I wince when I hear a crash from the bedroom—no doubt that’s Zia waking up. My dad and Charlie glance at the hall that leads to it. “Who’s here, son?”
I expect Zia to hide or be embarrassed, but I should have known better. He strolls from my bedroom and into the kitchen with a wide grin, my shirt half tucked into the shorts, making it evident he stayed here. “Good morning. We haven’t officially met yet. Zia, remember? I’m fucking your son.” He slaps my ass as he passes. “Did you make coffee? I need coffee.”
I nod silently, handing him my mug as I stare at my dad and Charlie. Charlie is biting back a smile, but he barks out a laugh when my dad just stares, his jaw hanging open as Zia leans over me to grab some fruit I’m cutting.
He looks at my dad as he eats it. “Sorry about Nikko missing training. It won’t happen again.” He glances at me. “Don’t miss training just because I’m here. It’s more important.”
“I didn’t want to wake you,” I mutter awkwardly.
“Moron,” he scoffs, but he smiles as he says it.
“Well, um, I guess it’s nice to meet you . . . again,” my dad says, his eyes still wide. “We haven’t had breakfast either, Nikko, so maybe we should have it together?” He looks at Zia. “Maybe just, uh, put on some pants?”
“Sure, give me a second.” He takes a big drink of the coffee and hands it back, steals more fruit, and heads to my room.
“Your clothes are steamed and hung up in the bathroom,” I call as I continue cooking.
“Thanks!” he replies.
When I glance up, my dad is still wide-eyed, but Charlie gives me a big thumbs-up, making me smile.
Zia sits down next to me after dressing, food covering the table. My dad can’t look away from him, and I’m panicked. What if he can’t accept that I’m in a relationship with a man? What if he has a problem with it?
I don’t want to lose Zia, and I don’t think I could handle my dad rejecting who I am.
I shouldn’t have worried, though, because he’s more bothered about my training than the fact that I’m seeing a guy. “It is nice to meet you again, Zia, and I am glad my son is . . . healthy, but he can’t afford to be distracted right now. Missing training and stuff can’t happen.”
“I’m a distraction?” Zia asks casually as he steals some bacon off my plate and eats it. My dad watches it happen.
“Yes,” he responds.
“Good,” Zia replies, refusing to back down, even as my father glares at him. He’s an intimidating man and downright terrifying. He handles would-be boxers every day. Nobody in the gym dares to talk back to him, but Zia doesn’t seem to care.
“Not good.” My dad slams his fist onto the table. “It’s bad. His future?—”
Zia cuts him off, silencing him. “I will not put Nikko’s career in jeopardy. I know how important it is. I have my own, after all, but I also have no intention of staying away from your son. Nothing you can say will make me. I understand your worry and how much you must have given up to help him get where he is, but you can’t control who he . . . dates. I’m not going anywhere.” He sips my juice and hands it back as I look between them, trying my best to bite back my smile, but it slips through.
“He’s right, Dad. He’s not going anywhere. I like Zia. He’s part of my life now, but I promise I won’t miss training again.” I put more fruit on Zia’s plate before sliding his new coffee over. “Drink. Yuki will probably be here soon. I’m betting you have meetings all day.”
My dad’s eyes narrow on me while Charlie eats, enjoying the show.
“What do you want from my son? He has no money, and he’s sloppy?—”
“Dad,” I shout.
“I have my own money, and I like him the way he is. I thought it was obvious, but I want his dick.” I choke on my food, and he slaps my back, smiling. “Are you okay?”
I shake my head, still choking as my dad gapes, silent once more.
“Well, okay then,” my dad mutters. “As long as you don’t get in the way of his training, I have nothing against you.”
“I have no plans to. I need him to succeed. I even bet on it.” Zia offers him some fruit, and my dad takes it, staring at him like he has no clue what to say to him.
There is a knock, and Zia rises. “That will be Yuki.” Leaning down, he kisses me softly. “I need to get to work. See you later. Train hard.” He glances at Charlie and my dad. “Excuse my sudden departure, but I have to check on my new project since construction is now underway. Have a good day.” He picks up his shoes, opens the door, and slips out while we watch him.
It’s quiet when Charlie and my dad look at me, and I hesitate, unsure what to say.
My father’s face is unreadable, and I swallow hard. What if he can’t accept this is who I am? I’m a late bloomer, and it isn’t something he ever worried about before. I never showed interest in dating or relationships, but it’s all different with Zia. I’m not ashamed of him being a man, and I don’t understand why that would be a problem, but I also know some people might have an issue with it.
