“Brian. Brian King.” Sway blushed at saying Brian’s name.
“Sure sounds like a strong name,” Sway’s mom said softly.
“He is strong. He was in the military for about twenty years but now he works with Dana.”
“Bounty hunting?” His mom said, her eyes widening. “Why do these men have to do such dangerous jobs?”
“It’s an important job. Someone has to do it, Mom. And, from what I hear, Brian’s really good at it.” Sway was only giving them basic information. Everything was still too new with him and Brian to reveal too much.
“I know. I just…”
Sway reached over and took his mom’s hand when her words trailed off. He was always careful when he touched her, mindful of her achy joints. He patted her hand gently. He knew why she was concerned and what she wasn’t able to finish saying. She didn’t want Sway to go through any more heartache. Dangerous jobs could result in dangerous situations that lead to injuries, and heaven forbid… death. They’d had enough heartache to last for the rest of their lives, they didn’t need more. Either of them.
“I think he’s a good guy, mom.”
“You went on a date last night,” Sam accused incredulously, coming into the room, causing everyone turn in his direction. Sam stared at Sway, not caring who was watching. He looked as if he’d just been kicked in the stomach. “I thought you didn’t have time to date.”
Sway didn’t answer. Sam didn’t give him a chance before he scooped up the pile of folded sheets and hurried out of the room. Sway saw the hurt and betrayal in his eyes, even though it was completely unwarranted. He’d never once given Sam any indication that they could have anything. Sway had never even flirted with him, having been honest from the start.
“Give him a chance to cool off.” Tweetie watched the closed door Sam was behind. “Crushes can be hard. Believe me. I know. Had quite a few myself.”
Sway sat back down at Tweetie’s insistence. He knew he’d done nothing wrong, but he still felt bad that Sam was upset. The young man had been through a lot and he still had so much more living to do. Sway didn’t want to be the source of any of his pain.
“In the meantime. Tell us about last night.” Sway’s mom’s eyes brightened.
“Yes. Starting with the juicy parts.” Tweetie inched forward.
“Tweets, for heaven’s sake. Are you looking for a cheap thrill?”
“Naw, Steph. Not a cheap one, honey.” Tweetie reared back laughing as if it was the funniest joke ever. Sway just shook his head. It made his mom laugh so he simply went with it.
“I hate to disappoint you ladies but I have no thrills to report.” Sway shrugged. “We didn’t do any—”
“I knew it! You didn’t get that stuff I told you that you had to—”
Sway hurried and put his hand up, stopping Tweetie at the same time his mom did. They both looked at each other and laughed. “It had nothing to do with lack of materials.” Sway smiled wistfully. “He was a perfect gentleman. He made me dinner and dessert. We talked for a long time, until we fell asleep fully clothed.”
Tweetie and his mom were hanging on his every word, but Sway had nothing more to say. Everything that had transpired last night was between him and Brian. Sway finished his coffee. “I’m going back over there. We don’t get many days off, so we’re gonna go out for a while today and maybe get some lunch. After Sunday, I’m not sure when we’ll be able to go out again.”
Sway’s mom smiled from ear to ear. “That sounds real nice, baby. Then you go and have a good time.” She’d been wanting him to get out, meet people. Have more of a social life but his family was everything to him and they came first.
“I’m going. But first we’re going to watch our show.”
“Those reruns aren’t going anywhere. You better forget about Dorothy and Blanche, and not keep that man of yours waiting,” Tweetie chastised. “I’m going to go back there and talk some sense into Sam. I’ll see you later, shuga’.”
“Bye, Tweets.” Sway was glad she was taking that bullet for him. Tweetie had a way of making people see the brighter side of a dim situation. Sway was sure that by the time Sam came from out that back room, he’d be laughing at something completely inappropriate that she’d said and at least two surefire tips on how to secure a man of his very own.
He heard Tweetie grumble on her way by and down the short hallway. “My cousin said Atlanta is gay man’s mecca. If that’s so, then why are ya’ll all still single, then? I just don’t get it. But, no one wants to listen to me. If I was gay, I’d be on my fifth husband by now.”