“I’m bisexual,” he finally says, voice cracking slightly under the pressure. “I like guys and girls.”
I swallow hard, my throat thick with emotion. Henry came out to me.He trusts me enough to say it. And now he comes to hisfamily, claiming his truth with such courage that my chest aches with pride.
“I’m so proud of you,” I say softly.
“Are you… are you dating anyone?” Paige asks, voice light and supportive but curious.
He nods, cheeks turning pink. “Actually… I’m dating two people. A guy and a girl.”
We’re quiet. Not the norm, but hey, I love my son and who am I to judge who and how he loves? A group relationship isn’t one I’ve ever considered. But. Maybe?
“Our very own throuple,” he adds, trying—and failing—not to laugh at his own awkward joke.
We all laugh. The tension from my news, and the altercation with my parents washed away.
Paige laughs softly beside me, brushing a tear from her cheek with her free hand. “Well,” she says warmly, “as long as they treat you right and make you happy, we’ve got no complaints.”
“When can we meet them?” I ask.
“They’re ready. We’ve just been waiting until I told you and Mom. Now that I have, I guess we can do it anytime.” The elation in his voice is evident. He’s excited to share the people he loves with us.
“You pick the time and day and I’ll cook dinner.”
“Lasagna?” he asks hopefully.
“If that’s what you want.” I laugh.
Alice clears her throat and Paige and I both shift our focus to her.
“Let me guess. You have a secret to spill, too?” I ask, almost in disbelief that my coming out is sparking all these revelations.
“I do.” She chuckles.
I lean back in my chair and gesture with my arms for her to continue. Before she opens her mouth, I begin to wonder whatshe has to share. Is she gay too? Is it a job change? My musings are cut short when she finally speaks.
“I’ve been seeing someone.”
“Okay, why would that be so hard to tell us?” I ask.
“Let her finish, Dad.” Henry chimes in, and this time it’s him squeezing his sister's hand in support.
Alice takes a deep breath. “We’ve been dating for a year and it’s serious. He wants to marry me, but he’s old school and wants to ask for your blessing.”
“A year,” rushes from my mouth. “Why did you think you couldn’t bring him around? Introduce him to us?”
Is he a drug dealer? Married already?For the life of me, I can’t think of why she wouldn’t want us to meet him.
“I love you. Both of you.” Her eyes swing between me and Paige. “But you saw how Grandma and Grandpa reacted tonight. I know they will never approve of the marriage or of us dating. They can’t even accept you.”
“What is it about him that you think they would disapprove of? That you feel we would?” Paige asks, her voice soft and compassionate.
Alice takes a deep breath, blowing it out slowly as she looks to the side, seeking Henry’s support. “I haven’t told either of you about him because he’s older.”
Okay. Not a murderer. Just older.
“How old?” I ask. That’s a vague statement. He could just be a few years older, though I know that wouldn’t have her this worried.
“Umm…” She worries on her bottom lip. “He’s closer to your age than mine. He’s thirty-nine.”
