Page 59 of Grounding the Baker
“What were you going to say? Remember what we agreed?”
“I just don’t want her to think I’m trying to replace her mum or anything,” he choked up on the last couple of words.
He couldn’t imagine what it would have been like to lose his mother when he was seven years old. He was struggling with it now, and was nearly thirty. His eyes watered, and before he could blink away the tears, Austin was by his side, pulling him into a hug.
“Sorry, I’m just missing my mum today. I didn’t mean to put a downer on the evening.”
“You should never be sorry for missing your mum. I miss mine all the time.”
Austin’s mum had died five years ago,and his dad had followed her within a few months. He couldn’t imagine what that would feel like. Compared to Austin and Maisie, Liam’s experience wasn’t nearly as horrendous.
“We can get the food to go if you prefer?”
Liam shook his head. “No, I’m happy to stay. Steak doesn’t travel well either.”
Austin kissed his temple and stood up before stopping. Liam looked up and Gerard was standing there with his hand on his heart.
“Swoon!” he said.
“Get fucked!” said Austin.
Liam burst out laughing. Gerard feigned mock offence, before smiling and leaving them to it. Not long after that, Callum arrived with their food, which looked more impressive than the Michelin-starred meal they’d had on their first date.
It tasted even better than it looked, and they kept the conversation to less heavy topics whilst they enjoyed their food. Kevin had his sticky toffee pudding as the special dessert tonight, so of course they had to have some. After the heavy start, the rest of the evening was relaxed, with Austin not being able to stop touching him every few minutes. After they’d had a minor disagreement about who was paying for dinner, Gerard had said it was on the house and told them to piss off.
His boyfriend then drove him home before giving him a goodnight kiss, which almost took him to his knees again. In two days he was finally going to get Austin into bed, and it couldn’t come soon enough.
FIFTEEN
AUSTIN
Austin felt like he’d regressed into being a teenager again. He couldn’t get Liam Wells out of his head. The man occupied all his thoughts. Why had he suggested this stupid five-date idea? It had seemed like a good idea, but time itself had betrayed him by being on a go-slow. But they were here now, date number five, and he was going to get Liam into his bed. First, there was a bit more wooing. It had taken Austin ages to think about what to make for dinner. Something that would be light enough for them to move things to the bedroom quickly, and packed with enough calories so they had energy to burn. He’d be at the festival all day, so it also had to be simple, and something that would impress hisboyfriend. Why did that word make him feel giddy? He was in his forties. The guys would take the piss out of him if they could hear his thoughts. Well, not Nathan. He’d never do anything like that, but the others would never let him hear the end of it.
At six o’clock he would drop Maisie at Nathan’s house, and he’d agreed to keep her until noon on Sunday. He owed his friend a gift as a thank you, even though he was clearthat he enjoyed having her. The problem with Nathan was that if he wanted something, he just bought it. Austin would think of something, though. A trip to the local geek shop would do it. Nathan was a regular there, and they knew him well, including everything he already had.
They were having a light breakfast, as Maisie would want to indulge at the festival.
“Dad, is Liam your boyfriend?”
He almost choked on his cereal.
“Why do you ask that, sweetheart?” He needed some stalling time, although she didn’t look upset, more curious.
“Auntie Giselle said something about you taking your time tolock him down,which I didn’t understand, so I googled it.”
Austin couldn’t help but chuckle. His daughter was very resourceful.
“How do you feel about that?”
“Is it true?”
“Yes, it’s true.”
She smiled. “You’re so lucky.”
“Lucky?”
“Liam is so handsome. I mean, you look okay as well, but all the girls at school fancy Liam.”
