“Let me do it.” I rolled down his window and he stuck his head out and smiled. “You remind me of Crowbar right now.”

“Who…why is your dog Crowbar?” He laughed as though it was the most hilarious name. “It’s so weird.” At least he was communicating.

“He picked his name.”

Grayson frowned. “That doesn’t make sense.” He rambled on about how people should name dogs because dogs couldn’t speak.

“Do you have a dog?”

He smiled again. “I love Buttercup. She’s so good with the girls.”

“What kind of dog is she?”

“A golden retriever,” he said.

Of course, he had a golden. Perfect everything. “Those are great family dogs.”

We were quiet for a few minutes. I looked down at the estimated time of arrival. Twelve minutes. “How are your parents?” I didn’t know anything about them, but it was a neutral topic that we could probably talk about until I coasted into their driveway.

He snorted. “I don’t talk to them much.” Or maybe it was a bad subject. Before I could switch topics, he turned to face me. “I don’t like Parker’s parents. They’re awful people.”

I almost laughed. I wanted to agree with him but I had to keep our conversation from getting too personal. I wasn’t sure what he would share with Parker. “I remember them from high school. They didn’t like me.”

“They didn’t like you because you’re gay and they thought you were trying to convert their daughter. I can’t tell you how many times they brought that up.” He moved the visor down to block the bright sun that had poked its way through the dark clouds. “We’re going to get storms tonight. I studied meteorology in college.”

Three more minutes. My phone dinged and the text from Parker showed up on the screen. I’m home.

I was glad Grayson was slumped in the seat with his eyes closed. By the time we got to the entrance to his development, Parker had texted me the code to open the gates. Their house was gorgeous. I pulled up into the driveway. Parker opened the garage door and waved me inside. That made sense. Privacy. I could control the narrative somewhat at work, but nosy neighbors liked to gossip.

“I’m so sorry about this,” Parker said.

I tried not to focus on her leggings and tank top. She was either on her way to the gym or had just got back. “Where do you want him? I’ll help you drop him off somewhere.”