Saving Grapes - Madeline Kirby Page 0,35
better not go out with Ross.”
“That sounds like a challenge.” Ben stalked towards his lover.
Thom tilted his head back as Ben approached, smiling as Ben lowered his head. As their lips met, Ben’s cell phone began to buzz Chuck’s ring tone from his back pocket. Ben groaned as he raised his head. “Hold that thought,” he said, stepping back and pulling out his phone.
“Hey, Uncle Chuck.”
“Ben. Everything okay out there? Not too much rain for you?” the older man asked. The rains had been heavier than usual for the time of year, but not enough to cause problems.
“It’s fine. What’s up?”
“I called to let you know I’ve talked to your father.”
Ben reached a hand out towards Thom, who took it and stepped closer, concern obvious on his face.
“What did he say?”
“He’d like to meet. Says he can head up here anytime. What about you, Ben? That work for you? Maybe next week, or do you want more time?”
Ben squeezed Thom’s hand. “Next week is fine.”
Thom and Ben were in the kitchen when they heard the crunch of wheels on the gravel drive, followed by the sound of a car door closing and footsteps on the porch stairs.
“I’ll go,” Thom said, standing up just before the knock came on the door. “I’ll put him in the living room, okay?”
Ben nodded.
Thom headed down the hall towards the front door. He could see a blurry outline through the frosted glass panel, and wondered, not for the first time, what Ben’s father would be like. He opened the door and it was like he was seeing the future.
The resemblance was striking. Other than the color of Ben’s eyes, which must have come from his mother, the man was an older version of Ben. He wasn’t as strongly built, but he had the same sandy-colored hair, only worn shorter and silvering at the temples. His skin was the same pale honey color, with only a few small wrinkles at the corners of his eyes. He looked nervous, and a little sad, but he smiled at Thom and damn if he didn’t even have that same dimple.
“Come in, please,” Thom opened the door wider so Ben’s father could come inside. “I’m Thom Caldwell.”
“Jonathan Heywood,” the older man said, reaching out to shake Thom’s extended hand. “Please call me Jon. Thank you for letting us meet here.”
“No, it’s my pleasure. I think being here will make it more comfortable for Ben, and that’s my only concern.”
Jon met Thom’s eyes for a long moment, then nodded.
“He feels safe here.” Thom continued.
“I understand. I respect that. I know I don’t really have the right to say it, but thank you for watching out for him.”
“Okay,” Thom cleared his throat and turned away. “Well, have a seat in here.” He led Jon to the living room. “Ben’ll be out in a minute. Do you want anything? Coffee?”
“A glass of water would be great, thanks.”
“No problem.” Thom headed back to the kitchen where Ben was waiting.
“He’s in the living room,” Thom said, taking a glass from the cabinet and filling it from the tap.
“Okay. What’s he like?”
“He looks just like you. Or, I guess I should say you look like him. He’s not scary, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
Ben shot Thom a sideways look. “I’m not scared.”
“I didn’t say you were.” Thom opened the freezer and added a couple of ice cubes to the glass, listening to the ice crackle as it hit the warmer water. Ben resumed his study of the wall.
“I guess I should go out there.”
“When you’re ready.” Thom sat the glass on the counter and crouched down next to Ben’s chair, looking up at Ben’s face. It was disconcerting to see Ben without a smile or a twinkle in his eye. He’d gotten used to the younger man’s cheerful nature. “Hey,” he put a hand on Ben’s arm, “you don’t have to go out there if you’re not ready. I can send him away if you’re not sure.”
Ben turned his face to meet Thom’s eyes, and leaned down to kiss Thom’s forehead. “Thank you, but I’m okay. I’m just a little nervous, is all.”
“Okay. This is for him. You want anything?”
Ben took the glass of water Thom handed him and shook his head. “No, thanks.”
Thom watched as Ben walked down the hall and rounded the corner to the living room. Getting a glass of water for himself, he headed to the office, hoping to distract himself with work. He would have gone out to