tour at four p.m. around Charleston harbor during which they spotted a few dolphins and saw some of Charleston’s most famous landmarks, such as The Battery, Waterfront Park, and Fort Sumter. They spent some time at Waterfront Park, at the pineapple fountain, where Daniel and Griff joked around and took silly photos. Their antics made Miranda roll her eyes, but at least she left George alone for a bit. Dinner took place at the Brasserie La Banque, an elegant French restaurant close to Waterfront Park and located inside a former bank dating back to the 1700s.
At half past ten in the evening, George wished his family a good night in front of the Hyatt Place. His mother just nodded coolly, not happy at all about how he had blocked her the entire day. He knew the next day would be difficult, and once she had marched into the hotel lobby with her husband in tow, who had shot George a simple nod, he turned to his brothers.
“You must help me protect Andi from her tomorrow. I’ve never seen her so furious, not even when Griff shredded her best linen for his ghost party on Halloween.”
“Excuse me, that was an honest mistake!” Even after all these years, Griff managed to sound offended even though everybody knew he’d purposefully misunderstood their mother when she’d said he could have some of her old sheets.
“Not the point here, Griff. Mom’s on the warpath, and Andi doesn’t deserve a reenactment of the Spanish Inquisition.”
“Then you should have told her sooner. Or maybe not started dating your partner from work?” Griff sounded sullen. He was such a drama queen.
“I already told you, things happened rather fast, and I didn’t have much control.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Daniel grinned. “Besides, I wouldn’t be so worried. Andi can take care of himself.”
“I wouldn’t know because somebody decided not to introduce me to his partner slash boyfriend.” Griff was full-on pouting now.
“You were super-busy at the time I met Andi, and then Daniel already knew, and I thought one family member was enough.” George had always been closer to Daniel than Griff. For him, it had been natural not to talk to Griff. That was their relationship. Not talking. Or if they talked, it was about their jobs and careers. Not personal stuff. Not that he and Daniel had regular heart-to-hearts either. Only sometimes, under dire circumstances.
Griff lifted his hands. “Fine. You’re right. I’m trying to run interference, but I wouldn’t be too hopeful. I think the only reason Mom showed some restraint today is because your Andi wasn’t here. She probably doesn’t want to waste energy on just you when she can tear a strip off both of you.”
“You’re such a ray of sunshine, Griff.”
“I do what I can. Good night.” With that, George’s oldest brother left them alone in front of the hotel.
George sighed.
“Maybe you should think about canceling the brunch tomorrow. Or going to a restaurant. I understand you want to have this showdown on familiar territory, but Griff is right. Mom is on the warpath. And up to a certain point, I can understand her. You know how worried and invested she is in our careers. You and Andi—that has the potential for a huge blow-up.” Daniel sounded almost apologetic.
“I know. And if I weren’t sure she’s acting from a point of love, I’d have already told her to go back home.” George rubbed his face with his palms. “How do I make her see that Andi and I are solid? Not just as partners but also as lovers? Of course this can all blow up, but not in the way Mom, Dad, Griff, and even you seem to think. My career is on solid ground, I promise. It’s my heart that’s on the line.”
Being so open in front of somebody who wasn’t Andi was difficult for George, even with his own brother. Even though he was an extrovert and a team player, George had always kept part of himself hidden, protected, out of sight. It was a defense mechanism he had learned from his mother. With Andi, that mechanism had no effect because his lover could always look behind the mask. And in order to protect Andi and what they had together, George realized he had to let others in as well, namely his family. It was the most difficult thing he’d ever done.
To his utter surprise, Daniel took him in his arms. “It’s okay, little bro. I’ll help you. And if Andi’s not worth it, if he hurts you….”
“You’ll leave him alone because nobody would find your body.”
“Exactly. But I would send some very evil thoughts his way.” Daniel’s chest rumbled from his laughter.
“He’ll be devastated, I’m sure.”
“Good night, George. See you tomorrow for your birthday.”
“Good night, Daniel. Let’s hope it’s a good one.”
The morning of his birthday started promising. George went on a short run to get the blood pumping while Andi burrowed deeper under the covers. Once he was back, he made a small portion of oatmeal with fruit salad, just to sate the worst hunger. His family would arrive at eleven for their brunch, and there was a lot to do. Andi came down to wish him a happy birthday, complete with a kiss.
“You’ve already got your present, and I don’t have anything extra.”
“That’s absolutely fine, dear. I have everything I could possibly want.”
Andi made a scoffing sound before he sat down to nibble on some fruit. His appetite was never worth mentioning in the morning, but this complete lack of hunger had George a bit worried. He decided to stuff his lover during brunch and finished his breakfast to get into the shower.
Andi was preparing the table on the porch, extending the sun sail, setting the table, and putting the plush orange cushions George had found at a sale on the wrought-iron chairs. George was busy preparing different dishes, baking fresh bread and rolls, and putting cinnamon buns into a casserole to be baked when it was time for dessert. At one point, Andi wandered into the wildest part of the garden, where the wild bees resided. When he came back, he carried a small bowl George hadn’t seen before. He stepped onto the porch to see what his partner had found.
“I thought your family might like this.” Andi held the bowl out to George. In it was a chunk of honeycombs, the sweet treat slowly dripping out, glistening in the sun. “It’s from this year. Pure lime tree.”
George dipped a finger in and took a small sample. It was delicious. “And they just gave it to you?”
