Taking a bite of my now cold pie, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m still not being fully honest with them. They know I’m gay, but they don’t know the whole truth. After just telling them I didn’t want to hide from them, I think I owe it to them—and myself—to come clean…about all of it.
So, before I can talk myself out of it, I say, “That’s not all.”
They both pause. Again, the room becomes so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
“Okaaay,” Finn says slowly. “We’re still listenin’.”
Nausea swirls in my gut. I rub my hands together, trying to steady my heart rate. “I’m seein’ someone.”
They share another look, and I don’t miss the way Hollis bites back a smile. “Okay…”
“I care about him,” I explain. “Honestly, more than I expected to.”
It’s not until the words leave my mouth that I realize I should’ve discussed this with Remington before telling them about us. This is still so new, and I’m not even sure what it’s going to become, but they should find out from me. They should hear it before they find out some other way… Like seein’ his truck in my front yard.
“Do we know him?” Finn asks.
My heart jumps to my throat. I nod. “Yes.”
“Who is he?” The question comes from Hollis this time.
I exhale, knowing this could turn the conversation sour real fast. This isn’t just their dad dating someone. It’s their dad dating someone their age. Someone who’s their friend. I have no way of knowing if they’ll be as accepting and understanding about this. And if they’re angry, I wouldn’t blame them. Still, I’ve come this far. I can’t back out now.
“It’s Remington.”
More silence.
I can’t bring myself to look either of them in the eye.
“Oh my god,” Finn murmurs.
“Holy shit, Dad.” Hollis clears his throat and leans over the table, forcing me to meet his gaze. “Are you serious?”
Fuck.
“I am. And before you ask, nothin’ happened while y’all were kids. In fact, nothin’ happened at all until recently. I just—” My chest warms, thinking about him, and my voice softens as I say, “He makes me happy. And I didn’t know how much I’d been missin’ that until him.”
Another pregnant pause that makes me want to crawl out of my skin.
“So, you’re tellin’ me my best friend is bangin’ my dad?”
My eyes widen.
“Hollis,” Finn hisses.
“No, it’s okay.” I shake my head. “I deserve that.”
Finn watches me for a moment, his expression unreadable. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you as terrified as you look right now.”
“I am,” I admit, blowing out a breath. “Everything I shared tonight… It’s a lot, especially this. I don’t want to lose you boys.”
“You won’t, Dad,” Hollis says, taking me by surprise. I shift my gaze to him, the ache from earlier back in my throat with a vengeance. “I mean, yeah, it’s weird, and not what I was expectin’. I’m gonna need some time to digest this. And boundaries. Very clear boundaries.”
“Extremely clear,” Finn adds. “Mostly lookin’ at Remi and his big mouth.”
I snort.
“But if he makes you happy and treats you right?” Hollis shrugs. “That’s what matters. Besides, Remi’s had a crush on you for years. I guess it’s about damn time you catch up.”
