“That sounds fabulous. Our housemates and Lisa, she’s Bruce’s girlfriend, are taking care of the food. How about we take this through to the kitchen? I can introduce you to the guys, and see if they need any help.” Patrick took the basket while Mrs. Dawson took his elbow, and he led her toward the kitchen. He glanced over his shoulder and returned Simon’s smile.
It didn’t take long until their other guests arrived and the house filled with people. Josh and Charlie, plus Duncan and Antonio, had accepted the invitation to attend dinner, as had Darren. Simon had also invited along the guy who’d helped him out after the parking lot hit-and-run. Jason didn’t have family in town and had been glad to be asked.
The sound of multiple conversations filled the house, and it was a case of many hands making light work. Drinks were poured, food was placed on platters, and the table loaded with a feast. A short while later they were all seated around the overflowing table. Patrick counted his blessings as he looked between his friends and Simon and Simon’s family. His chest filled with warmth as he listened to the bubbly voices and the laughter, everyone talking at once and sharing stories and jokes. Every now and then Simon would reach across and give his thigh a squeeze, his eyes sparkling and the corners of his mouth lifting as he met Patrick’s gaze.
As he’d sort of expected, the conversation eventually drifted to the events of a couple of days ago.
“I’m just so glad the hostage situation was resolved quickly,” Mrs. Dawson said.
Patrick bristled. “It wasn’t exactly a hostage situation.” It was only the calming pressure of Simon’s hand on his thigh that stopped him from saying more.
“Well, it certainly sounded like it was from what I’ve been told, dear. I’m just glad my Simon was there to make sure you were okay.”
“Yes, thank God for Simon’s quick thinking, or there could have been a very different outcome,” Josh said. “Those sort of situations can go pear-shaped very quickly.”
“See?” Mrs. Dawson said. “If Simon hadn’t been there, goodness knows what might have happened. With his training and his professionalism, you couldn’t have been in more capable hands.”
Patrick squeezed Simon’s hand as his mother smiled at him.
“So is there any update on what’s happening with Dion?” Mike asked, his question obviously directed at Duncan.
Patrick flinched at the question. He didn’t want to ruin everyone’s meal by focusing on the subject for too long. “I don’t think now’s the time to talk about it.”
“Yeah,” Duncan said, talking over Patrick, “but in all honesty, there isn’t a lot to tell. Dion’s still undergoing psychiatric evaluation.”
“So they’re going to let him off lightly?” Mike shoved his cutlery together on his plate and reached for his drink.
“I didn’t say that,” Duncan started, but Patrick cut in.
“Dion needs help, Mike. I didn’t have many friends in school. I know what it’s like to be the awkward kid who doesn’t fit in, and just want to be liked for who you are. Dion’s family treated him like crap, and he just wanted someone to see him for who he really was and be his friend. He didn’t intentionally set out to hurt me… us… he was just confused.”
“The guy has a screw loose, if you ask me,” Mike said.
“Probably. But he spent his whole life thinking he was worthless. He just needs help, particularly if it’s a psychiatric issue.”
Mike placed his glass back on the table. “You’re too soft, Patrick.”
Simon leaned across and threw an arm over Patrick’s shoulders. “I don’t think so at all. You stay exactly the way you are, Patrick. I’d hate to think of anyone changing you.”
Patrick leaned into Simon’s touch. There was something special about knowing Simon still supported him, even though Simon himself was pissed as all hell at Dion and would be happy for them to throw him in prison and throw away the key.
“I do have some news, though,” Duncan said. “It concerns Darren.”
Darren’s gaze flew to Duncan and the color fled his face. “M… me?”
“Simon told me a little bit about the issues you’re facing.”
“What?” Darren gasped then looked at Simon. “I told you not to say anything.”
“Hey, it’s okay. He didn’t give me any details other than to tell me you were having some issues with your family. He asked if I could just check to see where your dad was.”
Darren was still shaking his head, but he returned his attention to Duncan. The rest of the guests around the table were silent, sharing confused looks, trying to work out what was going on.
“Go on then,” Darren finally said.
“Your dad is in jail. He was arrested not too long ago.”
“Oh.” Darren was quiet for a moment. “Do you know what for? How long?”
