“Okay.” I glanced at the dishes still in the sink. “Do you want me to meet him?” He’d already told his father about me, but…
“He thinks you’re my student and a friend. Would you be okay with meeting him as a friend? He’ll ask me how I spent my Thanksgiving.” He chewed his thumbnail. “Usually, I’d spend it with Evan if he’s in town, but Evan is with his hockey buddies.”
“Would your dad know he’s in town?” How closely would his father follow his friend’s schedule? I grabbed his hand and kissed his knuckles. “Listen, tell him whatever you want. I’m okay with it.”
“Okay.” With the tease of a grin, he kissed my cheek and returned to the sink. “Let’s finish these dishes and make our phone calls. We still have football to watch.” He snuck a peek at me.
“Will do.” I grabbed the plate he’d been working on and set it in the dishwasher rack.
Once the dishes were clean,I settled onto the couch with him beside me and paused the television. It was later in Austin, so my family would have finished their Thanksgiving meal. I lifted my phone. “I’m going to FaceTime them, okay?”
He nodded and rubbed his palms down his jean-clad thighs.
“By the way, my mother’s name is Betsy and my dad is John. My brother will probably be there too, and his name is Will.” Itook his clammy hand in mine as his face whitened. “Don’t be nervous. They’ll love you.”
“How am I supposed to avoid being nervous? I’ve never met a boyfriend’s parents before.” His throat dipped as he swallowed. “Or anyone who wasn’t a friend.”
“Boyfriend. I like that.” With a grin, I pressed a soft kiss on his lips. “Let’s do this.” I FaceTimed my mom’s number, since she was the one who always picked up. Dad would have all his attention on the game.
The call rang a few times and started. “Oh, hey Travis. Happy Thanksgiving.” Her blonde hair was pulled into a high ponytail, and her blue eyes lit up. The alder wood cabinets in our kitchen showed behind her.
Was she still cleaning up dinner? “Hi, Mom. Happy Thanksgiving to you. I have a little surprise for you.” I wanted to get straight to it before Colton passed out on me.
“Oh? What’s that?” She eyed the phone. “You better not tell me you dropped the class you had problems with.”
“No, of course not.” I glanced at Colton, a small smirk resting on his lips. Leaning toward him, I whispered, “See? I told you.”
“What did you say? Who are you with? Malik and Grey?” She swayed her head as if she could see past the screen.
“No, Mom. I’m spending it with my boyfriend. He’s also my tutor for that class, and thanks to him, I’ll pass and graduate in the spring.” I turned the phone’s screen toward Colton.
He stared for a moment and then said, “Hi, Mrs. Rowlings. My name is Colton, and I tutor your son.” Tossing a glance at me and pinching his lips, he said, “And we, uh?—”
“You’re Travis’s boyfriend?” As her grin widened into a full-on smile, she said, “Oh my God, look at you. You’re so handsome.” With a snicker, she said, “And you must be smart as hell if you’re getting Travis to pass his class. He’s terrible with math. Always has been.” Her smile waned. “And call me Betsy.”
“Uh, thank you, Betsy.” He squeezed my hand, resting on my thigh.
“John, come here. Travis is on the phone and he’s introducing us to his new boyfriend.” The ceiling appeared on the phone’s screen, and then Dad’s face came into view, his graying hair and blue eyes.
I positioned the phone so both Colton and I showed. So far, this was going well, matching my expectations.
“Hi, Travis. Who’s this?” Dad lifted his brows.
“Hello, Mr. Rowlings. I’m Colton and I’m…Travis’s boyfriend.” He leaned against my side, offering my dad a warm grin.
“John, please.” Dad returned his grin. “I’m happy to meet you, son.”
Will popped up behind Dad and waved. “Hey, man, I’m Will. Travis’s older, but much better-looking and smarter brother.” He snorted.
“Shut up, Will.” Huffing a laugh, I shook my head. It figured he’d say that. “How are you not working tonight?”
“I planned well in advance to have the night off so I could spend it with our parents, since you chose not to come home.” He smirked at me.
“I have a game tomorrow.” Of course, he’d tease me. It was our way. “I’ll be home for Christmas, though.”
“Oh, good.” Dad came back into view. “Colton, has Travis invited you for a visit? We’d love to meet you in person if you can swing it.”
Damn, Dad. Way to make him feel welcome. I knew I could count on my family. I swung my gaze to Colton’s.