Chapter 25 Miguel

After visiting the adult store, Daddy Shamus took him shopping for clothes and shoes to wear to the meeting. He had planned the shopping trip because returning to his hotel where Bently and his mother were waiting made Miguel uneasy. It was beyond Miguel's understanding how he had been so lucky to end up cherished and nurtured by Daddy Shamus, the very best. Uncle Javier had rented another room in the hotel for all of them to meet.

Packages loaded, they returned to Seaside Sips to shower and get ready. After their shower, they stood side by side, choosing their outfits for the meeting. Daddy Shamus thought it would be best if he drove them instead of walking. He had no intention of parading down the boardwalk dressed to the nines. Miguel rested his head against the car window and prayed for his uncle to come through for him. The ride was so short, Miguel didn't have time to collect his thoughts.

To avoid running into Bently or anyone else, they opted to take the stairs up to the second-floor meeting room. As they walked, Daddy Shamus took the lead, his footsteps sure and authoritative. When they arrived at the door, Daddy Shamus confidently lifted his hand and gave a firm knock. Miguel was thankful for Daddy Shamus, knowing he was there to support him.

The moment Uncle Javier opened the door, Miguel was greeted with a tight, warm embrace that made him feel safe and loved.

"Don't worry, Miguel. Everything between your mother and you will settle down."

"Thank you for coming tonight to help me out," Miguel said.

"And is this, Shamus?"

"Yes, we are seeing each other now. This is my uncle Javier," Miguel said. The two men swapped greetings and shook hands. His uncle smiled as if he approved of Shamus.

"I've heard good things about you at Princeton. I think you and my Miguel have a chance with you both being on campus."

"Thank you, sir. I've heard excellent things about you as well," Daddy Shamus said.

"We're going to sit at the round conference table. Sit where you want," Uncle Javier said.

They followed Uncle Javier to the conference table. The hotel conference room felt sterile and small, the whirring of the air-conditioning a nervous counterpoint to the tension that crackled in the room. A polished round table dominated the space, flanked by uncomfortable-looking chairs.

"Hi, Mom." Miguel gave her a hug and a kiss.

"I'm glad you showed up." Mrs. Reyes greeted Miguel with a weary expression. Her usual smile was absent from her face.

Miguel took a seat , the worn leather cool against his clammy skin.

Across from him, Bently, impeccably dressed in a charcoal suit, flashed a charming smile. Miguel's stomach clenched in irritation—that smile that used to disarm him now felt manipulative. Nothing said here would change his mind. He refused to go back to Bently.

To Miguel's right sat Daddy Shamus, his hand resting casually on the back of Miguel's chair, a silent anchor in the storm. A wave of warmth washed over Miguel, quickly doused by the disapproval radiating from his left.

There, his mother sat ramrod straight, her lips pursed in a thin line. Her emerald-green sundress, usually a source of flamboyant pride, seemed muted. Miguel knew the disappointment in her eyes was a weapon, a silent plea for him to see reason, to choose her comfort over his happiness. This whole charade was her doing. While he could easily deny Bently, going against his mother was an entirely different matter, and both Bently and his mother knew that. He cherished her above all else, but he could not marry the person she had set her heart on for him. Standing up to her was nearly impossible because of this, but it had to be done. He had hoped his sister Maria would be here to support him, but maybe no one had invited her.

Between Bently and Daddy Shamus sat Uncle Javier, his weathered face etched with concern. Uncle Javier, the only one who seemed to understand, at least a little. He cleared his throat, the sound echoing through the quiet room.

"Alright, everyone," Uncle Javier boomed. His was the only voice that dared to pierce the heavy silence. "We're all here because Miguel has something he wants to discuss with me as an impartial mediator."

Miguel's mother rolled her eyes at the words "impartial mediator."

Miguel took a deep breath; Daddy Shamus moved his arm and took his hand reassuringly, squeezing it under the table.

"Mom," he began, his voice surprisingly steady, "I appreciate you wanting what's best for me, but things with Bently aren't…" He faltered, searching for the right words. "We're not meant to be together anymore."

The first thing his mother did was turn to Bently, looking for help.

Bently coughed, the sharp sound grating on Miguel's nerves. "Miguel, darling, we can work through this. There were just a few misunderstandings—"

Miguel cut him off, the frustration boiling over. "No, Bently! It's over. We're over. I'm in love with Shamus." He squeezed Daddy Shamus's arm, feeling a surge of defiance.

His mother gasped, her emerald dress seeming to shimmer with outrage. Her brow furrowed. "You're in love with him? You just met him." She raised her voice and spoke in Spanish, then gestured towards Daddy Shamus. Anger blazed through her disapproving expression.

"Elisa! Speak in English and control the tone of your voice," Uncle Javier ordered sharply. "Not everyone in this room speaks Spanish."

She sat up straighter in her chair and repeated what she had just said in English as she glared at Shamus. Her tone remained unchanged, filled with condemnation she couldn't hide.

"Excuse me, I speak Spanish," Daddy Shamus explained. "There's no need to speak English on my account."

"I don't speak Spanish, but Miguel was teaching me," Bently added and winked at Miguel.

"Thank you, Elisa." Uncle Javier paused. "Let my thoughts be on record. My brother is turning in his grave right now. If he were here, he'd want Miguel happy with whoever he chooses to be his partner. He'd disapprove of you, Elisa, for selling his son as do I," Uncle Javier growled.

"How dare you speak about Miguel's father! How dare you! You only know what you wanted to know about your brother. Ramiro was a gangbanger, and he would have disowned Miguel if he'd known Miguel was gay."

"No, you're wrong! My brother knew all about Miguel at four years old. He would never disown him or sell his son off to benefit himself. I know what my brother was into and why he was gunned down in the street. But don't you sit there and throw all that trash into your son's head. Think about your words."

"Ramiro discussed nothing like that about Miguel with me. How would you know such things?"

"He told me! Ramiro, God rest his soul, said it didn't matter. He loved Miguel no matter what."

Miguel cut into the conversation. "Stop talking about me as if I'm not sitting here. I never doubted Papi's love." Miguel fought back the tears threatening to spill from his eyes.

The words hung heavy in the air. Daddy Shamus offered a supportive smile. Mrs. Reyes's face drained of color. Bently's smile faltered, replaced by a cold fury.

"I never said he didn't love you, but…" She stopped herself.

"Listen to me, I love Shamus. I'm not going back to Bently. You can't pick who I marry."

"Love?" Mrs. Reyes's voice dripped with disdain. "Love doesn't pay the bills, Miguel. Love doesn't put food on the table!"

Miguel's anger turned hot and fierce. "Love makes me happy, Mom! That has to count for something, doesn't it?"

"Why doesn't my love count?" Bently asked.

Daddy Shamus chimed in, "Because Miguel and I love each other. You had your chance."

The room descended into a cacophony of voices. Miguel felt a wave of despair wash over him. Was this all he could ever hope for? Disappointment from his mother, judgment from his ex, all because he dared to choose love.

He squeezed Daddy Shamus's hand, finding solace in the silent gesture. He would fight for his happiness, even if it meant fighting his own family. He might be surrounded, but he wasn't alone. He had Uncle Javier and Daddy Shamus on his side.

Uncle Javier stood and pounded the table. "No one in this room may choose another's partner, nor do they have a right to force another to marry. If you love your son, accept him and his partner as I have."

Bently stood, looking defeated, walked over to Miguel and hugged him. "I wish you the best, Miguel. I'll always love you." He put his hand out to Daddy Shamus. "Congratulations! You're a lucky man." They shook hands and Bently left them.

"Do you mind if I speak to my son alone?" his mother asked.

Daddy Shamus faced Miguel. "Is that okay with you?"

"Yes, I'd like to talk to her."

"I'll wait outside for you."

Uncle Javier said, "Elisa, I'll drive you home when you're ready to leave. I'll be in Miguel's room." He turned to Miguel. "I'm so proud of you for standing up for who you are and what you want." He left with Daddy Shamus.

Miguel moved closer to his mother. "I love you so much. You have no idea how hard it was to do something you're not on board with."

"I know. I guess I wanted someone to take care of you and I knew Bently could, but your uncle told me you don't need anyone to help you financially. You are not in the same place as I was. You don't have any debts and you're on your way to a lucrative career. I'm sorry for not believing in you. And I'm sorry for what I said about your father. Will you accept my apology?"

"There's nothing to be sorry for. You gave Maria and me the best childhood filled with love and family. Money can't replace what you gave us. Both Maria and I will always love you, no matter what. I hope at some point you can find it in your heart to accept and love Shamus."

"Don't worry. If you love him, I'll try to love him. You'll come home for a visit, and he can come too."

"Thanks, Mom."

She hugged and kissed him. "It's been a rough day for me."

"I know."

Daddy Shamus and Miguel walked her upstairs to the room where Uncle Javier was waiting.

"Where's Maria and Sara?"

"They went to Aunt Dora's. Javier will pick them up."

"I thought they were staying for the weekend," Miguel said.

"Maria and Sara won't be staying. You guys need time alone."

"I don't mind," Miguel said.

"They'll come another weekend this summer."

"Your presents are on your bed. Happy birthday," his mother said, as if just remembering what day it was.

They exchanged goodbyes and Uncle Javier took her to his car.