Page 24 of Need Him
“I can’t do it. You do it. I’ll watch.”
“Let’s get something to eat. It’s almost dinner,” Gareth said. He led the way to the attached cafe and sat Ben down. “Wait here. I’ll be back in a minute.”
While Gareth was gone, Ben checked his phone. He didn’t know why he did because no one would be messaging him. He shoved it back in his pocket and tapped his fingers on the top of the table. He could feel a buzzing under his skin as if he needed to keep moving and working, but Gareth’s words kept him in his seat. Why was he willing to do what Gareth wanted all of a sudden? It was as if he had no will of his own.
Before he could take that thought any further, Gareth returned with two cheeseburgers, fries and fizzy drinks.
“Eat up,” Gareth said, tucking into his fries.
Ben grabbed the ketchup and drenched his fries before sticking some in his mouth. The cheeseburger called him, but he always ate the fries first because he hated it when they got cold. Cold fries were disgusting. Once the fries were gone, he grabbed his burger two-handed and demolished it.
“How are you feeling?” Gareth asked when he was halfway through his burger.
Ben finished his mouthful, thinking about the question. “Calmer than I was,” he admitted.
“Good. Can you tell me what happened?”
Ben put the burger down and had a drink before answering, “Why wouldn’t you believe me when I was answering the questions in the apartments?”
Gareth leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. “It wasn’t that I didn’t believe you. I trust your information, but we needed to see if the estate agent knew about the area.”
“Why?”
“An estate agent is there to sell a property, but they might not have all the information, or they might give false information if they believe it will help sell it. I wanted to make sure they were reliable to deal with. Why would you want to give your money to people who don’t respect those they sell to?”
Gareth went back to eating, leaving Ben with his thoughts again. What Gareth had said was true, and didn’t that make Ben feel like an ass?
“Why do I do this?”
Gareth rested a hand on Ben’s nape and squeezed. “I think you’re used to not being in control of your life that your mind prefers to fight to get that control back.” Gareth frowned. “I’m not very good at explaining things, but you lash out because it’s one way of making people do what you want them to. You push them aside to give yourself more breathing room and because you don’t want them to be like your parents. I’m not a therapist, but that’s just my guess.”
Ben leaned back, dislodging Gareth’s hand, and stared at him. “I’m sorry.”
Gareth smiled. “I don’t mind. This is part of being a Daddy that I like. Dealing with unruly behaviours,” he winked, “is my forte.”
“I don’t even realise I’m doing it,” Ben said.
“It’s a learned response now, I think. You’re used to doing it that you don’t acknowledge it anymore. It’s something we can work on.”
Ben smiled and finished his burger, the silence more comfortable this time.
“I have to go home and get ready now,” Gareth said.
Ben nodded. “I could do with finishing a few things at work, too.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow?” Ben scrunched his nose, not knowing if to vocalise his thoughts or not. “Tell me what you’re thinking?” Gareth said.
Ben bit his lip. “Can I see your house?” He refused to look up, not wanting to see whatever expression was on Gareth’s face.
“Of course, you can. Let me drive you back to your car, and you can follow me home.”
Ben’s entire body relaxed, and tears filled his eyes, but he blinked them back. “Thank you. For everything.”
Gareth pressed a kiss to the side of his head. “We’re just getting started, sweetheart.”
****
Ben gripped Gareth’s hand as they entered Gareth’s home. He hadn’t been sure what to expect, but it wasn’t a three-bedroom house filled with everything a person could need. He wandered from room to room, Gareth not stopping him, and found little trinkets that made him smile. After he’d seen everything downstairs, he stepped towards Gareth, hooking his fingers in the belt hoops of Gareth’s khaki shorts. Gareth rested his hands on Ben’s shoulders.
