Doc reaches across the table. His hand covers mine, small and warm and steady.
"That took courage. Standing up to him like that."
"That's what Tyler said but mostly i just felt like puking."
"That's what courage feels like." He squeezes my hand. Same thing Tyler said. "I'm proud of you."
"You don't even know him."
"I know enough. I know the kind of person who would demand their son cut off friends for being gay. And I know the kind of person who would say no." His thumb traces circles on my knuckles. "You're a good person, Gavin. Better than he deserves."
Fuck. My eyes are stinging. I blink hard, clear my throat.
"Doc..."
"Shut up. Take the compliment."
I huff a laugh. "Yes, sir."
Our pizzas arrive, breaking the moment. Probably for the best, I was about two seconds from crying in a pizza parlor, and that's not the vibe I'm going for tonight.
We eat. Talk about easy things: his study schedule, the exhibition game next week, and Ethan and Tyler's increasinglydisgusting cuteness. Doc makes me laugh, describing JP's hangover cure lecture at the party, complete with hand gestures and a perfect imitation of JP's serious voice.
By the time we're finishing up, the weight of my dad's call has faded to a dull ache. Still there, but manageable. Doc does that, makes things manageable.
"Ready to go?" He's already reaching for his wallet.
"I'm paying."
"You paid last time."
"I'm bigger. I eat more. Basic economics."
"That's not how economics works."
"Too bad. My card's already out."
He glares at me, but it's kind of a fond glare. I pay, leave a good tip, and we head for the door.
The night air's cool, and Doc shivers a little. Without thinking, I shrug off my hoodie and drop it over his shoulders.
"Gavin, I'm fine?—"
"You're cold. Wear it."
He opens his mouth to argue, then closes it. Pulls the hoodie tighter around himself. It absolutely swamps him, sleeves hanging past his hands, and he looks so fucking cute I want to die.
"Don't say it," he warns.
"Say what?"
"Whatever sappy thing you're thinking."
"I wasn't thinking anything sappy."
"Liar."
Guilty.
