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“Is the food good?”

I hesitated.I didn’t know how to compare food because I’d only ever eaten what was put before me.Hank chose the restaurant, and I ate.Not much more to it than that.

Colin yanked out his phone.“There’s an Italian fine-dining restaurant I’ve been wanting to try.”

I eyed my clothes.

He waved me off.

“Uh, I love Italian.”

He grinned as he dialed.Within moments, he had a reservation for the two of us.We hopped into the SUV, he programmed the GPS, and we were on our way.

I might’ve been a little intimidated by the pristine-white tablecloths and red-wine-colored cloth napkins, but I attempted to act like this was no big deal.I managed to order shrimp linguini without too much difficulty.

Colin regarded me.“I should’ve asked.”

“It’s fine.”I smoothed the napkin across my lap.“I’ve just…never been in a place like this.”

“And I’ve been in too many.I was thinking of bringing James here the next time we’re in town.And his sister Gracie.She works in a fancy restaurant and doesn’t really want to go there.But here?What do you think?”

“Uh…” I rubbed my forehead.

“Are you okay?”Colin’s brow furrowed.

“Fine.Just…no one ever asks my opinion.No one ever cares what I have to say.I’m not used to this.”

He nodded.“Yeah.I didn’t want to say anything, but clearly you’ve had a rough go.You’re seeing someone to talk about it, right?”

“Yeah.Dr.Martin.”I waited a beat.

Colin grinned.“Dr.Martin is awesome.He approved me for the transplant list and followed up afterward to ensure I was taking my antirejection meds.He’s a really good guy and a fixture in Gaynor Beach.You’re in great hands.”He sipped his water.“And Anthony’s a great guy as well.”

I’d told Colin about how Anthony had helped me out so much.First with getting out of LA and down to the shelter and then into a home.“I don’t always feel worthy.”

A frown marred Colin’s brow again.“Everyone is deserving of help, Phillip.I mean, unless you’ve committed some horrendous crime?—”

“I haven’t.”

“Which is sort of what I figured.Anthony cares enough about me not to put me in the path of someone dangerous.”He chuckled.“Now, my family back in Long Island?Would totally be happy to set me up with a serial killer.”

My jaw dropped.

He laughed.“You have to know my family.Hated me for being gay.Hated me for being sick.They’d really hate the fact I’m married to a beautiful Black man and planning to help raise children who aren’t biologically mine.”

I blinked.“They sound like horrible people.”

“They are.Don’t feel sorry for me.”He wagged his finger.“I have the most amazing life.Best in the world.I’m happier than I’ve ever been.I mean, if James and I aren’t able to foster for whatever reason, we’ll find other ways to give back to the community that has given so much to us.And God knows, Widget keeps me in line.Oh, did I tell you she’s going to start training to be a therapy dog?Jordan runs a special program.”

I wasn’t going to mention I’d heard from Kevin this might be a possibility.I wasn’t certain if the young man had been speaking out of turn and, more importantly, Colin was animated.I sat back as he talked about all the different tests Widget was going to have to pass—and how he had faith she’d ace everything.

My grin widened as I tasted my food.Possibly the fanciest meal I’d ever eaten.Certainly with amazing company.I need to tell Jeremy about this place.Colin said it was new, right?Except I’d given Jeremy the cold shoulder.Yet he’d never been far from my mind today.Hopefully I could reconnect with him somehow.Maybe take him a plant or something?As a thank you for the other day?Surely I could think of something…

Two hours later, with some of the LA gridlock cleared, we headed back to Gaynor Beach.Colin turned on a musical soundtrack he really liked, and I eased back into the super-comfortable seat and planned to enjoy the ride.

Chapter14

Jeremy