Making It Personal Wells, C. (red queen free ebook TXT) 📖

Justin’s eyes blazed. “It is when it affects my company. I—”

“And there we have it. Your company.” Blake scowled. “Whatever happened to ‘it’s your company, son’? ‘Put your stamp on it.’ Does any of this ring a bell?” Justin’s gaze lowered and Blake jutted out his chin. “Well, I did all that, Dad, and more. So please, tell me how me being gay is going to affect the company for one second.”

There was a long silence as the two men faced each other. Will was aware of the whole team watching the spectacle. He walked to Blake’s side and slipped his hand around Blake’s. Blake gave him a quick grateful glance. Justin said nothing, his throat working as he swallowed. Will held his breath, waiting for Justin’s reaction. When it became clear he wasn’t about to say anything, Blake’s hand tightened around his.

“You know what? I’ve had it.” Blake snapped out the words. “If you’re not prepared to acknowledge everything I’ve done during the last six years, then I’m out of here. You can keep your precious company.” Will gaped.

“You’re not serious.” Justin’s eyes goggled.

“Watch me.” Blake stared resolutely at him.

Justin’s jaw dropped. “But…but what will you do?”

Blake barked out a laugh. “That’s easy. I’ll start up my own publishing company.”

“And where the boss goes, we go.” Ed came to stand beside Blake, flinging his arm around his shoulder. “Right, guys?” There were murmurs as Blake’s team moved as one to stand behind him, all eyes on Justin. Will was so proud of them for this show of solidarity. He glanced at his lover and was dismayed to see him tremble.

“Is that what you really want, Dad?” Blake’s voice softened. “Are you prepared to lose everything this company has gained, just because you’re ashamed to have a gay son?”

Justin’s eyes widened in alarm. “Wait… you think I’m ashamed of you?”

“Well, what else am I supposed to think?” The misery in Blake’s expression tore at Will’s heart.

Justin shook his head. “Forgive me, Blake. For my generation, being gay was something you didn’t shout about. I know it’s all different these days, but I guess I’m still stuck in the past. I’ll be honest, my first reaction was to wonder how the company would be perceived if it became known that its owner was gay.”

Blake snorted. “No one will bat an eye, I promise you.” He became still. “You… you don’t mind that I’m gay?” Will saw the hopeful light in Blake’s eyes and held his breath, praying for Justin’s reaction.

“Of course I don’t mind.” Justin fixed his gaze on his son. “All right, so it’s something I didn’t expect, but it doesn’t change how I feel about you.” He tilted his head. “Why would you think you being gay would bother me?”

Blake’s mouth fell open. “But… but what about Uncle Dominic?”

Justin frowned. “I don’t understand. What does your uncle have to do with any of this?”

Blake stared in amazement. “I remember how you were whenever he came round to see me. You couldn’t stand to be in the same room as him.”

Justin burst into laughter. “Oh, Blake.” He shook his head, smiling sadly. “I couldn’t stand to be near him, you’re right, not because he was gay, but because he was an obnoxious son of a bitch!”

Blake’s expression was incredulous. “What?”

Justin scowled. “That bastard was always asking for money. He drank like a fish and was forever running up bad debts. He owed money to nearly every betting shop in London at one point.” He stared with wide eyes to see Blake’s face. “You really thought I didn’t like gays?” When Blake nodded numbly, Justin’s face fell. “That tells me how much we’ve grown apart—and that saddens me immensely.”

Blake blinked. “But… what about your reaction to Trinity publishing gay fiction? I thought you were against it?”

Justin sighed. “No, that wasn’t it. I was just nervous that it wouldn’t pay off. And then we’re back to the whole ‘older generation’ bit again.” He locked eyes with his son. “You were right, of course. The genre is growing ever more popular. It was the right decision—only one is a long line of good decisions, I have to say.” He moved closer to Blake and Ed stepped back, allowing him access. Justin grasped Blake’s shoulder firmly. “I’m proud of you, son.”

The look of joy in Blake’s eyes was almost too much to bear. Will fought hard to hold back tears. “Dad?”

Justin became still. “Yes, son. I should have said this a long time ago. And I think I clung on to the company when I should have made a clean break of it.” He placed his hands on Blake’s shoulders and regarded him squarely. “But we can do something about that.”

Will hardly dared breathe as he saw the hopeful expression on Blake’s face.

Justin smiled. “I think it’s time we made this official, don’t you? I’ll prepare a press statement for tomorrow, to the effect that you are the legal owner of Trinity Publishing, and have been solely in charge of the company for the last six years. Think of it as your Christmas present.” He winked, but then his expression changed. “I’m sorry to have spoken so disparagingly of your team, Blake. The way they all rallied round you was truly wonderful. You chose a fine bunch of people, son.” He fixed the team with a forthright stare. “And I believe you’re supposed to be having a party here, so why don’t you good people get it started while I take my son and his…partner into his office for a talk?” He winked. “We won’t be long—wouldn’t want to miss you opening your gifts!”

There were smiles all round as Justin led Blake and Will to Blake’s office and then closed the door behind them. Blake seemed to be in a dream. He kept staring at his father openmouthed, blinking. Justin regarded him with a hint of anxiety in his expression.

“Are you all right, son?”

Will reached out and