Page 144 of B is for Beg

“That’s what love is,” Mum says. “I’m happy for all of you. And, Blake… I’m proud of you. Congratulations on your contract with Tucked.” This time she sounds genuine, and she remembered the name of the company I’ll be working for.

Calvin squeezes my shoulders. It’s not exactly a reassuring gesture, but one that says ‘things are going to be okay.’ I believe it. It’ll take time for my parents and me to develop a truly positive relationship, but we’ve laid the groundwork, and things will get better.

* * *

I join Calvin and Gabe on the sofa after showing Mum and Dad out.

“How are you feeling, baby boy?” Gabe asks as I snuggle up to them both.

“A little washed out,” I admit.

To be fair, after I’d been brave enough to speak up, the rest of the evening was a lot less awkward. We chatted over the remainder of the meal, and then we all played a game of Monopoly. Dad won. By the time they were ready to leave, the atmosphere was light-hearted, and we were all laughing and smiling. It was unexpectedly good.

Gabe strokes my shoulder while Calvin massages my feet.

“You were really quiet at the start of the meal,” I point out. “I sort of hoped you’d come to my rescue and do the talking for me.”

“Would that have helped?” Calvin asks.

I shrug. “Probably not.” I stare at them. “You wanted me to stand up for myself, didn’t you?”

They smile.

“You know we’ve always got your back, don’t you?” Gabe asks.

“We knew this was something you needed to do, princess,” Calvin says.

“Stop being a doormat, you mean?”

“I wouldn’t put it like that.” Gabe runs his fingers through my hair. “Do you feel better about things?”

“I think so? I get it. I had to decide whether I was going to carry on letting their opinions bring me down or not. And I won’t, not anymore.”

“They promised they’d do better,” Calvin reminds me.

“And I hope they will, but it’ll be their problem if they don’t. I’m happy being me, and that’s what matters.”

“I’m glad you feel that way, princess.”

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For helping me to stand up to my parents. You gave me the confidence to do it. Thank you for taking care of me.”

“Always, baby boy,” Gabe says softly.

Even though I’d doubted it, Gabe and Calvinhadknown what I’d needed. Smiling, I close my eyes and enjoy the closeness of the men I love. The men who make me stronger and who love me for being me.

30

Calvin

“Hold still,” I say as I set up the shot on my camera.

I’m standing on a stepladder, with the camera on a tripod so the photo can be taken from above. Gabe and Blake are lying on a fake fur rug on the floor of my studio, but I’m framing the shot to include myself as well.

They both look stunning. Gabe is wearing the same smart black trousers and soft leather jacket he wore for Hamish and Archie’s collaring ceremony a couple of months earlier. They fit him perfectly thanks to a shopping trip with Blake. Unlike eight weeks ago, Gabe isn’t wearing anything on his top half but the leather jacket, which means the freshly healed tattoo over his heart is on show.