Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 48146 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 241(@200wpm)___ 193(@250wpm)___ 160(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 48146 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 241(@200wpm)___ 193(@250wpm)___ 160(@300wpm)
When I saw my parents waiting for me, I inhaled a breath and strode over to them. “Thanks for coming. Glad you watched a good game.”
“It was a tough win. Good job,” Dad said with a half-hug. “Can we take you to dinner?”
Dad glanced at Mom, who added, “There are some things we’d like to talk to you about.”
“Sure.” My stomach hurt the entire way to the restaurant as I wondered what they could possibly want to discuss. Maybe after the argument and the tooth incident, they’d tell me to get my act together, and I couldn’t blame them if they did.
They waited until we ordered our food to talk about something other than the game—though discussing a win was better than discussing a loss.
“Bruce,” Dad began, his gaze full of unease, “we realize that the past few years have been hard on you too.”
“Oh, honey.” Mom gripped my hand across the table. “I suppose we just couldn’t see past our own grief.”
I rubbed at the uneasiness in my chest. “That’s why I shouldn’t have said anything.”
Dad shook his head. “We’re glad you did. We talked about it that night.”
“We were still living in the past,” Mom said. “And we want to be present for you.”
Tears stung my eyes, but I blinked them away. A sob caught in my throat. “I’m sorry I’m not that great at school or as dynamic as Brody in football.”
“That’s not what I saw out there today,” Dad’s voice rang out. “You were damned good.”
“I was?” Fuck, that felt good to hear.
“Absolutely. And even if you weren’t great at football or weren’t interested in playing, we’d love you regardless,” Dad said. “For the man you’ve become.”
Mom’s eyes grew misty. “And we’re sorry you didn’t feel that from us.”
I screwed my eyes shut, the tidal wave of relief threatening to crush my chest. “Thanks.”
Mom gave me a watery smile. “And I’m glad you have the friends you do. But we didn’t come because of Emil; we came because of you.”
“I know.” I bit my lip, feeling embarrassed all over again. “It was just how I felt in that moment.”
Dad frowned. “As parents, we need to get better at letting you know how proud we are of you.”
“Well, in your defense, I have done some stupid stuff.”
Dad gave me a knowing look. “Like cracking your tooth on a bottle cap?”
“How did you—”
Mom smirked. “We got the bill from Urgent Care, and I had a very interesting conversation with one of the nurses.”
“I’ll pay for it, no matter the cost.”
Mom looked at Dad. “Well, after some finagling, we got it covered, but I’m glad you were willing.”
“Well, that’s good news.”
With the air cleared, the rest of the meal was relaxing and fun.
“Have you been seeing Melanie again?” Mom asked in that teasing, hopeful tone. I had only mentioned her briefly last year when Mom pressed me about dating. “She came over to say hello to us after the game.”
My stomach squeezed in discomfort. “No, she’s nice and pretty, but I…I’m not interested.”
“That’s okay,” Dad said. “There’s plenty of time for all that.”
“About that…” My gut churned. “I’ve recently discovered some things about myself.”
Mom’s eyebrows drew together. “Anything you want to share?”
“I’m nervous to tell you.”
“Honey, we need to start being open with each other so we don’t get into the same mess.”
“True.” My skin felt clammy as I muttered, “Okay, well…I think I’m bisexual.”
That was enough of a revelation. Any of the other stuff could wait.
I couldn’t look at them, not yet, until I felt Mom squeeze my hand again.
“Why were you nervous to tell us that?” Dad asked. “Sure, it’s a bit of a surprise, but we support you no matter what.”
“I just thought…if I ever did date a guy, you would worry about the future.”
“How so?” Mom asked.
“You always talk about marriage and kids, and I thought that meant you had this perfect picture in your mind of what you saw for me.”
“We would want you to be happy,” Mom said. “We lost a son, and from that devastating experience, we learned that nothing matters except our other child’s safety and happiness.”
Mom and Dad shared a sorrowful smile that made my heart clench.
“Don’t ever be afraid to tell us anything, okay?” Dad said, and I nodded, feeling on the verge of tears again.
Afterward, I showed up at the clubhouse, but I wasn’t into it. Something inside me had changed. Not that there was anything wrong with celebrating a win or partying with friends, but I’d done it recklessly in the past, mostly to tune out all the stuff in my brain. But now I just felt like I needed to listen to my body better—and my needs.
I had a few sips of beer that I didn’t try to open with my teeth, despite the running joke. Emil was there with his friends, dancing their hearts out, while I became a fixture against the wall close to the door.