Unspoken Desires

Chapter Twenty

The sophisticated restaurant buzzed with a nervous energy as Jack and Alex stepped through the door, Jack's nerves palpable with every step. Alex, his ever-supportive boyfriend, offered a reassuring smile as they approached the table.

"Here we go," Alex murmured, giving Jack's hand a gentle squeeze.

"I love you." Jack whispered.

"I love you too." Alex said quietly back.

Jack's parents sat around the table, engaged in quiet conversation.

"Hi Mom and Dad." Jack said warmly as his parents stood to greet him.

"Hello Again Alex!" Helen said to Alex warmly.

Alex shook Richard's hand and engaged in a side hug with Helen before Jack pulled out his chair for him.

"What a gentleman you both raised." Alex says sweetly.

Jack plants a gentle kiss to the top of Alex's head as he pushed his chair in for him.

"We tried our best." Richard said with a chuckle.

"Mom must be running a bit late." Alex mused as he and Jack intertwined their hands under the table.

"She will be here soon I am sure." Jack said reassuringly as he absentmindedly looked over the menu.

They all made small talk for a few moments as they waited for Alex's mom's arrival.

Suddenly she approached the table. Apologizing profusely for being late. Placing a hand on Alex's back gently as she slid into the empty chair next to him.

"Hi mama." Alex said gently.

Richard's eyes widened with recognition as they fell upon Sarah.

"Sarah Gaskarth? What on earth are you doing here?" Richard's voice carried a note of surprise.

Alex went wide eyed- looking pleadingly at Jack. Not realizing Jack didn't tell them that Alex was actually Alex and the fake Alex persona from the wedding.

"You didn't tell them!?" Alex muttered angrily under his breath.

"I figured I would today." Jack said a bit panicked, realizing his plan may have been a bit flawed.

Sarah noticed the tension and placed a hand gently on Alex's arm. Showing him she was there to support him.

She nodded gracefully, her demeanor poised. "Yes, Richard. It's good to see you again. I am here for Alex and Jack just like you are.

Richard's gaze shifted to Alex, a flicker of realization crossing his features. "And you must be Alex, Sarah's son?"

Alex nodded, a nervous smile playing on his lips. "Yes, that's right."

"Why didn't you tell us at the wedding?" Richard's tone turned accusatory, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion.

Jack's heart sank as he felt the weight of his father's disappointment. "We... thought it best to avoid any complications."

"Complications? Jack. I was ok when I thought your partner was 15 years younger than you, but him being one of our top employees sons- do you know how that will look?" Richard said bitterly.

Helen looked at Jack, disappointment and confusion evident on her face. She seemed conflicted on whether to support her husband or her son.

"So at the wedding? You weren't dating?" Helen clarified.

"We weren't serious at that point, Alex was there as a favor to me. He knew I was in a bind after
You demanded I bring a date- and kindly came along. Things have since changed." Jack said defiantly.