I moved before I knew what I was doing and tugged him into a hug. He tensed, then relaxed when I tightened my hold on him. “I’m sorry, Alex. You’re right. I’m a horrible dad.”
He shook his head against my shoulder. “You’re not. I could’ve had a lot worse, like Grandpa.” He sighed and hugged me back, and after we had our little moment, we awkwardly parted and he gave me a small smile. “In the past when I mentioned the word gay, you went on a rant about how many people believe Alexander the Great and Hephaestion weren’t lovers.”
I opened my mouth to tell him what I thought about that but stopped when I realized he was staring at me sharply, warning me not to get started on my lecture about it. I simmered down. “Yes, I’m quite passionate about that topic.”
He chuckled and shrugged. “Well, you know now.”
I did and in the most awful way. I groaned and scrubbed my face with my hands. “You like Yukio. I didn’t realize or I wouldn’t have dated him.”
His shoulders drooped. “Dad, he’s right. I was an asshole to him, like Grandpa was to you. I really gave him hell. I was a bully.” He wrapped his arms around his middle. “I thought.... Fuck, I don’t know what I thought. Maybe I wanted his attention, but I did it the wrong way. He was just so fucking cool, and I’m not. I’m boring.”
“You’re not,” I argued quickly. “You play basketball.”
He snorted. “Not anymore. I quit.”
I gaped. “Why?”
“Because I felt like shit.” He paled and rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m as bad as Grandpa.”
“You’re not.” I stepped forward and grabbed his arms. “You’renot.”
“I am. Dad, listen.” He grasped my wrists and held them tightly. “Yukio was right. I was a bastard, and I shouldn’t have been. I bullied him, and I treated him like shit. He deserved revenge.”
I frowned. “Maybe you’re right, and he did deserve to get even, but what did I do to him, Alex? Why did he drag me into it and make me like him only to break my heart?”
“You didn’t deserve it.” He sighed. “He came to see me yesterday. I think he’s wrecked about it, too. He might like you. For real.”
“I don’t care.” I clenched my teeth together and my foot began to wriggle. Taking a breath, I released him and stepped back. “He still hurt my feelings and used me.”
“Yeah....” He smiled sadly. “Dad, I’m sorry for all this.”
I nodded, not sure what else to say. “Did you call your uncle about me?”
He winced. “Ah, no. He called me because Coach was up his ass about me missing practice. Coach knows him and.... Yeah. And I told him the truth.”
“Mostly,” I drawled, discomfort making me shift. “He thinks I have a girlfriend.”
He straightened. “Shit. Really?”
I groaned as he began to chuckle.
* * *
That night, after avoiding Yukio the best I could and grabbing dinner from Burger King, I got home to find flowers by my front door. As soon as my gaze caught the blooms, I froze, nearly dropping the paper bag of food. I stared at them, not quite sure what to do, but after a moment, I made my legs move. I unlocked the house and went to put my food and drink on the island before I came back out and picked up the roses.
In the bouquet were red and white roses, and purple heliotropes. The spicy floral scent immediately teased my nose, and I leaned down to inhale deeply. My heart fluttered, even though I told myself not to get excited. Flowers weren’t enough for forgiveness. Yet, I still reached inside and picked up the card.
Hanii,
I miss you. I’m sorry for everything that happened. I would like the chance to explain my side of the story. I bought you these flowers for a reason. Did you know Aphrodite’s favorites were roses? Of course you did because that’s how amazing you are. I read that Aphrodite was covered in white roses by the waves when she was born. According to the ancient Greeks, red roses symbolize passionate love and heliotropes mean eternal love, but I’m sure you know that, too.
I care deeply about you.
Call me anytime, day or night. I will answer no matter what.
~Yukio
I let out a breath and thumbed the red rose petals carefully. Chewing on my bottom lip, I stared out at the street, but there was no one there. I walked inside and closed the door, not quite sure what to do with the flowers. I should throw them out, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it, so instead I grabbed a vase, added water, and slipped them inside.
