Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 70115 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 351(@200wpm)___ 280(@250wpm)___ 234(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70115 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 351(@200wpm)___ 280(@250wpm)___ 234(@300wpm)
“That’s the problem. It’s about you now, not the people you watch over so vigilantly. But in case you’ve forgotten, you’re a Finn too. Or do you think you’re the only one in your family who doesn’t get to be happy?”
No. That was his father. “What if he’s really moved on and I’m pushing for something he doesn’t want anymore? I care about him too much to be the reason he’s unhappy.”
Maybe that was why he wasn’t looking forward to tonight. If Hugo sent him away, it would be for the last time and he knew it. Anything less and he’d be heading toward stalker territory.
“Thoreau has mentioned more than once that his brother hasn’t been happy in a while, so you can’t use that as an excuse.”
Seamus took his hand and walked him over to the mirror in the foyer. “Look at that man. That man can make him happy again. He breaks rules and does whatever he needs to do to get what he wants. If Hugo Wayne thinks he’s moved on… That man can change his mind.”
Bellamy started chuckling and didn’t stop until Seamus sent him a glare. “What? I didn’t have time to call everyone in for a big Finn huddle. And I can do interventions as well as anyone else in this family.”
“No, keep going. I love it. I’m calling it your This Man speech. If I get the camera will you do it again? We can show it to Jake before he picks up his prom date next year.”
Solomon studied himself while the two men bickered. His hair was out of control and he could probably use a shave, but he’d looked worse. The dark blue shirt had been rolled up to his elbows because of his cast, and the grey tie had silver threads running through it, making it look as expensive as it probably was. He was dressed like a man about to go out to a nice dinner.
Or on a date.
His mouth went dry and he watched his reflection turn a light shade of green.
“Hey, guys? This man is embarrassed to admit it, but he’s never been on a date before, let alone met anyone’s parents.” He was aiming for conversational, but the room got so quiet he might as well have been shouting. “I might need a few pointers before I puke in your fancy foyer.”
Bellamy chewed on his lip thoughtfully, glancing over at Seamus. “I don’t think he’s kidding.”
“Of course he is.” Seamus looked as worried as he sounded. “He was popular. I remember him being popular. He went to all the big dances and… He definitely dated.”
Solomon shrugged as he tried to soothe his nerves. “Those weren’t dates. They were large groups of teenagers wearing rented tuxes, driving in rented limos and getting drunk. No social skills or a-wooing required. Especially if you were a member of the football team. I can’t remember even trying to get to second base, for all the obvious reasons. People just assumed I had, so I let them.”
“You had me fooled.” Seamus whistled through his teeth. “You never bragged about sex, but honestly I thought it was because you were getting so much of it.” He laughed, shaking his head. “But you didn’t, I mean, when did you—?
Solomon stared at him until he stopped making an obscene gesture with his hands. “Sorry. None of our business.”
“Speak for yourself,” Bellamy said unapologetically. “I’d like to know.”
He ran his damp palm through his hair again. “It’s no big deal. I skipped out halfway through senior prom and took a drive. Right after I hit the state line there was a bar. In that bar, I drank until I got up the nerve to talk to the bartender, who happened to have a camper behind the building.” He couldn’t look in the mirror again. “Not exactly a romance, I know. But it got the job done.”
“Shit.” Seamus looked over at Bellamy. “He’s not kidding. He’s never been on a date.”
“No time to waste then.” Bellamy rubbed his hands together. “Let’s make some coffee, because this is going to take a little longer than it did to clean him up. Should we call in reinforcements?”
At Solomon’s growl Bellamy winked. “No reinforcements. Got it. If you want to learn how to do it right, you go to the masters. And I’m already here, so you’re in good hands.”
What the hell had he gotten himself into?
It’s only a birthday party for the man who keeps avoiding you. Followed by a little soul baring with the potential of life-shattering rejection. You can handle that, can’t you?
With his track record the odds weren’t exactly in his favor.
***
Thanking the driver, Solomon stepped onto the walkway holding a bag with a bottle of wine and Hugo’s present inside. He wasn’t sure what to do with the flowers, so he tucked them in there as well, crushing a few petals in his haste.