Discovering Delilah (Harborside Nights, Book 2)(62)
“Hey, Dutch?”
Dutch turns with a spatula in one hand and a slab of cheese in the other. His apron is covered with grease, and true to Dutch’s typical style, his hair is a curly, tangled mess, but his smile is as bright as the summer sun. “Yo?”
“Best grilled cheese ever. Thank you.”
“But of course.” He winks.
“What do you think of same-sex relationships?”
“Um, Delilah. Is this a trick question? Because I’m pretty sure you know Tristan and Brandon are gay, and…uh…aren’t you and Ashley an item?” He turns, flips a few burgers, then lowers the flame and comes over to the counter. “Something bugging you? Want to talk?”
I shrug. “Yes and no. Why do you think they’re okay?”
“Well, because I don’t give a shit about who anyone else sleeps with. Whatever makes people happy and all that.” His eyes turn serious. “Is someone giving you a hard time? Because I’ll take care of them—”
“No. It’s nothing like that. I’m just wondering about something. Do you think you’re all right with it because your parents were, or did you decide it on your own?” I finish my sandwich, and he takes the plate and tosses it into the sink.
“I don’t know. I’ve never thought about it that much.” He moves to the stove and flips the burgers, then looks over his shoulder at me. “I guess we never talked about it much in my house. I don’t think my parents have issues with it, but I couldn’t say that for sure. So I guess I came to it pretty much on my own.” He finishes cooking the burgers, puts them on plates, and sets them on the counter just as Charley comes into the kitchen.
“Hey, Delilah. Thanks, Dutch.” She picks up the plates and heads back toward the bar.
“Wait! Charley.”
She turns, her ponytail swinging from side to side. “Yeah?”
“Why are you okay with same-sex relationships?”
She looks from me to Dutch with a worried expression on her face. “Um. Because who am I to judge. Why?”
“Did your parents feel that way?” Now this is really bugging me, and I want to know more about how people come to these decisions.
“Sure. My parents don’t care if people are gay. Why? What’s going on? Is this about you and Ashley? Because I think it’s great that you two finally figured out what I knew all along.”
“What?” I laugh, because come on…Really? She knew? How could she? I wasn’t even one hundred percent certain. Well, I kind of was, but still.
Charley laughs. “Oh my God, Delilah. You two have been like Siamese twins since you met, and you look at each other with sickeningly dreamy eyes.”
“They do?” Dutch raised his brows in quick succession. “Hm.”
“I gotta take these out to the customers, but yeah, they do.” Charley rolls her eyes. “Guys never notice anything. Maybe I should date girls.” She breezes back into the bar.
“Why are you asking all this stuff anyway?” Dutch crosses his big arms and narrows his eyes.
“I’m wondering if most people form their opinions about this stuff based on what they’re taught rather than basing it on their own feelings. And I’m starting to understand the impact parents have on their kids.”
The impact my parents had on me.
And it’s starting to piss me off.
“Well, hell, Delilah. You should have said that. It’s no secret that our parents mess us up big-time. It’s like their jobs or something. So, sure, most people probably believe whatever their parents teach them. It takes strong people to break the mold, if you know what I mean.”
“Yeah, I know exactly what you mean.” And I want to break it. It’s just easier said than done. I stand up and pull my shoulders back as Wyatt comes into the kitchen.
“Hey, Dee. You almost ready to go meet the accountant?” Wyatt goes into the back office and comes out with a folder.
“Sure. What’s that?”
“The agreement so we can work with them.” He nods toward the door. “Let’s go. We’ll talk on the way.”
In the car I open the folder and read the agreement.
“Don’t worry, Dee. If you don’t like him, we won’t sign the agreement. But his references were solid, and he seemed like a good guy.”
“Did he seem smart and honest? That’s what I care about more than a good guy.”
“Yes, Dee. Smart, honest, and a good guy.” Wyatt drives to the accountant’s office and parks beside the building. “I promise, if you don’t like him, he’s not hired. I’d never do anything without your okay. This business is both of ours, not just mine.”