Page 63 of Icebreaker
“Matty’s brother made the quilt,” Daddy B whispered in my ear.
“Benji, your quilt is awesome.”
Matty’s brother, who sat across from us, blushed at the attention his gift had generated. Matty had been right about how sweet his brother was. He’d been just as worried about meeting me as I’d been about meeting him.
“You made that? It’s lovely,” Mrs. Tate chimed in. “How long did it take you?”
“Around a month? But I was working on it full-time, so that helped,” Benji answered sheepishly.
“I didn’t know quilting was a full-time job,” Mr. Tate said. “How lucky are you!” He was so enthusiastic that he completely missed how uncomfortable Benji looked.
“Well, it wasn’t by choice exactly. I was between jobs and not in school, so plenty of time on my hands.”
“I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.” Mr. Tate sounded genuinely remorseful. “My mouth gets away from me sometimes.”
“It’s fine. I’ll be taking a few grad classes this summer, so my quilting time will be drastically reduced,” Benji answered. “And then starting a full course load in the fall.”
“What are you studying, dear?”
Benji looked sheepish. “A master’s in counseling with a specialization in art therapy.”
“Psychology is my subject!” Professor Tate exclaimed with loud enthusiasm. “I know a little about it.”
Daddy B rolled his eyes, Benji blushed, and Mrs. Tate told him to stop yelling. His ruddy cheeks gave us all a clue as to how much he was enjoying the open bar. Benji glanced around, looking like he wanted the floor to swallow him up.
“I’m looking forward to your class in the fall.” Before it could get any more uncomfortable, Matty asked Benji to come with him to meet another player. They left the table, and my buffer was gone.
“Mrs. Tate, you were right about the food. It’s delicious,” I said shyly. “This place has been on my list to try forever.”
“It’s one of my favorites. The options change fairly often, but the clam chowder is always on the menu. I like to come down here and work in the afternoons.”
“Daddy B said you’re a teacher, right?” It took me a second to register what came out of my mouth. The man in question turned and looked at me with amused eyes. His mom smiled. In a panic, I glanced at Professor Tate. He looked nonplussed.
“Yeah, that tracks.”
I was more than a little surprised by his dad’s nonchalance.
“Sorry, inside joke,” I added in a desperate attempt to smooth over the moment.
“No, it’s not,” Daddy B said firmly. “I’m his Daddy.” The stubborn set of his jaw wasn’t usually seen off the ice, but it was on full display here. He’d thrown down the gauntlet and dared either of his parents to pick it up. As for me, I just wanted to sink into whatever was below the cellar of this restaurant, never to be seen again.
“Sweetheart, it’s fine. I’ve been married to a psych professor who specializes in sexual behavior for twenty-seven years. There’s no kink that hasn’t been discussed at our kitchen table.” Mrs. Tate reached over and patted my hand. “In fact, Brennen’s father and I…”
“Oh fuck no, Mom!” Daddy B shouted in horror. “Do not finish that sentence. Do not finish that thought. Absolutely fucking not.”
“Do you think your generation invented sex? Or kink?” Professor Tate interjected.
“I’m well aware we didn’t, but you’re my parents, and you’ve had sex exactly once.Once,” Daddy B dictated.
“Well, if you want to think so, then I’ll let you,” answered his mom with a roll of her eyes. “As for the other, apparently myhusband was aware of Brennen’s interest, but regardless, there’s zero reason for you to hide yourself. If Brennen’s your Daddy, then that’s that. I hope he takes care of you in the ways you need.”
I appreciated her support, but I was at a loss for words. With no other alternatives to occupy me, eating my dinner became the most urgent task in the world. As for a response, I finally settled on a mumbled “Thank you.” Daddy B’s hand found mine under the table, and he gave me a reassuring squeeze. A quick peek at his face reassured me that he wasn’t upset anymore.
“Please feel like you are free to be yourself. Whatever that looks like. Nothing good ever came of pretending to be someone you’re not.” I was at a loss for words. “Actually, I’m so relieved to meet you,” Mrs. Tate added.
“Relieved?” That seemed like an odd word choice.
“We usually see much more of Brennen, but suddenly, he had a new roommate and disappeared off the end of the earth. He’s obviously been busy with you, and it’s pretty obvious he’s a smitten kitten,” Mrs. Tate said with a happy laugh.
