“For being you. For being the fabulous, terrific, awesome you.”
“I don’t know about that so much, but it’s something you’ll never have to thank me for. You make it easy to be me around you. I love you, princess.”
I always believed that sharing your innermost thoughts and feelings made you weak, vulnerable, easily manipulated. I now recognize it as the indoctrination of a delusional alcoholic with abusive tendencies. I’m thankful for the wise council of a sweet friend who has my best interests at heart. That her words led me to baring it all and taking the risk.
And I will forever be grateful to the beautiful woman who’s captured my heart, for showing me that I have more good in me than I believed. That I will never be the monster that I feared becoming.
I’ll spend the rest of my life loving her, showing her how much she means to me, every single day.
I lean forward to give Eloise another kiss when there’s a knock at the door. Disappointed at the interruption, I lean back again. “You expecting someone?”
“Shit. I completely forgot. That’s probably my folks – Dad’s going to have a look at a leak under the kitchen sink.” She gets to her feet, and I follow her up, taking a moment to adjust my aching dick.
“Hang tight. I’ll check.” I know it’s unlikely, since his crazy ass has been arrested, but I’d rather make sure it isn’t my dad come back to cause more mischief.
Seeing it is, indeed, her parents, I let them in. I’m completely taken aback at the way Monique’s face lights up when she spots me. “Xavier. What a lovely surprise. It’s so good to see you.” She steps into my personal space and wraps her arms around me.
When she’s done hugging me, she moves toward Eloise. “Hey Lola-bug,” I hear her say as Jerome sticks his hand out. I shake his hand but am caught completely off-guard as he pulls me in for a man-hug. “Good to see you, son.”
“I – thank you, sir. Good to see you too.”
“Hi, Daddy.” Eloise comes up behind me, shifts past me to hug her dad.
Feeling eyes on me, I look over at Monique to find her studying me, a frown creasing her brow. “Bear, when was the last time you had a decent meal or rest?”
It feels a little like I’ve stepped into the twilight zone. Not since I was a boy, have I had someone give a rat’s ass whether I’ve rested or eaten. In fact, anything to do with my wellbeing. And while it feels so good, it’s also somewhat unsettling, not being used to it. To this point, there’s only ever been two people who cared about me. Mama and old Mr. Jansen who owned the gym back home.
Clearing my throat, I answer her. “I grabbed some shut-eye on the ship yesterday and napped some on the plane home.”
Tsking, Monique puts her hands on her hips. “That’s not right. You grab a seat, and we’ll whip you up something to eat. Lola, come give me a hand, sweetheart.”
I open my mouth to tell her it’s not necessary, I’m used it, but before I can utter a word Jerome shoulder bumps me. “Pointless arguing boy, she’s going to feed you regardless.” He chuckles as he walks past me, leaving me standing in front of the door wondering what the hell just happened.
Shaking my head, I move into the living room. Jerome takes a seat, tells me to pull up a chair. We chat about inconsequential things, shooting the breeze as the man waits for the women to be done so he can get to the sink. The smells coming from the kitchen have my mouth watering.
Eventually, Eloise brings me a plate of food, loaded to feed an army. My stomach growls loudly, as she hands me the plate heaped high with fluffy scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast.
“Eat up, my boy. There’s plenty more where that came from,” Monique says as she comes out of the kitchen, wiping her hands with a dishtowel.
Patting my knee as he gets to his feet, Jerome comments, “I’ll leave you to eat while I go make a start.”
“I’m happy to lend a hand,” I say around a mouthful of food. Then the flavors hit my tongue and I need a moment to appreciate my food. I have no idea what Eloise’s mother did to the eggs but damn the woman can cook. Who knew the humble scrambled egg could taste so damn good.
Unable to hold back my groan, I see Monique grin. “That good, huh?”
“Better than good. I keep eating like this, I’m going to have to live at the gym just to be able to fit in my uniform.”
“As long as you enjoy it.”
Through all of this, Eloise stands quietly, watching our interaction, a small smile on her face. The whole situation feels a lot like home and family and acceptance. Something I’ve not experienced in more than two decades. And I can feel something inside me shift. Settle.
By the time I’m done eating, my hunger is well sated, but my eyes feel gritty with fatigue. Still, I get to my feet and head over to where Jerome is half hidden under the sink. “Can I give you a hand, sir?”
“Yeah, can you pass me the thread tape, please.” I hand him the tape, and for the next fifteen minutes I play his assistant while he fixes Eloise’s leaky disposal unit.
An hour later, with a promise to go round for dinner, we’re standing side by side saying goodbye to her parents.
“So we’ll see you later. Until then, get some rest, Xavier.” Monique points an elegant finger at me.
