“Do you think coming into your sexuality is influencing how you feel about her?” Dad asks, sounding a lot like the clinician he is.
“No, it’s not that. She’s… changed. She’s not the same girl I started dating when we were fifteen. We’re both different, I guess.”
“That’s life, Cullen,” Dad says. “We grow up, we change. Some parts of us stay the same. The question is, is Hadley someone worth fighting for?”
I hesitate to answer. I used to think it was Hadley and me till the end. That nothing would tear us apart. But the joke’s on me, because we seem to be imploding all on our own.
“I don’t know,” I say honestly.
“If yes wasn’t your first thought, then you may already have your answer.” Mom pats my hand, then gets up from the table, clearing their empty coffee mugs and taking them to the sink.
She comes back, pulling me into a tight hug. “Thank you for telling us. We want you to be happy, and we don’t want you to hide. You’re too special for that.”
I chuckle, my eyes misting over. “You have to say that. You’re my mom.”
“Hmm, maybe. Or maybe it’s just the truth.” She kisses my cheek, then goes to clean up from breakfast.
Dad is looking at me, his gaze assessing. I know that look. It’s hisI’m trying to read your mindlook.
“What is it?” I ask, feeling self-conscious under his scrutiny.
“Just curious. What things have changed to help you come to this realization?”
Well, I’m certainly not going to tell him I’ve found myself crushing on my best friend. So, I go for the safest answer I can give.
“I just think things being rocky with Hadley have sort of jolted things loose.”
That’s all the explanation I’m going to give him, and thankfully, he doesn’t push.
“I really am proud of you, Cull.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
He winks, then goes on about his morning like I didn’t just give life-altering news.
My pocket starts vibrating, startling me. I pull it out and smile, my heart doing a weird leap in my chest.
HUD: I’m alive… sort of. Bring tacos.
I laugh and reply with a thumbs up. Seeing his name pop up on my screen sends a flurry of butterflies soaring in my stomach. I don’t even realize I’m still grinning like a fool when my mom nudges my shoulder.
“Going to see Hudson?” she asks, a knowing smile shining in her eyes.
My cheeks heat, and I clear my throat, smiling to cover my embarrassment. “Yeah, he asked for tacos. I bet he has one hell of a hangover.” I frown. “He passed out before we even left the party, so I had to haul him home and into bed.”
“Hudson is lucky to have you. I hope he knows that.” My mom rests her hand on my cheek, her eyes searching mine. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear she could read every dark corner of my mind. And maybe she can. She is a mom, after all.
“Thanks, Mom. I’m gonna get going.”
“Have fun.”
I push up from the table, but a thought stops me. “Can we keep everything between us for now? I needed y'all to know, but I’m not ready to tell anyone else.”
“Of course,” Dad agrees, his voice steady. “This is your timeline. We’re here for you no matter how fast or slow you decide to go.”
“Thanks. I love you guys.”
“We love you too, sweetheart.”
