Page 73 of Ravenous

“Not smitten.Besotted.” He placed another kiss on Ollie’s cheek and Ollie squeaked in return, loving how Finn caught everything he threw at him, tossing it right back.

“You’re always a charmer.”

“Guilty as charged.” Heading up the porch stairs, Finn extended his hand. “Are you ready?”

Ollie took it easily, swinging their joined arms. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

The door opened before they even reached it, and Finn let go of Ollie to hug his uncle, their bond clear as day. “How’s it going, Uncledad?”

“Good, Nephewson, good.” He met Ollie’s eyes and winked, stepping back from the hug, and Ollie tried not to let his mouth hang open as he realized that Finn’s fashion sense was genetic; however, Joe’s band T-shirts had dates from the sixties on them. They also had the same nose and jawline, but while Finn still rocked his hair, Uncle Joe was mostly bald and had grown out what little he had into a low ponytail. With a gentle kindness that ran in the family, he welcomed them inside, smiling. “And who’s this stunning lad? The one you’ve been head over heels for?”

Finn choked, falling back against the door and Ollie couldn’t help but laugh. “W-Wait. How did you-”

“He acts like I didn’t raise him and know everything about him.” Finn’s uncle winked again, holding out his hand. “Hello. I’m Joe.”

“Ollie.” They shook, grinning, and Joe gestured toward the couch. “Make yourself at home. He’s been talking about you since Christmas when he very carefully didn’t useshe.” He raised an eyebrow at Finn. “I can read between the lines.”

“You are way too sharp for your age, aren’t you supposed to have dementia by now?” Hands on his hips, Finn shook his head.

“It’s all the weed,” Joe tapped his index finger against his temple. “Keeps me quick.”

“And you’re…okay with this?” Finn seemed uncharacteristically anxious and Ollie immediately went to his side, interlocking their fingers. Looking down, Finn smiled, pressing their palms together.

Joe walked over to them, clapping Finn on the shoulder. “All I want is for you to be happy, Nephewson.” Grinning at Ollie, he looked down at their joined hands. “And from what I can see, this nice young man is making you happy.” Finn seemed to slump with relief and Joe laughed, reaching out to ruffle Finn’s hair but stopping an inch away. “By the way, you’re looking pretty snazzy today, what’s the occasion?”

“Ollie wanted to give me a makeover for his social media accounts.” Finn posed ridiculously again. “What do you think?”

“I think he had his work cut out for him.” Joe gave Ollie an affectionate chuck under the chin. “He did a terrific job. You look expensive.”

“I’ll take that!” Finn laughed, ushering Ollie into the main room, where the walls were covered in framed photos and guitars in an echo of Finn’s decor. “Do you want anything to drink, Sunshine?”

“I’ve got beer, water, and more beer,” Joe called out, already in the kitchen. “And some of that carrot cake from the bakery in tooooown.” The final word was sung in a knowing tone.

Finn’s head turned so fast that Ollie’s neck vicariously hurt. “Really? I’ll take a slice of that. Alargeslice.”

“Thought you would.” Joe turned to Ollie. “What about you, lad?”

“Um, I’m okay for now, thank you.” Ollie tensed, ready for a comment about his weight or how he needed to be fattened up, but nothing was said and he glanced over his shoulder to find Joe plating the cake.

“Itoldyou.” Finn sauntered over, wrapping his arms around Ollie again. “My uncle is the coolest cat around. But what I haven’t told you is that you’re the first person I’ve ever brought home to him.”

“I am?” Turning in the hold, Ollie placed his hands on Finn’s chest.

“Yep! I’ve met Owen and maybe one or two friends Finn did a school project with. And you.” Handing Finn his plate, Joe shuffled to the recliner, plopping down into it with a hearty grunt.

“Have you ever met Liam? Owen’s partner?” Ollie sat on the end of the couch beside Joe, enjoying his grandfatherly hippie vibe. He was exactly what Ollie had expected and yet so much more.

“Once, I believe. Nice young man.” Picking up a bag and a pipe, Joe put them both in his lap.

“He’s my best friend.” Ollie should send him the cute photo from outside since they were now both grossly in love.

“Is that so?” Joe raised an eyebrow, looking between Ollie and Finn. “Did you two meet through them?”

“Not really.” Finn settled back on the couch, digging into the cake. “Ollie was my rideshare passenger. We hit it off but didn’t get each other’s numbers. Three months later? I saw him jogging on the side of the road. Almost hit a van,” Finn managed to say between bites. Clearly, he’d be willing to spill state secrets as long as the carrot cake was good.

“That’s fate!” Joe declared, slapping the recliner’s arm. “And a sign you should be paying better attention while driving, Nephewson.”

Ollie was glad he’d come with Finn, not just to meet the legendary Uncle Joe, or to witness Finn’s coming out, but for the entertainment of Finn being admonished like a child. He giggled and Finn pointed his fork at him.

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