And she worried Simon could hurt Trevor. That was probably very likely. He’d done it before. “We agree on that.” It felt like a hand was around Simon’s throat. Like his breaths were getting harder to come by. He had the ability to hurt Trevor. He knew he did. Christ, the man had enough to worry about, enough going on in his life. Now wasn’t the time to add Simon to the mix. Especially when Simon likely couldn’t give Trevor what he deserved. He couldn’t navigate a real relationship with his wife. How could he handle not only his first real relationship with a man, but with a man working on his sobriety?

“Can I ask if you’re serious about him? You have an ex-wife...I have to admit, that’s a surprise to me. Do you have kids? I just never saw Trevor with someone at this point in his life who is so...settled.”

Simon leaned his elbows on the table. He was a thirty-seven year old man. Talking about his relationship with the parent of his lover wasn’t something he felt he should have to do. Maybe that was because he didn’t really like to talk to anyone about much, or maybe it was because he wasn’t sure how to answer. He understood her worry and concern for her son, but he couldn’t talk to her about this, either.

“You know what? Never mind. I have no right to ask you that. You mentioned medical school earlier. So you’re a doctor?”

Of course she would bring up the other thing he didn’t want to talk about. Though, did he really want to talk about anything? “I was a surgeon, yes. My hand was injured so I can’t operate anymore.” He glanced up but still didn’t see Trevor coming. “I’m sorry to cut this evening short, but I’m really not feeling the best. I think I need to head home. Can Trevor get a ride home with you?”

Her eyes went wide and he noticed they looked exactly like Trevor’s. “Um...yes...sure.”

“Please tell him I’ll call him tomorrow.” Without another word, Simon got up and walked away.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Trevor knew the second he walked back into the crowd of people and saw his mom sitting at the table alone that Simon had gone home. He’d expected as much when he went to the bathroom. He’d given him enough time to make his escape, figuring it was probably easier on them all.

It was stupid to have Simon come here with them tonight. But knowing Simon would leave and trying to make it easier on him to do it still didn’t stop the anger from bursting through Trevor when he saw that Simon was actually gone.

He’d thought it was best, but now it pissed him off. Simon knew Trevor was nervous about being here tonight, and he just left. But then...it wasn’t Simon’s job to be whatever Trevor needed, either. It was a fair for Christ’s sake. If he couldn’t handle this, how could he handle life?

“Simon wasn’t feeling well. He asked me to tell you that he’d call you tomorrow,” his mom said when Trevor joined her at the able.

“Yeah, he wasn’t feeling well earlier,” he lied, having no doubt his mom knew exactly what he was doing.

“I think it was partially my fault. I was surprised that he’d been married to a woman. And that he’s a bit older than you.”

Trevor shook his head. “People are bisexual. It happens. And he’s thirty-seven, it’s not a big deal. I feel older than that every day of my life.”

She cocked her head at that. “You do?” He could hear the sadness in her voice. It was the last sound Trevor wanted to hear.

“I’m fine, Mom. I’ve just lived too much life for a twenty-five year old. And I told you, it’s nothing serious. We’re friends.”

“He’s quiet. I didn’t get a good read on him.”

“I’m quiet now too...and he’s not always that way.” The need to defend Simon came automatically, despite the fact that he was pissed at him.

She didn’t look at Trevor when she said, “He means something to you. I see it, even if you don’t. I’m happy for you but scared at the same time. I just worry it’s not the best time for you...”

Those words were like a kick to the stomach. Each syllable another sharp pain piercing Trevor. They had no faith in him.

“I know what I’m doing.” Though he didn’t. Trevor rarely did. “I think I need to go.” He stood and his mom nodded. They hugged before he told her to call Blake to come and meet her at the table. “Tell him I took his truck, okay?” Trevor had keys to it. Blake would probably be pissed, but right now Trevor didn’t care. He could ride home with their mom or Jason.