Happy Endings [Cedar Falls 20] (Siren Publishing Classic ManLove) by Shea Balik

Author:Shea Balik
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance
Published: 2017-05-31T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Lakyn had never been so glad that he didn’t live close to the casino as that night. While Gabriel talked about his childhood, Lakyn wanted to pull him into his arms and cry for that little boy who didn’t get to experience all the joy a kid should growing up. He also knew Gabriel wouldn’t like him doing that.

It was obvious Gabriel was a proud man who didn’t want anyone’s pity. Not that Lakyn could blame him, especially when he’d been led to believe by his own mother that he should show strength to others, never weakness. Receiving pity would be a sign of weakness to Gabriel.

Gabriel’s mother better pray she never met Lakyn, for he would tell her exactly what he thought of her child rearing. This wasn’t communist Russia after all. It was America. Land of the free. No child should be forced to study every waking moment.

Lakyn just wasn’t sure which was worse—the way Gabriel grew up, or the fact that, even now, he didn’t know how to relax and have fun. That with every move he made, he wondered if he would get his mother’s approval and knew he most likely wouldn’t. What kind of mother wouldn’t be proud of someone like Gabriel? The man exuded confidence and success.

Lakyn just hoped to one day meet the woman. It might cause trouble between Gabriel and himself, but Lakyn would make sure Gabriel’s mother knew just how great her son was.

It took effort but by the time Gabriel parked in front of the casino’s main entrance, Lakyn had managed to pull himself together enough to not show Gabriel any pity. He made sure he had only caring and acceptance in his expression as they walked hand in hand across the parking lot.

Before they entered Utopia, Lakyn said, “Thank you for sharing your past with me. It meant a lot.” And it did. He could tell by Gabriel’s stiff posture how uncomfortable he’d been.

Lakyn’s words must have helped, for Gabriel’s shoulders relaxed a bit. “You’re welcome,” Gabriel said, even managing to smile. “But now it’s your turn to share.”

Lakyn laughed. “That’s only fair.”

“Welcome to Devine,” a pretty hostess with a bit too much makeup said. “Do you have a reservation?”

“McCarthy,” Gabriel told her.

The hostess found his name, gathered up two menus, and smiled at them. “This way, gentlemen.”

After they sat and the hostess left, Lakyn leaned forward, keeping his voice low. “I have to admit, I haven’t eaten at any of the casino’s restaurants as of yet.”

“Oh?” Gabriel picked up his menu but didn’t open it as he asked, “Any reason why not?”

Lakyn shrugged. “Starting a new business, not knowing if I’ll have money for rent, electricity and water didn’t give me much of a chance to go out very often. When I did, I stuck to places like Whitney’s Diner or The Collared Pup Pub where things were a bit cheaper.”

“Good evening gentlemen. My name is Zeb and I’ll be your waiter tonight. Can I start you

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