Page 110 of C is for Comfort

“Yeah.”

“Why?”

“That’s something you should probably ask him.”

“It’s for the best,” Dad says.

“I don’t think it is, but I respect his decision.”

“Have you met Archie’s boyfriend?” Dad asks.

I’m glad he’s changed the subject. “Yeah. You realise who he is, right?”

“Hamish Cameron. He signed some of my books.”

I chuckle. “Dad! Couldn’t you have waited until the second time you had lunch with him?”

“He didn’t seem to mind.”

“Hopefully, it scored him some points with you.”

“What does that mean?” Mum asks.

“That you’re very overprotective of us and it’s hard for the people we’re dating to impress you?”

“He’s old,” Dad says.

“Only as old as you. You’re not checking your pension out yet, are you?” I ask playfully.

“Don’t be cheeky,” Mum says. “You know what your dad means. He’s a lot older than Archie.”

“They’re in love. What does age matter? Please tell me you gave them your blessing?”

“Yes,” Dad says. “Of course, we did.”

I’m momentarily light-headed as I realise that means they’re less likely to freak out about me dating a guy who’s ten years older than me. Speaking of which…

“I’m seeing someone too.”

“You are?” Mum asks, surprised.

“Yeah. He’s one of Hamish’s friends, actually.”

“Is he as old?” Dad asks.

“No, but would it matter if he was?”

“No,” Dad replies in a reserved tone.

“Did you meet when you went over to play games?” Mum asks.

My eyes bug out of my head. I manage not to choke. What the hell did Archie and Hamish tell them?

“I think it’s lovely that you all went over to play board games,” Mum continues. “It must have been a nice way to get to know your brother’s boyfriend.”

“Uh… yeah… I met him when we all played board games.” I’m going to have to remember that one if Lexi ever asks. Nice one, Archie. “His name is Spencer, and he’s a consultant in the Accident and Emergency department.”

“How lovely,” Mum says.