My List of Mistakes

Figuring You Out

"So Elliot. What plans have you got for the future?" Malcolm asked about half way into dinner. "It's my understanding that you'd like to be an author? An actor?"

Elliot swallowed and bit his lip. "I'd like to be both. I love acting and writing is my other passion so... If I could be a writer on Broadway... it would be really cool."

Eve nodded and reached over to squeeze his hand, smiling widely at him.

"Sounds like you're rather well rounded!" Malcolm cheered.

Nate ran his foot up his boyfriend's leg, teasing him as he spoke. "Yeah.. Ell over there is pretty awesome."

He blushed and almost squirmed in his seat. "Thanks... I uh... Just have a lot if big dreams!"

"I can see that. So what would you write your book about?"

He swallowed, biting his lip. "Not sure yet. I have a few themes I've been working with. It all depends on when I get my inspiration."

Malcolm lifted his glass of wine and nodded. "Well, good for you. It takes a lot of guys to risk it all for such a hard industry. But then again, that's how I made my money."

Nate smirked even more as he continued to harass Elliot.

Eve glared at them and cleared her throat. "Our sons have grown very close over these past few months."

"Ah. yes. I can see that.... He speaks nothing but good things about the both of you, but if you don't mind me asking, whatever happened to Mr. Stark?"

The table got silent and Eve shifted in her seat, Nathan out his door down, and Elliot looked down at his lap.

"Umm... Mr. Stark was never around. He didn't stick around much longer after I told him I was pregnant." Eve explained.

"Oh... I'm so sorry I never, Nathan never..."

"It's alright," she assured. "He's a dead beat anyway..." Eve shook her head and laughed bitterly. "He wouldn't have been able to take care of us and we made out for the better. I have a happy, healthy son and my own little bakery. Everything is perfect."

Elliot reached over to squeeze her hand and kissed her forehead. "I have the best mother in the world and I wouldn't ask for anything else."

"It's unfortunate. I lost my wife to brain cancer. She didn't even know who I was by the time the end came." Malcolm stated.

"Yeah.. Losing mom was hard," Nate sniffled. "She was my biggest fan, my best friend..."

"We both miss her, I just wish my wife could meet the boy that's made my son so happy. Amelia would've loved you... You remind me of her." He said to Elliot.

He smiled softly and ran a hand through his sandy hair. "Well thank you. I've ears she was an amazing woman. It's a shame I never got to meet her...."

"We visited her grave about two weeks back." Nathan told his father. "Elliot brought flowers and everything. It was really awesome."

They all sat in a moment of silence before Eve stood to clear their plates. "Well, enough sad talk. How about some pie?"
-:-

Pie was served then taken away as the group smile and told stories, sharing about their lives.

Elliot and Nathan had schooled closer, holding hands under the table.

Malcolm sighed and smiled. "This has been so lovely... Thank you so much for having me, but I think it's about time me and Nathan take out leave."

Elliot shook his head. "How about he stays the night? I mean he can borrow some of my clothes, plus he's left some stuff of his own here!"

"Yeah dad! How about it?" Nathan asked cheekily.

He sighed and looked to Eve. She shrugged and smiled. "I'm fine with it. Let the boys hang out while they can. With baseball training starting for Nathan and the new musical starting for Elliot, we need to let them hang out as much as they can!"

Malcolm nodded and smiled. "Fine then! Have fun boys, and make sure you get some sleep okay?" He stood and ruffled his son's hair before shaking Elliot's hand and walking off with Eve.

"He likes you."

Elliot looked to him. "Yeah? He does?"

"Totally. He really does like you." Nathan smiled and kissed his cheek.
-:-

Eve stood at the door with Malcolm. "It was lovely having you. With our son's growing closer, I think it's good that you and I get to know each other!"

"I agree... In glad Elliot found my son. I think they have both helped each other. It's good to see my son is embracing who he is."

"Who he is? What do you mean?" She asked.

Malcolm smiled even more. "The fact that he's gay. I'm proud that my son isn't hiding it anymore!"

Her jaw dropped. "You know? But he said..."

"Nathaniel isn't aware that I know. I found out last year.... Don't tell him. If you don't mind, I'd much rather like it if he comes out to me himself."

"Oh of course!" Eve nodded. "It's a very emotional time. I remember when Elliot came out to me, he had a bag packed like he was ready to run away or something. He said it was for when I kicked him out... God we sat and cried over in the living room and I was just so happy that my baby boy was happy." She looked down at her hands. "I'd do anything to make him happy, I'm grateful that your son can."

"I understand. I hope he gives me the chance to show him I accept his life choices. I love my son more then anything... Well, thank you for a wonderful dinner. I should hope we have the chance to do it again."

"As do I!" Eve chirped and leaned against the door. "Goodnight Malcolm."

"And to you Eve."

She closed the door and smiled, locking up and heading upstairs, calling to the boys to get some rest.