Secrets & Lies

37| No Dessert

Poor Logan.

As soon as I mentioned having a family dinner to him in his bedroom, I knew this was going to be rough. I had spoken to Wyatt when I first got to their lake house, and he explained that, even though Logan had come out to his family, he was still a little uncomfortable. That explained why he almost choked on his soda when his father asked that question.

I reached under the table and placed my hand on Logan's thigh comfortingly. Once I felt him relax a little, I looked at his father.

"Of course. What would you like to know?"

Logan's father's eyes widened a little. It was like he wasn't expecting me to be so open. "Well, he said you met in college..."

Okay...it wasn't really a question, but I'll bite. "Yes, sir. We shared some of the same classes and worked on a few projects together."

Mr. Thorne nodded his head. "And what was your major?"

"Business."

"And are you working?"

"I'm in between jobs right now," I answered. "My former employer gave out some of my personal information without my permission."

I knew Logan was going to ask me about that one later. I was planning on explaining it to him anyway when we talk after dinner. There was a lot to explain to him later. 

"I see. So you live in the city?"

Damn. I was all for answering whatever questions he had, but this one was a hard one to answer. "Well, I was. I, uh," I paused to clear my throat, "I was in a relationship with someone. A woman. We were living together but it didn't work out. I've been staying at a hotel until I find something more permanent."

For a moment, I was worried that he might say I wasn't good enough for his son. If you think about it, I just ended a relationship with a woman, I had no job, no place to live...not really boyfriend material.

But he didn't say any of that. Instead he said, "I'm sorry to hear that." He gestured around the room with his hand. "You know, you guys are welcome to stay here even after we leave. It would probably be better than that hotel."

I knew Logan was getting more uncomfortable by the minute. He was a breathe away from bolting from the table. With my hand still on his thigh, I stroked his leg with my thumb. That seemed to settle him a little.

"Thank you for the offer, sir. I appreciate that."

"Anytime," Mr. Thorne replied. "So, tell me about your parents."

"Dad!"

Everyone's head whipped in Logan's direction. It was the first time he's spoken during this whole conversation between me and his dad. Logan knew talking about my parents was something I never did. The warning in his voice was clear. 

His dad frowned, clearly confused. "What? I'm just asking about his family."

When Logan went to say something, I stopped him. "Logan, its okay." I looked back at Mr. Thorne and cleared my throat. "Sorry about that. Logan knows my family is a touchy subject." I adjusted myself in the chair. "I don't speak to them. They don't—well, let's just say that they aren't very accepting about who I am."

Mrs. Thorne reached out and placed her hand over my free one. "I'm so sorry, Grant."

"That's ridiculous," Mr. Thorne added. "Completely unacceptable if you ask me."

"I appreciate that," I said softly. I glanced at Logan. He was watching me intently and so I offered him a smile.

As the dinner continued on, there were less interrogation questions and more pleasant conversation. Even Logan seemed to be finally enjoying himself. There were a few times when Amelia or Wyatt would say something to him and he would laugh. God, I missed that laugh.