I shrugged. "Sure, why not? It's not like it has to be some big formal announcement for us. Hell, it doesn't have to be some big formal announcement if you decide to go public either."
"Uh, yeah, I kinda think it does if I go public. I mean, it's called 'coming out' for a reason. It's a whole thing."
"But does it really have to be? When's the last time a straight celebrity released a statement that they were straight? So why the hell would you need to release one stating that you're bi?" I shook my head at the absolute unfairness of that shit.
He shook his head with a little chuckle. "I don't think it's that easy."
"I'm not saying it would be easy. I'm just saying, if you appear in public with a guy who is clearly more than a friend, you just don't treat the situation any differently than if it were a woman. When the paparazzi or fans ask if that's your boyfriend, you say yes and move on. If they ask if you're gay, you say "nope, bi" and move on. There's your fucking statement. And yes, it will be a complete shit-show for a while, but then it will die downand you can live your life on your own terms, and anybody who doesn't like it can just fuck right the hell off!"
He looked at me for such a long time that I was sure I'd overstepped the bounds of our friendship. As I opened my mouth to give him a huge apology, he reached over and pulled me into his arms. He hugged me tight and whispered "thank you" in my ear. When he pulled away and sat back on the bench, he kept one arm around my shoulders.
"You think that would work?" he asked after another minute or so.
"I do, but what matters is if you think it would work for you. If you aren't ready, then you aren't ready, so don't let me or anyone else pressure you into it."
He dropped a kiss on my temple and squeezed my shoulder. "I'll think about it. I will tell the guys soon though, and Michael. Then, maybe my mom after that. I think she'll be cool with it. My cousin's gay, and she's always been accepting of him and his husband."
"Only if and when you're ready, Tony."
"Got it. So, when I tell the guys, will you be there for moral support?
I smiled. "Of course, I will. And Tony?"
"Yeah?"
"Thank you for trusting me enough to share this with me. I'm so honored to be your friend."
He gave me another quick hug, and then got up to throw our ice cream cups in the trash can nearby. He took my hand as we walked back toward his car.
"So, let's start this conversation over. Anything new in your life...any special guy you have your eye on?" I asked with a grin.
He threw his head back and laughed. "No,Mom, no special guy, sorry."
