Page 28 of I Think They Love You

Kenneth shifts uncomfortably. His eyes say,Why didn’t you warn us?

Denz mouths,I tried to.

“It’s quite all right.” Sadness outlines Braylon’s smile. “Brain aneurysm. He thought it was a migraine. Went in his sleep.”

Leena reaches over to cup one of his hands. “I’m so deeply sorry.”

“He was an amazing man,” Kenneth adds. “Very respected. I hope you know that.”

“Thank you,” Braylon whispers, not making eye contact with Denz. “I did. Honestly, I’m fine. That’s what therapy is for.”

His rough laugh is met by a grin from Leena.

Denz bites his lip. He should say something.Dosomething. He’s supposed to be the supportive boyfriend, and despite all Braylon’s posturing, Denz knows he can’t be as okay as he sounds. It was his dad.

Instinct doesn’t immediately kick in, so Denz goes with the next best thing: impulse. He rubs a hand across Braylon’s spine. Hums quietly.

A phone buzzes on the table.

“Sorry,” Kenneth says, standing. “I need to take this. It’s Audrey Hudson. I’m planning her summer wedding anniversary celebration. Twenty years, can you believe it?”

More vibrations. “Oh!” Leena swipes her phone up. “It’s time for my nightly chat with Mikah! Be right back.”

When his parents are out of earshot, Denz snatches his hand away. Braylon scowls at him. “What were you doing?”

“Comforting you.”

“By humming ‘Fix You’ by Coldplay?”

Denz sighs. “It works on my nephew all the time.”

“I’m not a kindergartener—”

“First grade.”

“—and have you heard yourself sing? I’m surprised Mikah doesn’t have nightmares.”

“Shut up.”

“You’re awful.” Braylon’s face wrinkles. “I’d rather be serenaded by Katy Perry.”

Denz flips him off. He can feel himself almost smirk. “I’m trying to make this lookreal. For my parents, okay?”

Braylon says irritably, “Then try being less like Ted Lasso and more like—”

“Everything okay?”

Leena scoots back into the booth. Her curious head tilt forces Denz to toss an arm around Braylon’s wide shoulders. “G-great! Perfect!”

Braylon smiles tensely, not saying a word. It’s enough to ward off more questions from Leena. Soon, Kenneth rejoins the table, and the food arrives.

The waitstaff moves fast and efficiently. Plates are set. Glasses are refilled. Braylon’s steaming steak and the sharp vinegary scent from his fries drag a growl from Denz’s stomach. The food on his own plate is—

Not what he ordered.

“Oh. Um…”

He stares at the roasted flounder and spring salad. An overwhelming whiff of onions makes his nose wrinkle.

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