“Oh, they absolutely can. But say, the dachshund in the yellow house, she bit Missy when she was still a baby. And the greyhound in the neighborhood dislikes Husky, so they both bark. I’d rather not put the dogs into situations where they get upset. I mean, it’s easy to avoid it, so why do it, you know?”
“You’re such a good daddy for them,” Dev said with feeling.
Leaf smiled almost bashfully. “Thanks. I try my best.”
SETH ANDLeaf left in the afternoon, and Dev went to set up his borrowed desk space. It didn’t take long, and once he was sure everything worked as it was supposed to, he decided to give his mom a call.
“Hey, baby boy. How are you?”
“Hi, Mom.” Dev couldn’t help the sad smile echoing through his voice.
“What’s wrong, Dev?” she asked immediately. Damned mom instincts.
“I might’ve fought with Angel.”
“Oh no,” she gasped, knowing how rare it was for them to argue.
“Yeah. I think… there’s something I need tell you and Dad. Is he around?”
“He is, actually. You got us in a good time.” Mom’s voice was gentle as she went to look for Dad.
Dev made himself comfortable on the couch, and Grace hopped up to sit next to him.
“Okay, you’re on speaker now, baby,” Mom said.
“Hi, Dad,” Dev said, sighing.
“Hi, Dev. What’s going on?” He sounded worried too, albeit in his usual absentminded way. Dev was pretty sure his dad had ADHD, which meant his mind always ran mile a minute, but while he could sound absent, he was always alert to his kids.
“So, you know how I told you I met someone?” Dev started, putting his arm around Grace for support.
“Yes, and I told your mother because I think she deserved to know,” Dad said gently.
“I’m sorry I didn’t call you before, Mom. It’s just so new and—”
“It’s okay, baby. Just tell us what’s worrying you now and why you’re arguing with your brother?”
“Okay, so… I’m actually dating a couple, not just one person,” Dev forced the words out, then tensed for a reaction.
“What are they like?” his mom asked, sounding curious, as if it was totally normal to date a couple.
“Yes, tell us more about them,” Dad piped up, with no judgment in his voice either.
“Well, see, that’s where the problem with Angel comes up.” Dev sighed. “It’s actually Angel’s professor, Seth Kent, and his partner, Leaf DeWitt.”
“So, they’re quite a bit older than you,” Dad said, this time sounding careful.
“Yeah, Seth is in his midthirties and Leaf is just a year younger than you, Dad, but somehow we just all… fit. I don’t even know how it’s possible.”
Mom hummed in a hard to read tone. “Is Angel’s problem the fact that it’s his professor?”
“Mostly, I think. And I do get it. It’s… it’s a tricky thing anyway. But it’s not like I can help it either, you know? Like, it just all happened and we’re rolling with it, because it feels so… good. Right.”
“You sound happy.” Mom’s voice got a bit choked up.
“Yes, you do, son. If they’re treating you right, then I don’t see why you couldn’t have this relationship and make it work. I mean, sure, they could be a bit younger and the age gap is probably going to bring some difficulties sooner or later, but you’re not a child, Devin,” Dad said, sounding serious.
“Thanks.”
