I frown, putting everything together on a plate for him before tending to my own food. “Yeah, that’s tough. I think that’s what led my dad to all that drinking.”
“That’s how he really died, isn’t it?”
Turns out I don’t have to tell him the truth. He’s slowly figuring it out on his own because he sees me for me, the same way I do him. “Yeah. It is. I often tell people it was cancer because the alternative makes for a more awkward conversation I don’t care to have.”
“Sorry you’ve had to deal with all that.”
“And I’m sorry you had to suffer through a father who was there physically but not when it counted the most.”
“Do you have as many depressing talks with other people as you do with me? I wouldn’t blame you if you’d rather eat with someone else after this.”
I let out a soft laugh. “I don’t typically have many talks with anyone at all, so either kind feels nice when they happen. I don’t usually like all the pressure others bring with them, making me feel like I either need to carry the conversation or figure out the things they like beforehand. But around you, everything just feels easy.”
His lips curve up a little. “Easy is nice sometimes.”
“It is.” I set the plates on the table and he moves to one of the empty chairs, tugging one toward him.
I sit in the one closest to him, setting the pitcher of tea in the center, and when he takes the first bite of his burger, his moan echoes around the room. “That’s a good burger.”
I smile around a fry. “Happy to have your approval.”
“I’m sure it wouldn’t be only mine you’d get with cooking skills like these.” He pops a fry into his mouth and makes another sound that goes straight to my cock.
“Anyone can throw patties on a grill and slice up some potatoes. It’s a basic fast-food meal.”
“Yeah, doesn’t mean it’ll always taste good.” He slams his hand on the table, stars taking over his eyes. “This . . . man . . . this right here is probably the best basic fast-food meal I’ve ever had in my mouth. And I’ve had lots in my mouth before.” His face hardens. “Uh . . . that didn’t come out the way I meant it to.”
I burst out laughing, bumping his shoulder with mine. “You’ve had lots in your mouth, huh?” I waggle my brows and his face flushes.
“Yeah, I take it back. Your cooking’s shit.”
My laughter rumbles and I sip my tea before saying, “I believed what you were saying more when you were moaning like a porn star.”
He makes a choking noise and shoots daggers at me, chasing his food down with his drink. “You’re an asshole.”
I snort, biting into my burger, and fuck, he’s right. This is good. Everything needs to be perfect when it comes to him. He’s worth the extra effort.
“You trying to kill me?”
“Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.”
“Oh, I could tell. What were you going to tell Lisa if I were to fall dead from choking from your terrible jokes, huh?”
“Don’t worry. I’d never let that happen.” He wouldn’t be able to use the new knife I got him if I did. Or the other gifts I plan on leaving him. There’ll be so many more too. My boy only deserves the best props for all the movies we’re going to make together, and the only award he’ll need and will be more than happy receiving is my praise.
“I don’t know, that was a pretty close call, and it’s nice to know how familiar you are with the sounds porn stars make in the bedroom.”
“Who said anything about the bedroom?” I grin. “Nice to see where your head is.”
“I . . . you . . .” He huffs, rolling his eyes at me. “I think I’m ready to go back now,” he says, with his relaxed expression not matching his words.
“Do you really?” I cock my head, leaning more in his direction.
“No.” A laugh escapes him. “This is actually the first time I’ve felt like I could breathe in weeks.”
“Good. Glad I could help.”
“Me too.” He goes back to nibbling on his food, his body leaning toward me as if we were two magnets always meant to find each other.