He wasn’t quite ready to believe that Brent wanted that, but things between them…
Well, there was definitelysomethingbetween them. Something that hadn’t been there before. It was as if they’d both come to the point in their lives where maybe they had a shot together.
As much as Riley knew better than to get his hopes up, hewasstarting to fantasize about being able to settle down with Brent now. Slowly, in a way neither of them would really notice until they’d been living together for months, and Riley had no plans to leave, and Brent wanted him to stay.
It was such a nice thought that Riley smiled every time it popped into his head.
They weren’t there yet. But Riley was just starting to believe that maybe, someday, they could be. That was exciting.
“People are gonna think you two are my gay dads,” Emily said. “Which is cool, gay dads would make me way more interesting.”
“I think the truth would also make you pretty interesting,” Brent pointed out. “I mean… if you wanna pretend to your new friends that I’m your dad, and gay… I guess that’s fine, and I’ll play along.”
“I will also play along.” Riley grinned. Neither he nor Brent had discussed what was going on between them with Emily, but she had to have noticed that they’d been sharing a bedroom since they got back.
Emily wasn’t stupid. She had to have some idea what was going on, and this felt like her way of voicing her approval.
That meant something. Riley knew Brent would never maintain a relationship Emily wasn’t comfortable with, so knowing that Emilywascomfortable with whatever was going on between the two of them took a load off his mind.
It was one less thing between him and his deepest, most fondly-held fantasy. The one where he got to live out his days with Brent.
Sometimes he felt so stupid, sochildishfor thinking like that, but it was what he wanted. Generally, Riley didn’t think of himself as much of a romantic, but in this particular case, he was.
“We should leave you to settle in,” Brent said, though his voice cracked on the last few syllables.
Brent was a lot less ready for this than Emily was.
“You should,” Emily said. “But I’m gonna miss you, too. I promise to text often.”
“I’m only ever a text away,” Riley said. “I’ll even pick up the phone if you call, which is an honor extended to very few people.”
“I, uh. I’m also only a call or a text or whatever away,” Brent said. “Y’know. Since I’m your older brother and all.”
“Riley’s my cool gay dad, though.” Emily wiped at her eyes. “Go. Get out of here before we all start crying.”
“Oh, we’re too late for that,” Brent responded, using his sleeve to dab at the corners of his own eyes.
Riley’s heart hurt for him, but this was an important milestone. This was proof that he’d done a good job with Emily. She was strong enough to do this, and that was all thanks to Brent.
“Come on,” Riley said, giving Brent a gentle nudge toward the door. “Our baby girl is all grown up.”
Brent laughed at that, hiccuping at the end. They needed to get out of here before he broke down in tears, because that would only upset Emily and leave Brent feeling guilty and embarrassed later.
“Okay, okay. I’m going. But I amalwaysthere if you need me.”
“I know. And I’ll be back home for the break before you know it,” Emily said.
“Take care of yourself,” Riley said, giving Brent another nudge toward the door. He wanted to take Brent’s hand, guide him out, but he wasn’t sure Brent would want that in front of Emily.
Riley might have realized that Emily knew, but Brent was probably still kidding himself that it was a secret. Now wasn’t the time to have that discussion.
“Take care of my brother,” Emily responded.
“Always,” Riley promised, giving Brent one final, gentle push out the door and closing it behind them.
Brent was silent as they headed back to the parking lot, his jaw set tight. Riley hated to see him so tense, but hopefully, once they were in the car, he’d be able to relax a little.
As soon as Brent was settled behind the wheel and had the door closed, he burst into tears. Riley reached out to him, taking his hand and linking their fingers together.
