The Christmas Deal

And in the new year, Logan would unfuck his life. He’d figure out a way to get a job, and he’d take care of Connor. He wasn’t sure how, but first things first. He had to concentrate on helping Seth. This was something he could accomplish.

Seth returned with the steaks. “So far, so good. Thanks again for all this. I know it must be…” He motioned with his hand. “Anyway, thank you.”

“All good,” Logan said, focusing on the grill and the steaks, getting the temp just right. “We’ve got this.” He bumped Seth’s shoulder, and Seth leaned back into him.

Once they had dinner on the table, Angela and Dale praised the food, and Logan had to say it was all delicious. He had to stop himself from shoveling it in too fast, and said, “The potatoes are amazing.”

“Thanks, hon,” Seth said with a smile from the other end of the table, and Logan smiled back. A Christmas carol played softly in the background, sung by one of those big church choirs with pretty voices.

Logan’s phone buzzed. “Shit, sorry.” He grimaced as he pulled it from his pocket to switch it off. “Uh, sorry for the language too.”

Angela laughed, almost a cackle. “Shit, sugar, I’ve heard far worse.” She winked. “Might’ve said worse too. Go ahead and check it. Might be your boy.”

“Oh. Right. Yeah. Says he did well on his last exam.” Logan snorted. “And that the joke I sent was stupid.” He quickly typed back: Good job. And that joke was hilarious. Connor’s immediate reply was an eye-roll emoji, but for some reason it didn’t feel like he really meant it. Logan smiled and slipped the phone back in his pocket.

Angela swallowed a bite of steak. “He’s thirteen? Get ready for that attitude for years to come. All our jokes are lame and we’re clueless. They’ve got all the answers.”

Seth laughed. “That sounds about right with Connor.”

Logan smiled at Angela tentatively. “So it’s not just me who doesn’t know anything?”

“This is all part of having a teenager, trust me. My girls think they know every darn thing there is to know.”

“So how do you stay patient?” Logan asked.

Angela lifted her glass. “Lots of Merlot. But really, it’s hard sometimes. You just want to shake them and stop them from making mistakes you can see coming a mile away. I remind myself that it’s my job to love them through all their mistakes. Hug them when they need it, and especially when they think they don’t. Because they sure need all the hugs and patience we can give them. Even when they’re bein’ assholes. Especially then.”

Logan’s throat suddenly tightened thinking of Connor’s regular scowl and crossed arms, how he kept himself an angry little island. Logan had to get through to him. He had to make it better. Nodding, he said, “Thank you,” to Angela and meant it.

“Connor’s a real challenge, but Logan’s doing a wonderful job,” Seth said. “Parenting isn’t easy. I’m so proud of him.” He smiled at Logan, and it was probably just bullshit for Angela’s sake, but damn if Logan didn’t want so badly to make Seth proud for real.

“Sugar, you just have to keep trying. I was probably the same as a teenager, although my daddy had the patience of Job.” She smirked. “Momma, not so much.” Her face softened. “But with Connor’s momma gone, it must be real hard on him. Especially at Christmastime.”

Logan nodded, pushing his roasted squash and parsnip around his plate. “First Christmas without her.”

Seth cleared his throat in the silence and said, “But we’re determined to give him a wonderful holiday. The retreat will be the perfect start.”

“It’s going to be fabulous,” Angela said. “Isn’t it, Dale?”

Dale nodded and actually spoke more than a few words. “There’ll be sleigh rides and snowman-building contests. Sledding and skating. Crafts and lots of food, and there’s a big indoor pool as well. A Santa’s coming with toys during lunch. We think the children will be thrilled.”

“Wow,” Seth said. “How did you plan all this last minute?”

Angela winked at Dale. “Dale’s my little miracle worker. Don’t ask him how the sausage gets made—just enjoy the taste. Speaking of taste—Seth, you and Logan have hit it out of the park.”

“Oh, thank you,” Seth said. “I’m so glad you’re enjoying it.”

Logan noticed Dale’s smile seemed a little tight, a twitch in his cheek before it smoothed out again. How the sausage was made probably involved a fuck-ton of work for Dale with no complaining.

Seth added, “Logan’s dad helped with the grilling. I admit I’m a newbie.”

Angela beamed. “Isn’t that one of the best things about family? Passing on traditions and recipes and old-fashioned how-to. Imagine how much would be lost if gays were all cast out? Everyone needs family. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again.”