Page 37 of The Hang Up

I laughed and slapped him on the back. “Sorry. That came out wrong. Sean loves to cheat and loves getting caught at it. It’s his way of…” I hesitated for a second, aware I was talking smack about my son to his boyfriend.

“Thumbing his nose at the rules? Because who needs rules?”

That, more than anything, warmed my heart and made me realize Ben was the right guy for my son. He got him. When so many people didn’t. Myself included. “It’s not to beat anyone. He doesn’t care about that—I’m the opposite.”

“Competitive?”

“I was a businessman and a CEO, so yeah. A little.”

“Same,” Ben said, glancing back at the game. Sean grabbed the ball from Brock, and Ben cheered loudly. When he turned back to me, he laughed. “You don’t believe me? We had to suspend game night—I got way too invested in the outcome.”

I laughed, and he smiled, rubbing the back of his neck. I was really beginning to like this guy. He could admit his faults. An area in which I could improve.

“We play against my brother and his roommate—who happens to be my assistant. I mean, it’s hard to lose to those two. We’re starting again, actually, because I promised to be good.”

“Good luck with that.”

“Remembering Sean storming out because he couldn’t take all the toxic masculinity in the room keeps me grounded.” We watched them chase each other for the ball. “You should come. Brock needs a partner.”

“Oh. I… It sounds like fun. Although I’m not sure anyone but you would want me there.” I cleared my throat of whatever emotion was choking me up. Was it Ben wanting me there? Being a part of Sean’s life again? Or the thought of being Brock’s partner? I avoided looking at Ben—he seemed way too perceptive—and focused on the game.

Sean tackled Angel and Brock jumped on top of them both. I loved seeing him like this. Free from his everyday stress, if just for an afternoon. Not working so hard. Enjoying his life.

“Does he know?”

I glanced at Ben but was distracted by Brock’s laugh. “What? Who?”

“Brock. Does he know that you like him?”

Years of learning to master my features, of wearing a mask, helped me keep my face impassive. “That’s not… I’m not.” I stopped talking because I wasn’t convincing anyone. Brock was going to kill me.

“It’s the gooey look on your face. I’m sure that look isn’t for Sean. Or Angel.” He squeezed my shoulder. “And don’t answer the question because I have a feeling the less I know, the better. I’m not good at hiding things from Sean.”

“So—” God, this was hard. “You’re not going to—” I waved my hand at the game like that explained everything. Where was the man who could convince a room full of people that buying out their company was a good thing?

“All is see is a guy crushing on Brock. And honestly, doesn’t everyone crush on Brock? He’s kind of irresistible.”

“Even you?” I didn’t worry about his answer. He was clearly in love with my son. But I wanted to know. For reasons.

“No. But that’s because he was introduced to me as Sean’s boyfriend. Didn’t like him on sight.”

I choked on the beer I was drinking. “There’s a story there.”

Shouts went up as the game finished and the players ran over to us. Sean immediately grabbed Ben and kissed him. Brock focused on his mom, who was sitting at the patio table. But the set of his shoulders made me think that was intentional.

Hiding sucked. I wanted to grab Brock and kiss him. Claim him. I was proud of him. Of being with him. Not ashamed. But that was a fantasy. Because if Sean knew, it would all be over. He would hate us both. It would be selfish. But it didn’t stop me from wanting that.

And this thing between us was short-lived. Because, eventually, Brock would find someone his own age, someone he could build a life with.

“Deep thoughts, boss.”

“Go away, Mitch.”

We ate at a big patio table I remembered from that other life. Before my company took off. When we were a couple of families close because our sons were best friends. Regina had always been gracious. Victoria had never wanted to come. Cassandra had thought she was too old because all the kids were younger, but she’d always ended up having a good time. I’d enjoyed the cookouts. Watching the kids play. Regina had always had a story to tell, and the food had always been amazing.

“How’s retirement going, Joshua?” Regina asked with a twinkle in her eye.Shit.

“Good,” I said, turning the beer bottle around for no other reason than I needed to do something with my hands, and with everyone focused on me, I couldn’t take a bite of food.

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