A Simple Apron (One Night Stand, Book 2)

Chapter 8: Opposite poles

"Uh-huh... Yeah...." Cole listened to the phone plastered on his cheek. "Kai, don't freak out. It will go well. Zane's old man is very sweet. A bit crazy at times, but nothing too bad." The boy was trying to reassure his friend on the other end of the line.

It had surprised Cole when Kai and Zane told him they were working on their schedules to set a date for Kai to meet Zane's father.

For a couple that was meant to be a one night-stand only, they were developing a deep bond at a steady pace.

In the short time Cole had known the barista, he had noticed how important Kai was for their other friend. It was only natural for Zane to want the two loves of his life to meet each other. And knowing the man, there was no way Zane's dad would have a problem with Kai, but Cole also understood the boy's reluctance —or, more likely, anxiety.

Encouraged by his friends and one noisy boyfriend, Cole also decided it was time to tell his dad about his newfound sexuality and relationship. His anguish differed from Kai's, but it was just as mind-wrecking.

Cole feared an adverse reaction from his father, not just for him, but for Jay's sake as well. Lou had been like a second dad to the boy, and even though Jay liked to joke about it, Cole knew it would hurt him deeply if Lou did an about-face after this and repudiated the guy.

"Yeah, of course..." Cole looked up at the clock on the living room wall. "He should be here any-"

The doorbell sang its usual Welcome tune and Cole's body jerked up from the couch like a spring.

"There he is," he said, making his way to the door. The young man only now coming to the realization that this was actually happening.

Cole opened the door, phone still in hand, and smiled at the adorable boy he found on the other side.

"What's cookin', good lookin'?" Jay asked in a silly voice that made him laugh.

They walked inside while Cole kept talking into the phone with Kai.

"Yeah, just another one of his stupid catchphrases."

"They're not stupid if they make you laugh," Jay defended himself.

The boy moved his hands, using code language to ask Cole who he was talking to. When the other answered, Jay leaned closer to him and hollered into the device.

"You should try it with Zane too, or his dad! Bet that would make an everlasting first impression!"

Cole pushed him away, wincing at the throb in his ear. "Don't listen to him. Just be yourself, Kai. He'll love you lots, you'll see."

"Yeah, just save the sexy moves for your man," Jay joked.

Cole shook his head and listened to the phone. "On it," he said briefly, then punched Jay's arm.

"Ouch! What was that for?"

"Express delivery," Cole smirked. He turned his attention back to the online conversation. "As I was saying; just have fun, Kai. You're overthinking all of this... Yeah, sure... Thanks, bro. Good luck to you too. Bye."

"Yeah! See ya', you violence instigator!" Jay made fun of the situation.

Cole shook his head again with a snort and replaced the phone into his pocket pants. "You're quite strident today."

Jay just grinned at him in response, then leaned closer to peck his cheek. "Should we get started on dinner?"

"Yes, please. I need to keep myself distracted." Cole walked towards the kitchen.