Page 116 of Untouchable Player

“Yes, my nerves can only handle one kid running around on blades, getting the shit beaten out of him.”

Dad pulls me close to his chest again and this time I let go and allow his familiar smell to comfort me.

At some point, you realise your dad isn’t superman. I guess you just have to accept that and see that he’s trying.

“We should start driving back soon, leave Jesse’s family to take care of him.”

I pull away and look up at him. “Dad, how did you feel when I came out?”

He sucks in a breath and runs a hand over his stubble.

“I don’t know, I guess I was… worried.”

He nods as if confirming this to himself.

“About what?”

“About your life being harder than other people’s.”

“But how would it be harder, I’m gay, not blind.”

Dad laughs, “it’s pretty stupid isn’t it? For people to care about that stuff, but they do, believe me, I’ve worked on construction sites all my life, I know how men talk, how they torture each other for being… different. I was glad at least that you’ll neverbe exposed to that world, and that’s another reason why I’m glad you don’t play sports.”

“Things are changing now though.”

“I know.”

“And it’s because people were brave and didn’t hide.”

“I know that son, and I agree with it. And I’m proud of you, you know that right? I don’t wish you were straight or anything like that, not unless that was the only thing that would make you happy, and I know that’s not true, you’re sure of yourself, and I like that about you.”

It’s weird to hear your dad say he ‘likes’ you. He has to love you, but liking someone is more of a choice, right?

“It does make it harder for me though,” he gives me a wry smile, “how the hell am I supposed to kick your boyfriend’s butt for upsetting you when he’s built like a six foot five hockey player?”

I snort, “Jesse’s not six five,”

“no? well, he’s close.”

“Six two maybe.”

“I stand corrected,” he laughs, “why are you asking me this, you know I’m fine with you having a boyfriend right?”

“It’s Jesse’s dad I’m worried about.”

“Ah, well, there’s not much you can do about that, Jesse’ll just have to work that out with his dad himself.”

“Maybe you could talk to him?”

“If I thought it’d make a difference, I would, I promise. But it’s between Jesse and his father. Anything I said would be unwelcome right now, believe me.”

I nod, “you’re probably right.”

He puts his arm around me, “come on, let’s go get your mom and say goodbye to Jesse.”

Jesse

I told Nate not to worry about leaving me. Once the doctor saw how I was doing, he gave me some stronger painkillers and I nodded off for a bit and woke up feeling a bit better, but slightly hungover.

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