TOUCH OF HOPE (MxM) (Completed)

17. An exciting invite

- Do you want me to resolve this?

- I can't get my head around it. – she chuckled. – But it can wait if you are busy.

- Give me just a minute to control things downstairs and I'll be back.

- Thank you, sweetie.

As promised, a few minutes later, Dean was back at the office, now without the apron. This time the door had been left open, letting him see his mother by the huge window, on the phone with the person who had called earlier. Knocking to call her attention, the man gestured to her he would get started with the request, to which she gave a smile and thumbs up.

Sat at the big desk, Dean grabbed the paper and a pencil and got started. He was just in the middle of the calculations when the conversation caught his attention.

- I'm sorry, but it will not be possible for me to go, tomorrow.

Dean lifted his head, curious.

His mother had always been a very "hands one" businesswoman and, because he recognized the name of the call, he could tell this was probably a big deal.

- It's really impossible for me to spend these two days out. Wouldn't it be possible to change the date?

Oh.

Immediately, it made sense.

If she accepted the invite, Mr Abe would probably also have to go, which usually wouldn't be a problem as, in those situations, Ms Lin would do them the favor of spending the night at the house, so the young master wouldn't be alone and at risk of having an episode without anyone to help. But, as fate would have it, Ms Lin had asked for those two days so she could celebrate her son's birthday with her family.

Dean looked back at the paper, scraping it lightly with the charcoal tip. He hated being a reason for trouble to others, it made him feel like a burden. But, if he was honest with himself, he knew it wouldn't be safe for him to spend the night alone.

Suddenly, the pencil stopped his scribbling and his head shot up.

It's worth the try.

As soon as the call ended, Dean decided to put forward his suggestion.

– Mother, you could go tomorrow...

The idea earned him a confused smile.

– I know you don't like to inconvenience others sweetie, but I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving you alone.

– What if Blake spent the night?

A pair of sculpted eyebrows ascended in a thoughtful expression. Dean kept his eyes on his mother, as she leaned towards the desk adjusting the cream coloured knit sweater around her.

– Blake?

- It's a good option, don't you think? I wouldn't be alone, and I could drive us both to class in the morning.

– That is true... – she agreed with an uncertain tone. – But, what if...

– If I have an episode, Blake will know how to help me.

The young man gave a corner smile, unconsciously rolling the pencil on his hand.

– He already did once, remember?

The recalling had the same effect on the woman, who smiled softly after a few seconds, lifting her weight of the table and nodding.

– I guess you are right. If Blake is willing to, you have no objections from me.