“Do you mind?” Theo frowned and knocked his brother’s feet away. They landed with a heavy thump on the floor.
“When’s Dad coming?” Blake asked, unfazed by Theo’s bad mood.
Theo glanced at his watch. “Should be here any minute.”
Right on time, their father came through the door. For a man close to seventy and in a wheelchair, he carried himself well. His full head of hair had gone completely gray, which gave him a more sophisticated look. Blue eyes, the same shade as Theo’s, twinkled as he smiled at his sons.
“Dad, great to see you.” Theo gave him a hug.
Blake rose from the chair, did the same, and asked, “How was your trip?” Their parents had just got back from a month-long tour of Italy.
“We had a great time. Lots of pizza, pasta, and gelato.” He chuckled and tapped his stomach.
“You can tell us all about it over lunch,” Theo said.
“Sorry, boys, I’ve got other plans for lunch. I just dropped by for a quick hello and to tell you your mother’s planning a barbecue at the house this weekend. She said to pack an overnight bag. She doesn’t want you driving back at night.”
Blake grinned. “Mum always worries too much.”
Their father shrugged. “She’s never going to change. See you on Saturday.” Their father started to leave then paused at the door. “Oh, I nearly forgot.” He wheeled to face Theo. “Your mother insisted you bring Chloe.”
If his dad said to come dressed in full birthday clown regalia, he’d be less surprised. “Chloe? Why would she want me to bring Chloe?”
His father’s gaze flicked between Theo and Blake. “Aren’t you two seeing each other?”
“Who said we were seeing each other?” he asked even though he had a good idea who had opened their big mouth.
His father answered blandly, “Blake was on the phone with your mother last night and told her all about it.”
Theo glared at his brother. Blake gave him a huge smile back. “Oh, he did, did he?”
“You’re not seeing Chloe?” His father frowned.
“Not exactly.” Why did Blake have to bring their parents into this? How was he supposed to explain his situation with Chloe to his mother? “It’s complicated.”
“I don’t know what that means, but your mother said she’s not taking no for an answer. Don’t be surprised if she calls Chloe herself with the invite. She’s excited to see her after so many years.” He waved at Theo and Blake. “See you soon, boys.” With that, he left the office.
Theo dug his hands into his pockets. Safer to restrain them because if he didn’t, he’d wrap them around Blake’s scrawny neck.
“This weekend’s gonna be fun.” Blake sat in the chair and kicked his feet back onto the desk. The man was looking for a beating.
“Why the fuck did you tell Mom I’m seeing Chloe?”
Blake shrugged. “She asked how you were doing. I told her.”
“And you just happened to mention Chloe?”
“Well, no.” Blake rolled his eyes like Theo was an idiot. “She was worried about you after your divorce and wanted to know if you were happy.” He paused, then added, “I think she was about to set you up with some of her neighbors’ kids, but don’t quote me on that.”
“She could have talked to me,” Theo grouched.
“Mum thinks you’d tell her what she wants to hear so she won’t worry. When I told her you were happy, you know what she’s like, she pried the information from me.”
Theo blew out a breath and ran his fingers through his hair. “I bet you tried really hard to keep my personal business private. You two gossip like teenagers.”
“You’re just jealous I’m her favorite.” He gave Theo a smug smile.
Theo pulled a face. “Whatever.”