My Grumpy Old Bear - Jayda Marx Page 0,52

profile picture.”

I snorted. “Sounds like him.” I handed my phone over to Jay so he could look at all of the pictures he wished. I told him about Brooks’ past; his job, his injury. I left out the money part; it wasn’t because I didn’t trust Jay, but I didn’t want to overstep any bounds. I told Jay about Brooks’ personality and how much he’d lightened up and seemed to enjoy life more since we’d been together, though there was still a hole in his heart for his son. Jay listened carefully, giving me his full attention.

“Do you think you’d like to meet him?” I asked hopefully once I’d told Jay all about his dad.

He ran his hand over his scruffy beard. “I think so, but...I don’t know. It’s tough, you know? Meeting my fucking dad at twenty seven years old? It’s gonna be awkward as hell.”

“What if I’m with you?” I offered. “You already know me and you and I are close in age. We’ll have lots to talk about if there’s an awkward silence. I don’t want to intrude, but I’d be happy to be there when you two meet.”

He gave me a smirk that I’d seen a million times over the past two months. “You’re a good guy, Noah.” He puffed out a breath. “Fuck it; let’s do it.” I may have squealed like a little girl, making Jay laugh. “Just do me a favor; don’t mention any of this to Brooks, okay? Just in case I can’t go through with it. I...I don’t want to upset him anymore.”

Shit. Brooks and I promised not to keep secrets from each other, but I also couldn’t stand the thought of how Brooks would feel if he got his hopes up about seeing Jay just for him to get let down in the end.

“I won’t,” I reluctantly agreed. Jay gave a nod of thanks and I got an idea. “Hey, Brooks and I are going to Chez Pierre next Tuesday at six; would you want to come with us?” I was positive Brooks wouldn’t mind my inviting Jay.

“Damn, is the old man a secret millionaire or something?” he teased. Shit, shit, shit. I managed a chuckle and was pretty positive he didn’t suspect anything.

“It’s a special occasion,” I shrugged. “We’re celebrating.”

“Then I don’t want to butt in,” he started to protest, but I shook my head.

“Trust me, your being there will make the celebration even better.” He nodded again and we both turned to our food. My burger was cold, but I didn’t care. I choked down half of it before Jay spoke again.

“So, tell me about yourself,” he requested before biting off a hunk of his ham sandwich.

I told him about my job at the cafe where Brooks and I met, and how I also sang at the Rhinestone twice a week. He said he’d love to watch me perform sometime, but seemed a little skittish once he heard the Rhinestone was a gay bar. He didn’t seem to have any prejudices, but I could understand why a straight guy wouldn’t be super comfortable there.

Jay told me about himself too, from his accounting job to his love of horror movies and classic cars. I liked Jay; sure, he made some mistakes with Brooks, but no one was totally innocent in the situation. He’d been through a lot, and I chose not to judge him by the past. He seemed ready to move forward, and so was I. If all went well between him and Brooks, we’d be seeing a lot of each other, and I wanted to start off on the right foot.

My phone beeped in my pocket, stealing my attention. I took it out and smiled at the message.

Brooks: I’m done with the project so you can come home now. Fuck, I’ll never get tired of saying that. I’m gonna take a shower. See you soon.

“Is that the old man?” Jay asked, and I nodded as I put my phone away. I wasn’t a fan of the nickname, but I wasn’t about to tell him that. I wouldn’t do or say anything to put a damper on their relationship. “I thought so by your smile.”

I grinned wider at him. “I’m so glad I ran into you, but I better get going home to Brooks.”

“You two live together?”

“Yeah. It’s new, but it’s great.” Jay gave me a half-smile and a nod. “Oh, before I go, let me give you my number. That way if you need to talk or