Page 140 of B is for Beg

“Are you all right, baby boy?” Gabe whispers, putting his hand on my waist as I brush past him.

I grimace at him, which is probably the most truthful answer I can give right now.

“If they’re rude, we’ll show them the door,” he promises before kissing me on the lips. “Take a deep breath, and try to relax.”

I don’t trust myself to talk, so I nod and take his advice, drawing a long, deep breath into my lungs. It helps a little.

By the time I’m done setting the table, Gabe has finished cooking. He puts the casserole dish in the centre of the table and invites everyone to sit. I end up at the head of the table, with Gabe and Calvin on my right and my parents on my left. Calvin pours us all a glass of wine while Gabe serves healthy-sized portions of casserole and offers warm bread around.

“This smells lovely,” Mum says. “Do you enjoy cooking, Gabe?”

“Yes, we all do. Blake must have cooked for you.”

“No,” Mum says before sampling the food. She nods her appreciation. “I didn’t know youcouldcook,” she adds, looking at me. “You never did when you lived at home.”

I resist the urge to clench my jaw. “I did my fair share of cooking when I was living with Archie and Corey.”

Mum’s eyebrows rise in surprise. Seriously? They thought I didn’t pull my weight when I was living with my brothers? My appetite fails me, but I don’t want to draw attention to myself by not eating, so I pick at my food.

“We’re celebrating,” Calvin says once everyone except me is tucking in heartily.

“Celebrating?” Dad queries.

Calvin nods to me. “Blake got some exciting news today.”

I want the ground to swallow me up. I wish Calvin or Gabe would talk for me, but I know they won’t. This is my news to tell.

“I’ve been offered a year-long contract with Tucked,” I say without looking at my parents.

“Tucked?” Dad asks.

“A modelling contract?” Mum queries.

“Yes. They’re an underwear company.” I take a breath, bracing myself. “They specialise in male lingerie.”

They’re both silent.

“I’ll do several photo shoots for them over the year, which means I’ll have a regular income for the duration of my contract,” I explain. “I have to promote them on social media and make sure I don’t do anything to bring their brand into disrepute, but that’s no biggie. Who knows? Maybe they’ll renew my contract at the end of the year.” I hunch my shoulders when my parents remain silent.

“It’s a great opportunity,” Gabe says pointedly.

“Will the income be enough to pay for your share of this apartment?” Dad asks.

“Yes. It’s the sort of contract I’ve been hoping for,” I add. “I’ve worked hard for this.”

“I’m sure you have,” Mum says, although her voice rings of incredulity rather than agreement. “Congratulations.”

“Well done,” Dad says in an equally tight and reserved tone.

I glance at Calvin and Gabe. They both give me slight smiles.

“We’re really proud of Blake,” Calvin says.

My parents don’t say anything.

“This is a big deal,” I tell them.

“Of course,” Dad says.