My smile grows more wooden. Of course, he never misses a football game, but he's managed to skip every debate competition, mock trial, and academic recognition I've ever received.
"If you'll excuse us, we should circulate."
My father catches my arm as I turn to leave. "Remember to mention the family foundation to anyone who seems interested in youth initiatives," he murmurs. "We need to shore up the education donors."
I pull free before he can add anything else. "Alright"
"You okay?" James leans in close to ask as we move away,
"Yeah, Fine. I'm—" Stopping mid-lie. "No, not fine. But I'm well-trained."
"You shouldn't have to be," he says softly.
Before I can answer, my mother's brother David cuts in front of us, looking red-faced from what must be a few too many drinks already.
"Here he is!" Uncle David booms. "My favourite nephew and his... special friend."
Oh fuck, here we go.Cringing internally, I still introduce the guys. "Uncle David, this is my boyfriend, James. And our friend Gavin."
Uncle David's bleary eyes focus on James. "So you're the one who's been plowing my nephew's?—"
"David!" My mother appears at precisely the right second to head him off, looking mortified. "That's quite enough."
"What?" Uncle David throws his hands up. "Just making conversation! The boy brings a date, I'm supposed to pretend they're not screwing?"
"Uncle David." The words come out through gritted teeth. "That's inappropriate."
James has gone perfectly still beside me, his expression unreadable. Gavin looks ready to tackle my uncle through the nearest window.
"Oh, don't be so damn touchy," Uncle David scoffs. "It was just a joke."
"Please explain it to us." James's voice is quiet, but it has an edge that cuts through the ambient noise. "How was what you said funny? I'd really like to hear you explain this to everyone pretending they aren't standing beside us, eavesdropping."
The barb hits more than a couple of people who turn and move away from us, but James isn't quite done yet.
"Caleb deserves more respect than that. Especially from family."
My uncle blinks, apparently surprised that someone stood up to him. My mother slides in to smooth things over before Uncle David can react to James's dressing down.
"James, was it? I've heard a great deal about you. Why don't you tell me about your work while David finds himself another drink?" She shoots my uncle a pointed look that could freeze vodka.
Uncle David mutters something but wanders off toward the bar. My mother gives James an apologetic smile.
"I'm sorry about that. David has always been... unfiltered."
"That's one word for it."
"Mrs. Huntington," James says politely. "It's nice to see you again."
Mother studies him closely. "Likewise. Caleb rarely brings friends to these events more than once, let alone someone special."
Heat rises up my cheeks. "Mother..."
"What?" she says innocently. "I'm making conversation." She turns to Gavin. "And you must be the football star I've been hearing about. Richard was very impressed when Caleb mentioned he was friends with you."
Of course, he was. My father, the eternal jock-worshipper.
"I'm happy to be here supporting Caleb," Gavin says with surprising diplomacy. "He's been a great friend."
