Tic-Tac-Mistletoe - N.R. Walker Page 0,14
I’m the third-generation Brooks to own the hardware store, so it’s in my blood.”
Third generation? “Wow.”
He met my gaze and nodded. “Yep. My granddaddy, then my dad, and now me.” He stared at the table again, seeing things only he could see, and it was clear he wasn’t done talking, so I gave him the time he needed. “It could have turned out so different for me here, and I know some kids didn’t have it so easy. Growing up here, being expected to work the family business, settle down and marry a nice girl . . .” He shook his head. “I uh . . . that wasn’t, um . . .”
He was trying to say it but just wasn’t quite able to get the words out.
“Or marry a nice boy,” I offered with a shrug, aiming for nonchalant. I stabbed a slice of roast pumpkin. “If you wanted to, that is.”
He let out a relieved breath and his cheeks tinted pink. He smiled at me and a mutual recognition passed between us. Like I said, most people knew I was gay the second I spoke, so he wasn’t just putting out feelers to confirm my gayness. He was testing the waters to admit his own.
“And people in this town are okay with that,” he said. “With me not wanting to marry a girl. I owe that to my dad. I told him in my senior year, but I bet he knew already. Folks in town had started to talk, you know. I wasn’t interested in girls but I could watch hockey and football players all day long.” I laughed at that and he smiled. “Anyway, he told everyone in town there was nothing wrong with having a gay kid, and everyone in town liked my dad. So him acting like it was no big deal made it no big deal, and by the time I left high school, no one cared. I was just the same old Ren who’d been working in the store since I could walk.”
“I love that.”
He met my eyes. “There aren’t any secrets in Hartbridge. Everyone knows everybody’s business, but everyone looks out for one another. It’s what we do.” He swallowed hard and licked his lips. “My dad passed away back in February, and this whole town supported me. Just today I had three invites for Christmas dinner because they were worried I’ll be alone. You know, first Christmas without my dad here . . .”
“I’m really sorry to hear that,” I whispered. “You sounded very close.”
“We were. It was only ever him and me. My mother bailed on us when I was about two. I don’t remember her. My dad raised me.” His smile was so sad it made my heart ache. “The hardware store was my second home when I was growing up. Before school, after school, weekends.” He met my gaze. “He was a good man.”
I reached out and squeezed his hand, just for a moment, before letting go. “I understand. My parents died in a car accident when I was twenty years old. Liv, my sister, was eighteen. It was awful. But I understand what you’re feeling,” I said, putting my hand to my chest. “Right here. There’s an unfillable hole.”
He nodded quickly. “In the shape of my dad.”
Ooof. That hit me right in the heart. I got all teary and he did too, but then he laughed. “Shit, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to burden you with all this. It’s just this time of year . . . and then Ronny mentioned my dad, and . . .” He shook his head. “And it’s Christmas.”
“It’s a hard time of year.” I put my fork down, my plate empty.
“I haven’t even put up a tree this year,” he said with a shrug. “Just didn’t feel right somehow.”
“I had no Christmas decorations either. My apartment was all packed up, stuff was either sold or put into storage, and I stayed at a hotel for three days before I left.” I sighed. “But I’m looking forward to Christmas with Liv.”
He studied my eyes for a moment. “I bet you are.”
I felt a bit scrutinised under his stare, those blue eyes were like sapphires, glinting in the soft light. “No boyfriend?” I asked. Because I had to ask. Lord, don’t judge me. “I find it hard to believe the cutest guy in Hartbridge is single.”
The corner of his lip curled upward. “How do you know I’m the cutest when you haven’t met