“I—” Duncan stopped and glanced around the table.
“That’s okay, you can say it in front of them. We’re all friends, right?” Darren said.
There were murmurs of agreement. Megan pushed her chair back. “How about Sammy and I go start getting the pies ready?” She nodded at Darren, obviously clearing the way for conversation not meant for little ears to proceed.
“From what I understand, he got involved with illegal gambling. He owed some guys some money. Turns out they were the wrong guys. Your dad was nabbed for stealing a car that he intended to sell to pay off his debts. He faces up to four years’ incarceration. But he’s turned informant. His information led to the arrest of the group who’d been pressuring him. The case is really strong; they’ve got them for illegal gambling, extortion, assault, and the list goes on. Other witnesses and evidence have also come to light. They won’t be getting out for a long, long time.”
By the time Duncan had got to the end of his explanation, Darren’s smile was wide. Even Mrs. Dawson seemed to have picked up on what great news this was for Darren. “It sounds like we all have something to be thankful for,” she said.
The rest of the meal was spent sharing stories about the future, stories that reflected happiness, positivity, and hope. Charlie and Josh spoke more about their upcoming wedding. Duncan and Antonio shared their plans for adopting a child. Bruce and Lisa had decided it was time to make the leap and move in together in their own place. Mike was Mike, planning a vacation to the latest resort, where he planned to live like there was no tomorrow. Patrick couldn’t help the smile as he looked at Darren. The previously shy young man was now sitting tall and laughing, sharing a joke with Jason, the big tattooed guy who had been Simon’s good Samaritan. Where previously, Patrick felt sure, Jason’s bulk and appearance would have had Darren cowering, Darren now looked like he was even flirting a bit. Perhaps he’d found his own hero?
Finally, Patrick looked to his own family, because that’s how he saw Simon’s family. They were so open and welcoming that Patrick had no doubts he’d be spending a lot more time with them. Sammy had climbed onto Simon’s lap and was trying to feed him pie, while Megan looked on adoringly. But more importantly, Simon’s mom kept sneaking glances at her son. She smiled a lot, and Patrick had the feeling that the ice was starting to thaw there. He thought that perhaps knowing the role Simon had played in saving Patrick had played a part.
All in all, it was a wonderful day.
It was after eleven when they finally said goodbye to the last of their guests, completed the cleaning up, and got into bed. Patrick snuggled into Simon’s welcoming arms. The room was dark and the only sound was the faint thump-thump of Simon’s heart under his ear.
They were silent for a while.
“I’m glad your mom came to dinner,” Patrick said into the darkness.
“Yeah, me too.”
“You think things might be better between the two of you now?” Patrick hoped so, because he knew how much Simon loved his family.
“I do. What she said at dinner, about you being in capable hands when you were injured?”
“Uh-huh.” Patrick nodded against Simon’s chest.
“Well, a while back she wouldn’t have said those things. She blamed me when we lost Bobby. I was there and I couldn’t do anything to help him. But I don’t think she does now. I think she just hurt so bad that she needed another outlet for her emotions, something else to focus on. Then it took a long time for her to get over that way of thinking.”
“I think you’re right, and it’s obvious how much she loves you, even if she’s had a hard time showing it in recent years.”
“Yeah.” Patrick could hear the smile in Simon’s voice. Silence descended for a while. “Megs liked you.”
Patrick chuckled. “I like her, too. She has a great sense of humor even if she does give you shit all the time.” The banter between Simon and Megan had continued all through lunch. “I loved hearing the stories she told about you.”
“Yeah, well, it’ll be your turn to be embarrassed at Christmas when we visityourmom and dad. I’m even going to make them get out the album so I can see that dorky little boy with the bad haircut.”
“You wouldn’t!” Patrick rose on his elbow and looked at Simon.
“I would!”
Simon grabbed him in a hug. They wrestled for a moment, the sound of laughter filling the room. When the laughing stopped, Patrick found himself only a few inches from Simon’s face. Simon’s eyes reflected the small amount of light coming in the window. He brought his lips to Simon’s, and they shared a kiss that was soft and gentle. Patrick poured all the love he felt for Simon into the kiss. It wasn’t about lust or sex; it was about Patrick wanting Simon to know how precious he was.
They slowly drew apart, and Patrick snuggled back down into Simon’s hold.
“Si?” Patrick said.
“Hmm….” Simon sounded already half asleep.
“Thank you.”
“What for?” Simon stroked Patrick’s arm gently, his touch soft and reassuring.
“Everything, I guess.”
Simon’s chest rumbled with his chuckle.
