Reservations

“How does everyone know I have a type?” Thane asked incredulously, stopping her flow of words only momentarily.

“I was afraid you might be resistant to a relationship because of us and how we acted. I know we weren’t the best example.” His mother managed to finish her thought before answering his question. “And I’m your mother. Even if you didn’t think I was watching out for you, I always was. You aren’t that difficult to read.”

“We’re Walkers, son. We’re headstrong, but confident when we find the one,” his father said.

“And it’s okay to love him, Nathaniel,” his mother added. “Love him as completely as you can. I hurt your father, and in turn, hurt you.” His mother looked over at his father. They stared at one another, exchanging thoughts in their silent stare. There was just no denying how these two people that looked so much like his parents were acting nothing like the people he’d known his whole life.

“And forgive him his mistakes. Don’t hold them over his head. No one’s perfect,” his father added, finally breaking the trance with his mother and looking back at him.

Thane scrubbed a hand down his face. This was like some weird Lifetime TV movie. What the hell just happened? The two people he would have bet his cold hard cash on not knowing anything about him had figured out the depth of his emotions for Levi so easily? This made no sense at all. As if his mother read his mind, she gave him a gentle growing smile.

“We might not have been good parents, but we are a family, Nathaniel. Now tell us about this guy. What’s his name, Walt?”

“Levi Silva?” his dad asked, looking over at him for verification.

This was all too much.

“Yes.” He started to say more, then paused. He was protective of Levi, and old habits were hard to overcome. His feelings were far too new. They made him vulnerable. “He’s not open for discussion.”

“At some point you’re going to have to knock that chip off your shoulder…” his dad started, his voice changing to something hard, and full of discipline, a tone Thane was more familiar with.

“Walt…” his mother scolded.

“No, he needs to listen to me,” his father said, looking straight at his mother before turning a hard, penetrating gaze back to Thane. “You’ve done well, but your entire focus is building this company. You’re avoiding anything meaningful. You need more to your life than just a company. You can’t continue the way you are. You just can’t.”

Thane watched his mother nudge his father with her elbow. “Tell him, Walt.” His father’s face softened, but he didn’t say another word as he continued to stare at Thane. “You two are so hardheaded.” Her brows lifted as she spoke. “Your father’s done some digging. Tell him, Walt.”

“I told you I looked into this Levi. I’ve read his file and had a couple of conversations. He’s been through a lot. We can ensure his full scholarship, have housing covered from my budget which means he won’t have to take any additional loans, and I can give him a job in my department. He was a professor’s aide in the English department. My department can pay him more, give him more hours. Of course, that depends on what’s going on between you two. Why you’ve taken an interest in him and where you are in your relationship by then.”

The surprises kept coming. Thane stared at his father, blinking several times, really getting a good look at him, and ultimately decided no one could have such a role reversal and change this much. It just wasn’t possible for his father to be a total prick his whole life yet graciously and selflessly offer to help him. “What do you want from me?”

“Two things,” his father said, holding up two fingers. Thane gave a bitter laugh and sat back against the seat again. Of course, the deal came with a price. “First, you tell me the truth. Is he important to you?”

“Yes,” Thane said as if he were playing a game of chess, considering his next move.

“Are you in love with him?” his mother asked excitedly.

“I am,” Thane answered, nodding once, letting his most private secret out and her smile grew brighter.

“Second, you lose the attitude toward us. You have to stop going through life as that hurt little boy. You must open yourself up, even if it means getting hurt in the end. Why are you living here and him there? If you want him, go get him,” his father stated firmly.

When Thane hedged, his mother reached across the table, motioning for his hand. He reluctantly gave it to her, entwining their fingers. “Babe, you’re a wonderful man, but you have the makings of a great man who has a good fulfilling life. Go get your guy and be smart enough to see that, when love happens, it’s a gift. Cherish, protect, and hold your love close. Don’t make the same mistakes we did.”