Page 67 of Every Hidden Truth

I laughed as I removed several thin, rectangular boxes from the bag. “What’s all this?”

It was silly to ask since I could clearly see the art supplies, but it was unexpected, taking me off guard. Paintbrushes, oil paint, acrylic, watercolor, and a box of charcoal lay stacked in the gift bag, and I eyed the large sketchbook in my hand warily.

“I wasn’t sure which medium you preferred, so now you have options to choose from.” Ben shifted his weight. “I thought you might need these for your art class next semester. And maybe for personal use too.”

Swallowing thickly, I explored the supplies as my smile grew with each gift. First, my birthday watch and Dad’s acceptance, and now Ben being all sweet and amazing. It was officially the best birthday I’d ever had.

“Thanks.” I slid everything back into the gift bag and set it on the ground before leaping into his arms for an enthusiastic embrace. “Can’t wait to try them out.”

“Really? You like it?”

Did he really think I’d hate his gift? Silly boy, he could be so insecure sometimes. “Yes, really. I love it.”

He kissed me, cutting off my gratefulness with his luscious lips, and I melted into him like pudding.

“Thanks, Ben,” I whispered against his lips when we parted, and he brushed our noses together.

“You’re welcome.” He pecked my mouth again. “Happy birthday.”

When Dad returned to the living room, we sat down and made small talk as we waited for the food to arrive.

“So, Silas tells me you’re into sports?” Dad phrased it like a question, and Ben nodded.

“I mean, not a lot of sports, but I’m a diver, and I played baseball back in California.”

I spun on him. “You did? You never told me that.”

“I guess it never came up. I’m not great at baseball, but I enjoy it.”

“I played shortstop in high school and some in college.” My dad leaned forward, excitement glittering to life in his eyes. “What position do you play?”

“I’m a pitcher, usually, but I can play outfield when needed.”

They launched into a discussion about baseball, and I tuned out most of it as I played with Ben’s hand in my lap. When Dad exhausted the subject of baseball, they moved on to football. Eventually, I got bored, but I was happy my dad seemed to like him, so I didn’t interrupt their male bonding.

Finally, the Chinese food arrived, and we shifted the conversation to the dining room as we divided up the boxes. Still discussing whether the Colts had a shot at making the Super Bowl, we tucked into our food.

“You said you’re from California?” Dad asked when I was halfway through my chicken lo mein, and Ben nodded. “What brought your folks this way?”

Swallowing his bite, Ben wiped his lips with a napkin. “I actually live with my aunt and uncle. My mom died a few years back.”

Dad’s face paled with guilt, then pity. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Thanks. It was rough, but my aunt and uncle are the best. I mean, they put up with me, so...”

Nudging his shoulder, I snorted at his self-deprecating grin. “Yeah, ’cause you’re such a wild child.”

Ben elbowed me right back, and I sniggered into my plate of food as my dad cleared his throat. “Well, still, it’s hard losing a parent. We’ve been without Silas’s mom for a while now, but it’s still not easy.”

My fork clattered against my plate, the utensil slipping through my fingers as I rounded on Dad with wide eyes. Was he seriously bringing up Mom right now?

“You make it sound like we misplaced her at the grocery store,” I snapped. “We didn’t lose her, Dad. She fucking left!”

“Silas.” Ben’s hand covered my wrist, but I withdrew from his touch, glaring daggers as my dad’s face splotched in embarrassment.

“Watch your language.” The rebuke was soft, but I flinched all the same as Dad cleared his throat. “Forgive me, I didn’t mean to be insensitive or compare the two—”

Ben dismissed the apology quickly, shooting me a chiding look. “It’s fine, Charlie. It’s hard losing a parent, no matter how it happens.”

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