Page 7 of Jurassic Measures
“How romantic.” My mother beamed.
“No, Mother, not romantic because I said no and?—”
“Why’d you say no?” Dad’s brows furrowed and he placed a hand on Landry’s shoulder in what, support?
“Because he was being rude and then he threatened to stalk me until I said yes.”
“Persistent.” Mom winked at Landry. “My Martin was like that. Came to my house every day asking to court me when I was in school.”
“What the hell,” I whispered under my breath. “Mom, no, not good. I had to threaten to call the police if Landry didn’t leave.” I narrowed my eyes at him. “Do you have an alligator?”
Landry snorted out a laugh. “Pardon? No, why would you ask that?”
I shook my head. “Nothing, never mind. Look, I’m fine, now if you could all leave, I need to get ready for work. Mom, Dad, I’ll stop by after we close and answer any other questions you have.”
“Lovely, I’ll make lasagna.” She clapped her hands together. “Landry, why don’t you come too.”
“Mom!”
“I’d love to.”
We both spoke at the same time.
“What part of he’s a stalker did you not understand?”
“Fine, Son.” My dad faced Landry. “I think you’re a fine fella, but you’re scaring my son. Can I ask what your intentions are?”
I couldn’t believe this. I was a grown man.
“I admit I came on strong with Jason. He truly is the best tailor and designer in the area and I only pick the best of everything.”
Dad and Mom both smiled, clearly taken in by the man.
“When he told me no I was upset, but admired his fire and was attracted, so I figured if I couldn’t get him to make my suits perhaps I could get to know the man instead. I didn’t mean to frighten him.”
“See.” Mom motioned toward Landry. “Persistent and romantic.”
Fuck my whole life.
“Jason.” Landry stood and approached me how one might a frightened kitten. “I’m deeply sorry for my overzealousapproach. I respect you can’t design my suits, but I did mean it when I asked you to dinner to get to know you. I so hope you’ll reconsider.”
Over his shoulder I could see my parents nodding and gesturing for me to accept. I was lucky they never even blinked when I told them I was gay and neither of them ever bugged me to settle down.
“You can come to my parents’ tonight for lasagna, that’s all I’m promising.”
“Wonderful.” He winked and spun to face my parents. “What time should I arrive?”
I left them to iron out the details and went upstairs to get ready for my day. A day that was sure to be insane and horrifically memorable.
When I came downstairs it was quiet and I breathed a sigh of relief that they’d all left. I grabbed my coat, since March was chilly…gotta love the northeast, and locked up.
I was halfway to my car when I stopped dead in my tracks. Landry was leaning against his own car, not the Rolls Royce from the day before but something ridiculously expensive. I wasn’t a car person.
“Stalking?”
He chuckled. “No, I just wanted to make sure we were ok. I would like to start over.” He held out his hand. “Hello, I’m Landry Astor, a spoiled brat who likes to get his way but is always intrigued with those who have the balls to tell me no.”
I smirked and shook his hand. “I’m Jason McPherson, not a brat but loves to tell pompous asses no.”
