My Best Friend's Son | SAMPLE ONLY

C3

My stomach cheered at the sight of food, and I sank into my chair gratefully. I piled my plate high with roasted meats, honey roasted parsnips and of course, Yorkshire puddings. I drizzled gravy over it, licking my lips in anticipation. Nothing could beat a traditional Sunday roast, even on a Saturday. I didn't partake in the conversation overly as my mouth was filled with the delights of my plate, so instead I listened as Dalton spoke business with his family.

'Next week I'm in London meeting some new clients. It keeps it interesting I suppose.' His voice was captivating, and I tried not to look at him. My eyes disobeyed, running up his strong forearms and his chiseled jaw, drinking in his heavenly features. The last time I saw him he was a mere boy, but now he was a man. I felt a heat rise in my stomach as I reached for my glass, determined to behave appropriately.

'Any special ladies yet?' Asked his gran, with a twinkle in her eyes. He laughed softly, his eyes meeting hers as he shook his head sadly.

'No Gran. Sorry.'

It took everything I had to not fist pump the air in celebration, but instead settled for a secret smile.

'You need to be settling down son. Marriage, kids. It's what it's all about.' She declared, pointing her fork in his direction. He caught my eye and sent me a slight wink, and I felt a blush rising on my cheeks.

'When I meet the right lady Gran, you'll be the first to know.' He sent her a dazzling smile as she nodded.

'You're a good looking young man, successful too. In my day you'd have been snapped up. They'd have been fighting in the street for you.' She declared, stabbing her fork into her meat with gusto. Karen cleared her throat, and asked more questions about the city he lived in, and I shot her a grateful look. I couldn't bear to discuss marriage for a second longer.

After clearing the table up, Karen pulled me to one side, apologising for her mother.

"She's old and traditional. Don't take what she says seriously.'

'It's ok, honestly. It wasn't like she was directing it at me.' I shrugged as my eyes found Dalton again, sitting in the armchair now facing his grandmother as she quizzed him on his love life. Karen followed my eyes and sighed, looking lovingly at her son.

'Isn't he handsome. I suppose she is right, he could have it all if he wanted. He just doesn't seen interested. Do you think he could be gay?'

I snorted then and she frowned at me as I quickly recovered.

'No Kaz. I don't think he's gay.'

'Picky then.' She said as she studied him, before turning back to me.

'I've got an idea anyway. Why don't you try online dating?'

A wild laugh escaped my lips as the others turned to stare at us, puzzled expressions on their faces.

'Absolutely not.' I said darkly as Karen reddened slightly. I narrowed my eyes at her as she made a face at James who cleared his throat awkwardly.

'Just a suggestion Lyds.'

My mouth fell open as I looked at them in disbelief.

'You've been talking about it together?!' My voice was high pitched as Dalton frowned, looking at his mother then James. My cheeks flamed with embarrassment as Karen waved her hand dismissively.

'Dalton, didn't you say a friend of yours met the love of his life online?'

Realisation dawned on his face as his eyes met mine. I shook my head slowly, unable to believe I was about to have this conversation with him present. His gran winked her nose up in confusion s she looked at me.