Page 91 of Heal
The media still hadn't figured out who Parson was, but that would all end tonight when he introduced him. Everything had pretty much been set up under Beau's name, but tonight, he'd give Parson full credit and equal standing with him for throwing the fundraiser.
"Ready for all this?" Parson linked their hands as he met him in front of the car.
"No, but it's here so I have no choice. I've never liked these things, but this one is worth suffering one night for." Beau kissed him softly. "Thanks for being here with me."
"Nowhere I'd rather be." Parson smiled.
"They're kissing again." Lisa sighed.
"It doesn't stop. I'm telling you, get used to it." Faith shook her head.
Beau smiled at Faith. "Someday…"
She shook her head. "Not happening."
"We'll see." He laughed as he placed his hand on Jeff's back and led the group inside. Once they were settled and all had their passes, he left Warren and the kids to wander around the area while he went off with Parson to make sure things were running smoothly. He'd hired a good staff and crew to make sure everything was perfect. That, along with the performers' own staff working their magic was making the night almost effortless.
He let Parson lead him around, introducing him to people he knew and enjoying the surprise when people realized they were a couple. Going public with Parson was another step forward in their relationship. Parson was no longer the mystery man, he was Beau's partner, that simple title change meant everything to Beau.
The kids were now off with Beth in a suite, watching one of the bands perform. Knowing they were safe, he was able to relax even more.
"My mom and dad are over by that banner." Parson nodded. "You ready to meet them?"
Beau's grip on Parson's hand tightened. "Has to happen sometime." He had never liked meeting parents, but meeting Parson's was even more troublesome, what if they hated him? What if he wasn't good enough for Parson? What if they tried to get Parson to leave him?
Parson smiled. "Relax. There's no reason to be nervous. I'm the one who should be worried. They might start telling you embarrassing childhood stories right here in front of everyone."
Beau laughed. "I want to hear them all, but not here, not tonight. They need to wait until I can really tease you about them."
"Wicked man." Parson gave his hand a tug and led him to his parents' side. "Mom, Dad, I'd like to introduce you to Beau Maddington." He kept Beau's hand in his, standing so their arms pressed against each other.
"Mr. and Mrs. Detry, it's a pleasure to finally meet you." Beau smiled as he offered his hand to them. He instantly missed Parson's touch.
"Mr. Maddington, it's our pleasure. I was hoping we'd get time to see you tonight." Parson's mother pulled him into a hug. "Welcome to the family," she whispered in his ear.
"Beau, please." He smiled unsure how to take her comment, though Parson had warned him his parents were pushy.
"Amazing event you two have put on. I have to say, it doesn't feel like a charity event. It's much more than that. How's the fundraising coming?" Mr. Detry asked.
"We've exceeded our goal." Parson smiled, reaching again for Beau's hand. "We won't know final numbers until probably sometime tomorrow, but we're pleased with what we're seeing."
"That's fantastic. Such a good cause too. Parson told us you've adopted two children?" Mrs. Detry asked.
"Working on adopting." Beau smiled. "They're upstairs with my sister right now, but Parson and I would love to have you over one day soon to meet them."
"Or, you could bring them to Greece and come visit us. We leave the first part of the year and will be gone for several months. We've been trying to get Parson to come to join us for a couple of weeks." Mrs. Detry narrowed her eyes at her son.
"I know, Mom, but I have work, and Beau's kids have school, not to mention Beau has to work. I'll see if I can swing it, but don't get your hopes up." Parson's grip tightened on Beau's hand.
Beau took the hint. "It was a pleasure meeting you both, but I hope you'll forgive me for cutting it short. Parson and I are needed at the auction tables. I'm sure we'll see you before you leave for Greece." Beau gave them his best smile, the one his father had taught him years ago to win over business affairs.
"Of course. You two have a good evening and thank you again for inviting us. We'll leave a donation before we go." Mrs. Detry hugged Parson. "Call us later this week and let us know your final totals."
"I will, Mom." Parson hugged her back before nodding goodbye to his father.
Beau led him away, acting like they were in a hurry to get to the auction area, but the truth was, Beau wanted nothing more than to escape and forget the whole night. He wanted to be alone with Parson, forgetting about the world around them. "Here." Beau pulled him into an empty dressing room.
Parson looked around, confused.
