“Any problems at home right now making things tough?”
“Well, my sister was trying to get into MIT but didn’t. That was hard. Then she got into Johns Hopkins, so my parents were okay with that.”
“They’re strict?”
“About grades, yeah.”
“Are you getting good grades?”
Felix nodded. “I help tutor upperclassmen.”
“That’s good. Sounds like your parents are decent people. Do you worry that they might throw you out if they know you’re gay?”
“No.”
Mitch didn’t sense a lot of nerves from the kid anymore. “Do you and your parents have problems talking?”
“No, we tell each other everything. My mom and dad love me. And they’re pretty cool most of the time.”
“Then why not just tell them you’re gay? Be honest with them.”
“Okay.” Felix stood and smiled, then held out his hand. “Thanks, Coach.”
Mitch stood to shake it, not sure what had just happened. “No problem.”
“Bye.”
Felix left. Before Mitch could catch his breath, another boy stood waiting to talk to him.
“Reynolds?”
“Yeah, Flash. Can I talk to you?”
Inwardly, Mitch groaned. Then he wondered what the odds were that he’d be slammed with two personal problems when for weeks no one had asked him anything unless it had to do with football. “What’s up, Reynolds?”
The boy took the seat Felix had left and leaned forward. “I’ve got a problem and could use some advice.”
Mitch sighed. “Sure. I’ll try to help. What’s the problem?”
“Well, I think I love my stepsister.”
Mitch wanted to run from the room. “What’s that?”
Reynolds blushed. “That sounds bad. But really, she’s not my stepsister yet.”
“Explain.”
When he did, Mitch wanted to grab his brother, plunk him in his chair, then run for the hills. “You’re telling me you and Sue are in love, but you’re afraid your mother dating her father will make you guys incestuous? Is that the gist?”
“Um, yeah. We’re not all Game of Thrones here, Flash. I mean, it’s a small town, but we don’t kiss cousins and stuff.”
Mitch felt a headache creeping on. “First of all, you and Sue are not and never will be related except through a possible marriage of your parents. How close are your mom and Sue’s dad?”
“Well, they were all buddy-buddy at PTO thing, and my mom liked him. Other than that, I don’t know. I’m just trying to prepare in case things go all legal and married and crap.”
“You know, Reynolds, I wouldn’t worry about it. Your mom knows about you and Sue dating, right?”
“Yeah.”
