The Dom and The Daddy

Chapter 24: The Family Dinner

Perths dad had been a driving force in creating the agency. His money and connections had helped the novice designers get off the ground. When Saint had been struggling to balance his hectic work schedule and raise a 1 yr old it had been Perths dad who had offered to front the start up capital to open the their own design agency. He could not have been more proud of his boys. Perth, Saint and Mia arrived just as Perths mom and Ann finished preparing dinner. "Mema Papo did you know Daddy and Uncle P were a Big deal!" Mia announced as she ran to greet her surrogate grandparents. Setting down a plate of baked potatoes and scooping the excited child into her arms, Perths mother asked "You mean they closed a big deal, right sweetie." Thinking for moment Mia shook her head "No Mema, Daddy and Uncle P are a big deal, CUZ they closed the big deal." Unable to argue with logic like that everyone just agreed and laughed. Coming up behind his wife, Perths father snached Mia up and spun her around the room, earning a fit of giggles and screams. "I didn't get my hug yet and you know how impatient I can be." He said as he snuggled and tickled the squirming, squealing child. Seeing her aunt walking towards her Mia reached out "Auntie Ann save me from the tickle monster!" "Dad will you behave. I swear sometime I forget which one of you is the six year old." Ann said as she set Mia down so she could run to the backyard in search of Oscar and Elmo the family dogs. "She's not six yet. We still have about 5 days." Perths mom pouted "I honestly wanted her to stay a baby forever." She added. "Sorry Ma, babies grow up, that's just the way it works." Perth said kissing her cheek then quickly dodging the swat he knew was coming. "Well then I guess you 2 will just have to hurry up and give me more babies to spoil huh." She said motioning to her wide eyed children. "And don't think your off the hook either mister. Mia could use a little brother or sister." She continued as she hugged a now shocked Saint. Sliding up next to his friend Perth whispered "Maybe you should tell her you're working on it." Blushing at Perths shameless insinuation, Saint smacked him on the arm before responding "Well maybe you'll beat me to the punch there buddy."

As was always the case, Perth somehow managed to take Saints mind off his troubles. Current trouble being the anxiety building over his date later tonight. The guys continued to joke and tease each other as Mia and Ann played fetch with the pair of cocker spaniel pups. When Perths mom finally announced the steaks were ready it sounded like a stampede of Buffalo headed toward the table. Once everyone was seated Perths dad raised his glass to make a toast. "I just want to take a minute to say congratulations on securing one of the most saught after bids in the industry. You boys have truly made a name for yourselves today. You are building something that you can be proud of and hopefully pass on to your children one day. Perth, you have always been head strong and fearless, always the jump-before-you-look guy. Saint, you have always been cautious and courteous, always thinking about the longhaul and how the outcome will effect people. Your differences are what have always made you a great team." He paused for a second as his emotions threatened to get the better of him. When he continued he was looking directly at Saint. "Son, you've been a part of this family since you were a kid. It may have taken a tragedy to lead you to us, but because of that I've had the privilege of watching you grow into the man and father you are today. And I know that together with Perth, you will grow this company beyond all our wildest dreams. Congratulations to both our boys, we're very proud of you." Everyone raised their glasses and then discreetly wiped away a tear or two. Conversation and jokes continued all the way through dessert with Mia putting on an impromptu concert featuring Uncle P on guitar and Auntie Ann as backup vocals. Always the showman Perth sang and strummed along with whatever Disney hit Mia decided to feature. He wasn't sure but he thought it was from the latest Frozen movie.

Saint glanced at his watch and realized it was almost 10:30. He needed to get home and try not to freak out about Zee's impending arrival. The second thoughts started setting in as he began saying his good nights to Perths parents and Ann. By the time he reached Perth and Mia he was almost ready to call off the whole thing. Perth saw the strange, almost terrified look on his friends face and knew something was off. Saint scooped Mia into his arms and buried his face in her soft, sweet-smelling hair. "You sure you don't want to come home sweetheart, Daddy's gonna miss you?" Saint asked as he set her down. "No Daddy I gotta have a tea party with Papo and Auntie Ann promised me Princess pancakes for breakfast, pleeeease. I wanna stay over." She whined while sticking out her lower lip, which she knew was almost guaranteed to get her what she wanted. Unable to deny her when that look was employed Saint agreed and started toward the door. "Sucker!" Perth said as he hung his arm across Saints shoulders before he reached the driveway. "Oh yeah, like you've ever told that girl NO once in her entire life!" Saint said with a raised eyebrow. Perth just shrugged and nodded. "True, but I'm the 'Cool Uncle' it's sort of in the job description that I get to spoil her rotten." He said before giving Saint a concerned look and asking "You wanna tell me what's got you so freaked out man! You've been edgy all night."

"I'm not freaked out, maybe just a little nervous." Saint said as he stopped walking and palmed his face before blurting out what had been eating at him all night "Zee is coming over in about an hour and I think I talked a bigger game than I can deliver." Hanging his head relieved to have finally said it, but also modified by the admission, he waited for Perths response.

Blunt and to the point Perth asked "Dude, you like this guy right?" Saint nodded. Perth continued, "I'm gonna go out on a limb here and guess you guys have already had sex." Again Saint nodded. "Ok so what the hell are you flipping out about? If you wanna get a little freaky by all means go for it! That's the beauty of having the house to yourself my friend! Take a walk on the wild side, let loose and have some fun, you're allowed." Realizing the truth of Perths words Saint nodded and said "Thanks Asshole I needed that." "Any time brother! Now get the hell outta here cuz I gotta go get my man. And don't worry I'll tell Ann to make those pancakes extra slow so you can sleep in tomorrow. " Perth said with a wink as he got in his car and drove off to pick up his kitten. Saint walked home with a smirk and renewed confidence. He intended to do as Perth suggested. He was gonna get his freak on!