Let it Burn: (Unbreakable Ties Book 3) by A.V. Shener

Author:A.V. Shener [Shener, A.V.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: A.V. Shener
Published: 2024-04-21T00:00:00+00:00

14

ANTHONY

“You boys should go fishing,” Arthur said during dinner. “The weather’s perfect.”

“Didn’t you hear, Dad? Fishing’s boring. It was all over the news.” Ethan scooped more rice onto his plate.

“Fishing is the art of patience, my impatient son. Chris used to love fishing back in the day.”

“Chris tolerated fishing because it got him to spend time with you, the same way he was into knitting because of Mom.”

Ruth raised a warning finger. “Don’t drag my knitting into this. He made me the most beautiful sweater, although the right arm was shorter than the left. I still have it somewhere.”

Anthony drank from his water to hide a smile. He always loved how at ease he felt with Ethan’s parents, although he was feeling rather agitated sitting at their table this Friday evening. The last time he had been in a similar “coming out” situation, it had been with his religious family, and hadn’t that turned out wonderfully? He didn’t expect Ethan’s parents to react similarly—they still had a framed Hillary Clinton photo on the wall—but he was wary just the same, more for Ethan’s sake than his.

“So...” Ethan cleared his throat and rubbed his palms on his legs.

Anthony gave him a reassuring smile.

“On no!” Ruth covered her mouth. “You lost your job?”

“What? No! I just started this week.”

Ruth exhaled. Her brownish hair was graying, but her eyes were as green and vibrant as Ethan’s.

“Leave him alone,” Arthur said, an older version of Ethan. “If he loses his job, it’s fine. He’ll bounce back.”

“Jesus, I didn’t lose my job. I’m just dating Anthony.”

Silence spread across the cozy dining room. Anthony held his breath, counting until eleven before Ruth finally cleared her throat and said, “Well, good. Anthony’s a fine catch.” She smiled at him with such fondness, he couldn’t even say thank you.

“Hold on.” Arthur put down his fork. “In my days, dating meant... dating.”

“It hasn’t changed much,” Ethan said.

“Does this mean you’re a homosexual?”

“I’m bisexual.”

Arthur pursed his bottom lip at Ruth. “How ‘bout that?”

“Hush you. Don’t play games with him. You were sure he was gay when he was in high school.”

Ethan leaned forward. “Sorry, what?”

Arthur waved his hand dismissively. “You weren’t into sports, and you always kept your curfew—what was I supposed to think?”

“Many other things?”

“Don’t make a big deal out of it. I was fine with your possible homosexuality, and I’m fine with you dating Anthony. Hell, your mom and I were sure you’d end up marrying Chris!”

Ruth laughed. “We really were. Anyway, I’m happy for you two. Anthony, welcome to the family. If you ever need to bitch about my son, give me a call.”

“I... thank you.”

Arthur cleared his throat. “Anthony, I expect you to treat my son with respect and honesty.”

“Dad...”

“I’m speaking, Ethan.”

Anthony sat straighter. “Yes, sir.”

“We raised Ethan to be a good man, and whoever he ends up with should consider themselves lucky.”

“I do feel lucky.” He glanced at Ethan, who seemed about ready to hide under the table.

“Good. Is your business doing well?”

“Yes, sir. Never better.

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