Chapter 7

“I’ve got to go,” Carlos announced, then left the kitchen. They could hear the front door close after him.

Spence bit his lip. “Something wrong?”

“Carlos has problems with having a brother who’s gay,” Max explained, shrugging. “I’m having problems with having a brother who’s an asshole. We both have to deal.”

“Max,” his mother admonished. “Behave.”

“Maybe I shouldn’t have come.” Spencer fidgeted near the entrance to the kitchen.

“Nonsense, cari?o. Carlos is just grumpy.” His mama went to Spencer and embraced him. “I want you here and this is my house.”

Spencer smiled. “All right.”

“Maxie, get him a beer. I wanted to talk to you, anyway,” she said, addressing Spencer.

“About?”

Max wondered the same thing as he fetched a bottle of beer, opened it, and handed it to Spence.

She looped her arm with Spencer’s. “You have a boyfriend?”

“Mama.”

“I’m not talking to you.” She scowled at Max and then smiled at Spencer. “A pretty boy like you. Last time you said no. You have one now?”