Chapter 4

“Sadly, no. Busy day at work.” Daniel isn’t going to lie, as he has a feeling Claire would know. Moms can always tell when those kinds of lies are being told.

“Eat then, please. Tonight is a feast, a celebration. It’ll do my heart good to see you eat. I hope skipping meals isn’t a habit. I know you’re not a boy anymore and growing, but the body still needs nutrition.” Claire looks concerned.

Daniel peels the first slice of tangerine and pops it in his mouth. “I take care of myself. I swear.”

“I hope so,” Claire says, inspecting him as he quickly eats the warm juicy citrus and puts the peel in the compost trash bin. He knows she’s looking to see if he’s too thin, but Daniel knows he has a nice solid body. Nothing against slim men, Daniel just hasn’t been a twink since he was a teen.