Operation Fake Relationship

“That seemed to go okay.” Jackson’s voice pulled Nick back from memories of summer days spent making mud pies in the flower beds with his siblings, or of chasing them around the garden with the hose.

“Hmm?”

“Meeting your folks. The reunion. It went pretty smoothly.”

“I guess.”

Nobody had yelled at anyone. Braced for drama, Nick had found the calm almost disconcerting. In some ways it had felt more like meeting distant acquaintances rather than the people who had raised him.

Nick sat on the edge of the bed and bounced. “This feels comfy. Much better than my old bed.” He bounced harder, making the bed frame creak. “It’s a bit squeaky though.”

“Stop it!” Jackson said. “That probably sounds really dodgy from below.”

Nick grinned. “Lucky we’re two floors up from the living room then. Do you reckon they’d think we’re at it the minute we’re behind a closed door?” Then he gave a snort and added, “Actually, yeah. My father probably would. I bet he thinks us gays are all sex-crazed and constantly at it like rabbits. I reckon that’s part of why he’s a homophobe—he’s jealous that he’s missing out on all the orgies.”

Jackson laughed. “You reckon?”

“That’s one of my theories.”

“Well stop bouncing, and start unpacking. I’m hungry.”

It didn’t take long for them to unpack their cases.

“What shall we do with those?” Jackson gestured to the other bags.

“We might as well take them back down. Put the presents under the tree and give Mum the wine and chocolates.” He had asked his mother whether he should bring wine or something non-alcoholic instead. Much to his relief she’d said wine was okay. Nick hadn’t fancied doing Christmas without a bit of booze to smooth the raw edges.

They went downstairs.

“I think someone’s in the kitchen. This way.” Nick followed the sound of clattering. “Hi, Mum. We brought some bottles of wine and chocolates. Shall I leave them on the counter?”

“Yes. Thanks, darling.” She looked across from where she was getting out some plates. “They look lovely.”

“Do you need a hand with anything?” Jackson asked.

“No, but thanks for the offer. You two go on through to the living room. I think Maria’s just getting Seth up.”

They found Nick’s father alone, sitting in his armchair doing the crossword. He glanced up as they came in and gave them a brief nod.

“Shall I put the presents under the tree?” Nick asked. Although the tree was set up in the usual place in the bay window, festooned with baubles, tinsel, and fairy lights, the floor beneath it was surprisingly bare for Christmas Eve.

“Um. Yes, I suppose so,” his father said. “But it’s maybe best to leave them in the bag for now. Maria’s been having trouble keeping Seth away from the tree as it is.”

“Wow. So he’s crawling then?” Nick tucked the bag away in the corner behind the tree.

“He certainly is. And he’s into everything.” His face softened, splitting into an indulgent smile Nick didn’t recognise as he looked past Nick at the door. “Speaking of which… here he is, the little monkey.”

Nick turned to see Maria coming in with a sleepy-looking Seth on her hip. “I had to wake him up or I think he’d have slept on till dinner time,” she said as the baby studied the new arrivals suspiciously.

“Will he remember me?” Nick asked. It had been about three months since he’d seen them.

“Probably not. But he warms up to new people pretty quickly. Sit down. He’ll chill out faster if you’re not looming over him.”

Nick and Jackson sat on one of the sofas, while Maria sat on the other with Seth on her knee. He stared at Nick, and then Jackson, studying them both carefully before he seemed to decide they weren’t a threat, and he started to wriggle to get down.

“Okay, go on, then.” Maria put him on the carpet by her feet. He sat there for a moment, before rocking forwards onto his hands and knees and crawling towards Jackson.

“Wow! Look at him go,” Nick said.

“Bit of a change since you saw him last?” Maria asked.

“Totally.” Nick stared in amazement as Seth hauled himself up on the legs of Jackson’s jeans till he was standing on wobbly legs, swaying like a drunk and grinning in delight.

“Hey there, buddy.” Jackson smiled, and the sight of him grinning at the baby made something warm unfurl in Nick’s stomach.

“I can’t believe he can stand up now. That’s mad.”

“I know!” Maria smiled. “It really is. I don’t think he’s far off taking his first steps.”

“Hey, Seth,” Nick said. “Look at you!” He held out a hand to Seth, who sidled towards him and then grabbed Nick’s fingers in his chubby hand before losing interest, plopping down on his bottom, and then crawling off at high speed towards the Christmas tree.

Maria intercepted him, scooping him up and ignoring his squawk of protest. “Here, Sethie. Let’s get some of your toys out.”