11. Chapter 11

I've kept my mind off Alec during the entire dinner with Lars. It's been a few days and I haven"t apologized.

Lars leans back in his chair and predicts how he thinks the team will do this year. We're at a well-known steakhouse and the food is delicious. The conversation is in rapid-fire Swedish. English is second nature, but I prefer Swedish. We don't see each other as much as I thought we would living in the same city.

After we pay the bill, Lars and I say goodbye. I'm surprised to see Alec sitting at the bar by himself. His leg is bouncing up and down, and his trademark smirk is nowhere to be found. I should say I'm sorry for my mouth attacking his.

From the other end of the bar, I watch as he drags his hand through his hair for the third time. Alec throws up an orange piece of candy and catches it in his mouth. He has a defeated air about him. His stress is disconcerting, drawing me closer. I realize this is the second time I've approached him in a bar.

"I can't do this with you now, Viking." His eyes are trained on the bar.

"I came to say I'm sorry, but you're stressed." No use in making small talk. He'll either forgive me or not. For some reason it matters if he likes me.

Alec pulls his phone out and I can read the text. His table is ready. "Fuck." He sighs, sliding off the stool, and strides over to the hostess stand.

I decide to buy a drink and take Alec's seat at the bar. It has nothing to do with the fact that Alec is upset, and his demeanor is the complete opposite of his usual cheery self. The possibility that his past still haunts him has me on edge. His past brought up parts of mine that are difficult. It's better than my setbacks from this last year but not great.

A couple joins him at his table, and I notice the resemblance. I'm shocked that he's having dinner with his parents. From the little he's told me, they do not have a good relationship.

Their body language is stiff and awkward. This isn't a happy meeting. Alec's jaw is tight. His father doesn't say a word. Neither of them hugs him.

Curiosity gets the better of me and I edge down the bar to be closer.

"Mom, I told you, my boyfriend had to work late. He had an"—Alec pauses, searching for a plausible lie—"unexpected delivery."

"Well, maybe it's time you find a nice girl who will meet your parents for dinner," his mom says in a condescending tone.

Alec fights to put a fake smile on his face. "I'm not going to find a girlfriend. I'm gay."

His father looks furious, and his mother squeaks, eyes darting around, wondering if anyone heard him.

Alec's parents effectively dim his light.

I am outraged at the level of homophobia his parents are showing in public. No one should have to deal with it. They are uptight, miserable, and I have no idea how Alec could be related to them.

It's none of my business because Alec can handle his parents. I leave cash on the bar for my drink, intending to leave, but Alec's mom starts a tirade spouting God's will and my feet move before I think things through.

"Oh, great, I caught you before you started eating. Hi, sweetheart." I lean in and place a chaste kiss on Alec's lips, ignoring the zing of electricity. "Sorry I'm late." I play up my accent. "Madyson informed me that in America, meeting the parents is a big deal. I'm sorry I didn't understand." I hope Alec's parents think his shock is due to my sudden appearance, not that I decided to play the part of his boyfriend. I don't know what I'm doing. I would never do something like this back in Sweden. The USA must be getting to me.

Alec swallows hard and turns to his mother, whose mouth is hanging open. "Mom, this is Von Blixt. Von, these are my parents, Richard and Susan."

"Nice to meet you both." I grab Alec's hand and entwine our fingers on top of the table. It has the reaction I expect. His father's face is purple. Alec's hand is sweaty, and I don't know if I'm doing the right thing. I hope this does not make it worse for him.

"You're…you're gay?" Susan leans in and whispers.

"I am bisexual and happy dating your amazing son," I say while Alec has a vise grip on my hand.

Before I can say more, the server asks for our drink order. Alec orders a cola, his father a cheap whiskey, and his mother and I opt for water.

Susan smooths the napkin on her lap and refuses to make eye contact with me or Alec. A legal-sized envelope sits on the table next to Richard, and I assume this is a business meeting.

"These prices." His mother clutches her necklace in a sad cliché.

"Dinner is on me, Mom." Alec is green.

"It's the least you can do since we had to drive into the city for this," Richard barks.

"Dad, the lawyers have couriers. You didn't need to drive here. I asked you not to come in person."

I release Alec's hand so I can massage the back of his neck. He's a better man than me in this situation. His father grumbles that strangers are not to be trusted.

Alec's parents need a lesson in manners, and for unknown reasons, I've decided to give it to them.

"It's so good of you to make the drive here. I know my parents are eager to meet Alec, but with the nine-hour flight plus the time difference, it's difficult."

Richard glares, and I know I've made my point.

"Did Alec tell you about the selfless work he's doing for charity?" I ask, and his mother finally looks Alec in the eye.

"For the church?"

"For at-risk children and young adults. He coordinated and hosted an event that raised over three hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars in a single night. It was more than double their expectations." I already know his parents don't think very highly of either him or me, but I don't think they see Alec beyond his sexuality.

"Admirable," his father concedes and tips his glass up for a drink.

"The more time I spend with him, the more I find to admire." I smile at Alec and he's covering his confusion well. When he smiles, a bit of his sun returns and I love the warmth. I turn back to his parents. "Madyson made it sound as if meeting the parents would be an inquisition. Am I wrong, or does that come later?" Watching American TV is helping my knowledge.

Alec barely swallows his soda without choking. His parents are uneasy with the truth that they are not treating me as Alec's boyfriend.

"We should sign this paperwork," Richard says.

"Oh, let's not do business at dinner. My place is down the block. You can do it there. It will be more private." I have no idea what his parents want Alec to sign, but I don't trust them and he needs the chance to process it without an audience.

"Are you sure?" Alec leans in and whispers. "They're not nice. They accused my friend of being a sex worker." That statement seals my determination.

Alec deserves better. He's the first person in over a year to make me feel alive. I owe it to him to make this situation better, and selfishly it brings some of his happiness into my life.