Page 107 of Should Our Hearts Catch Fire

Chapter 20

Gabriel:I have a situation.

Ellis stares at the text, a feeling of dread making his stomach drop. He just saw Gabriel a few hours ago when he was picking up his coffee. What could’ve possibly gone wrong since?

Nothing’s gone wrong. You’re just overreacting.

Surely, if it was something serious, Gabriel would’ve called instead of texting.

Unless he’s being considerate, not wanting to interrupt you at work.

Stomach tied into knots, Ellis quickly texts back.

Ellis:Are you okay?

He’s halfway out of his chair, ready to jump in the car and make his way to the café, but his phone buzzes again.

Gabriel:Can I call?

He doesn’t bother texting this time. Instead, he hits the call button, relieved when Gabriel picks up before the first ring trails off.

“I’ll take that as a yes,” Gabriel says. Ellis can hear the smile in his voice and he sags back into the chair, letting out a huge breath of relief.

“Jesus, you scared the crap out of me.”

“What? Why?”

“Your ominous texts!”

“Ominous?”

“Yes!”

“Uh-huh.”

“It’s not funny. I thought something had happened to you.”

“If something had happened, I wouldn’t be able to text, would I?”

“Totally irrelevant.”

“Uh-huh.” Now Gabriel is definitely laughing at him, and Ellis grunts a complaint. “I’d apologize, but I’m enjoying this mother-henning side of you. You’re too cute for your own good.”

At least they’re on the phone and Gabriel can’t see his face, red from embarrassment and indignation. “I’m not cute.”

“I beg to differ,” Gabriel hums. “But I do have a situation. I have to cancel our date.”

Ellis’ shoulders droop. As glad as he is the situation is nothing serious, he’s been looking forward to spending the weekend together. As a surprise, he’s booked a ferry to Stradbroke Islandfor Sunday. The whale season is coming to an end, but with a bit of luck they’d be able to spot some. And dolphins. Apparently, Gabriel is obsessed with those. The weather is supposed to be good too, mostly overcast but warm with no rain. It’s fine, though. They can always reschedule.

“Oh,” is all he says. He’s tempted to ask for the reason, but doesn’t want to pry in case it’s something personal.

Luckily, Gabriel explains without prompting.

“I talked to my mum yesterday. We call every week, to catch up and stuff.” A pause. “I might have mentioned you.”

“Okay?”

Ellis’ heart gives a little jump, both pleased and nervous. He understands why Gabriel might feel weird about admitting he talks to his mum about his new, um, boyfriend, since the relationship is so fresh. And he must’ve noticed that Ellis has a bit of commitment phobia. But being talked about to one’s parents isn’t that big of a deal. It’s not like his mum has met Ellis and—