Page 22 of The Betas: Rene
“So she finally used the computer I bought her,” Frankie said. “It takes voice commands, she doesn’t have to type. You should buy her one of those house computers from Amazon or Google, all you need to do is talk at it, and it does what you ask. You can even connect the lights and the phone. She wouldn’t have to leave her easy chair to answer the phone.”
“Carmen answers the phone.”
In for the kill.“No, Dad, she doesn’t. Half of the time she lets it go to voicemail or has Mom answer it. I don’t know what Carmen does, but whatever it is, it isn’t useful. I’ve wanted to tell you for years. Mom likes her. A companion is all she’s good for. Get a housekeeper. Your meals will also improve. Mom’s getting too skinny.”Coming out with both barrels.
He could hear Dante take a deep breath and blow it out. “I told you that your mother was on the computer.”
“And?” Whatever Dante was trying to get out, Frankie wasn’t about to make it easy for him.
“She showed me seven or eight articles. Some of them were from respected medical journals that even an old undereducated man like me knows are legit, a science magazine, papers from prominent doctors…they all say the same thing. You were born that way, I mean gay.”
Finally! Absolution.
“Yes, I was. I knew when I was seven. I told my dad when I was nine. He didn’t care. I told Mom to tell you before you adopted me. I knew it would bother you.”Turn the knife, Frankie.
René frowned.He’s right.I need to dial it back.
“I’m sorry, son. I thought that by keeping you with me, you’d forget about being gay. I was wrong. I expect an invitation to the wedding. Your mother says that all of your friends are like you. It doesn’t matter, I want to see you married, and Junior will stand up with you.”
Okay Frankie, get off your high horse. The old man is trying.
“Yes, Dante, thank you, for all you’ve done for me. I hadn’t thanked you properly for, for loving Mom and…me, even when I wasn’t very loveable.”
I could have done the same search Mom did at any time and showed him the results. I was as stubborn as he was.
“You’ll do, son. I’m going to go back and sit with your mother. She tires easily, and I want to make sure she goes to bed before I leave for the restaurant. Are you sure I can’t change your mind? You can still be married and work for me.” There was a hitch in his stepfather’s voice.
“No, I’m doing what’s right for both of us. I can never be completely open with the men. I make them and you, uncomfortable. They need someone who relishes the lifestyle. I don’t, but you know that. Thank you for promising to take her to the wedding. If Junior wants to be my best man, I’ll be happy to have him, but don’t force him, or he’ll resent me more than he already does. I promise I’ll come see you and Mom. Tell Mom we’ll be there tomorrow at three.”
“Okay, Frankie, goodnight.”
“Goodnight…Dad.”
He was about to hang up when his stepfather cleared his throat. “You tell La Marche not to expect concessions because you work for him, you hear?”
“I’m sure he won’t.” He heard the dial tone. Dante had hung up.
He turned his gaze to René. “You heard…” Frankie wiped at his eyes.
“I heard everything, even what you didn’t say. I forgot to tell you about the Mate Link.”
“I read it in that damn book.” Frankie noticed the bar and walked over to pour himself a brandy. He held his glass up to René. “You want one?” René nodded. Frankie grabbed another crystal brandy snifter and poured himself two fingers and René four.
“I can’t believe one of us writes those books.” Frankie took a sip of his brandy.
“Yes, as The Alpha Mate told you, Alpha Mate Colin Callahan, Alpha Marc Thierry’s Mate. Alpha Thierry is Number Three. Colin is Jason Jones.”
“Marc as in Acquisitions Marc?” Frankie raised an eyebrow.
“You remembered.” René seemed surprised.
“You’ll find I remember all of what you say, it’s a talent my stepfather used often.” Frankie downed the rest of his drink.
“I’m sure The Alpha will find it useful. Are you hungry? I have some of Meg’s strawberry pie.”
“I’m starved.” Frankie put down his glass and followed René down into the kitchen.
René peered at him. “I’m making you a sandwich and heating up some soup. You’re under the mating imperative. Strawberry pie isn’t going to cut it.”
