Jane had left just before Christmas, and things were good again between them. She’d been disappointed that he’d withdrawn from the process, but understood his reasons. It hadn’t been her intention when they’d had their talk, but she was right; he wasn’t ready to step up to that role. There was a reason you didn’t get many C-suite executives in their twenties.
His new boss, Simon, was in his forties and would be starting the first week of January. Jason had met him once, and he was hot as fuck. He had the whole silver fox DILF thing going on, but even Jason had some morals. He would not fuck his boss, no matter how hot he was.
Patrick had been occupying Jason’s thoughts since they’d last spoken. He knew about Grant. What else did he know? His mum had sent him a Christmas card saying she was up for parole again too, but he’d ripped it up. She was where she belonged, and he wasn’t doing anything to help her get out before the fourteen years were up. That wasn’t long enough, as far as he was concerned. She was just as guilty ashewas, but at least he was dead and wouldn’t hurt anyone else ever again.
There had been a lot going on in their flat over the last few months. Charlie had moved out, Eric had moved in with Langdon, and it was clear Paolo and Max were destined for their happily ever after and wouldn’t be here soon. The whole Gregory and Oscar thing was still a mystery, but Jason had this sinking feeling that by his next birthday he’d be the only one who wasn’t in a relationship, and he’d have to find somewhere else to live. Gregory had promised Jason he wouldalways have a home here, but he wasn’t convinced. He’d learnt at a young age that promises were made to be broken.
As for Jason and Patrick... he knew the man was far too good for him and all the baggage he brought. Patrick didn’t know all of Jason’s history, and if he did, he’d run for the hills. It was why he didn’t do relationships. It wasn’t just about not wanting to deal with the same hurt he’d felt from Grant, but he knew that once someone knew all of him, they’d know he was too damaged, and he’d be rejected again.
Jason had heard Patrick wouldn’t be joining them for Christmas dinner today. Patrick was going to be on his own, and all because of Jason. Christmas had to be a painful time for Patrick, given the loss of his husband. Everything Jason touched turned to shit, so it was best if he kept away from Patrick to protect him, and he could protect his own heart at the same time.
All he wanted to do today was forget all the crap going on in his life and in his head. That started with giving Gregory a wake-up call, so he burst into his bedroom without knocking, which he knew would get him all wound up. Jason couldn’t help himself. It was fun to get a reaction from people, and Langdon was in a good mood, so he had to go to the next grumpiest person in their group.
“Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!”
He jumped on the bed and tackled Gregory into a hug.
“Why are you attacking me?” asked Gregory.
“Daddy Langdon has made breakfast, and your presence is required.”
“I thought we were going to KC’s for breakfast?”
“We are. This is a pre-breakfast breakfast.”
“Well, if you get off me, I can get dressed and join you.”
“You’re no fun,” he said, pouting.
Gregory laughed and then flipped Jason onto his back so he could get out of bed.
“What the fuck was that?” asked Jason. “The way you just manhandled me? You’ve given me a stiffy.”
“Stiffy? What are you, twelve?”
Gregory stood up and pulled on his jogging bottoms. What was he hiding? His face was more frowny than usual.
“Just when I think I know you, Gregory, you have another surprise for me.”
“Not sure what you’re talking about,” he said, looking away, blushing.
“You’ve got two minutes, or I’m sending Langdon up to retrieve you.”
“Just let me go to the bathroom and I’ll be there.”
Jason smirked, but said nothing else as he left. He saw Paolo’s sister Lori in the kitchen, so rushed over and gave her a hug.
“Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas. Woohoo.”
“Someone take his batteries out,” said Langdon.
“Don’t be boring. It’s Christmas.”
“Maybe you’d be quiet if Patrick gave you a spanking!”
He felt his face flame, so he scowled at Langdon. “Bitch!”
Langdon left and went back to cooking, and Jason grabbed Lori’s hand and dragged her over to the sofa. He loved this sofa. It was custom made and enormous. It could fit all five of them on it comfortably.
