Page 287 of Vegas Heat

His dad’s brows knit together further, and he leans forward on his knees and clasps his hands. “What is it, Justin?”

His parents are looking at him so earnestly, so lovingly, that I have a hard time believing they’ll react the negative way he assumes they will.

“I, uh…I’m gay.”

I brace for their reaction.

His dad blows out a breath, and his mom blinks at him for a few beats before she tilts her head and narrows her eyes.

His dad glances at his mom, and their eyes meet and lock for a beat.

“Finally,” his dad says.

“We know, honey,” his mom says. “We’ve been waiting for you to be ready to tell us.” She stands, and she walks over to him and pulls him into a hug. “And I’m so proud of you for choosing today. For choosing honesty. For choosing to love yourself.”

“Seriously?” Justin says. “You’re not mad?”

“Why would we be mad?” his dad asks, walking over to hug his son next, and I can’t help the tear that splashes onto my cheek.

“Because I’m not who you thought I’d become,” Justin says sadly.

“You’re everything we thought you’d become,” his dad says.

“You’re a hard worker, and you’re smart, and you’re kind,” his mom adds. “That’s what we wanted for you, but above all that, we want you to be happy. And if it’s Gabby that makes you happy, great. If it’s Brian, great. If it’s being on your own, great.We’re here to support you and love you through the ups and downs we all share in life.”

Justin’s brows dip in confusion. “Seriously? I waited ten years to tell you and there’s not going to be an arguing match? There’s no trying to convince me to be somebody I’m not? Just acceptance?”

“Just acceptance,” his dad repeats, and he hugs his son again.

My heart swells for my friend. I know how hard it was for him to do that, and I’m so proud of him for finally confessing his biggest secret to his parents. For coming out. For putting his own happiness first.

I wish that I could find a way to do that, too.

I just don’t think I can do it here in Vegas.

CHAPTER 15: GABBY

I start my Monday morning by meeting Kaylee at Tight Fit.

It’s the week the Heat comes back from Arizona, and I have not braced myself for it the way I should have. Instead, I’m a nervous wreck, and I’m hopeful some morning exercise will center me.

“Have you thought about my offer?” Kaylee asks as soon as I walk in.

I giggle. “I have, and working for SFK full time with you would be an awful lot of fun. But I don’t know if I’m cut out for staying in Vegas.”

She grabs my arm and pulls a little. “Oh come on,” she says, drawing out the final word. “Youhaveto stay. Don’t be dramatic. Things will get better, and Vegas is the land of opportunity.”

“Isn’tAmericathe land of opportunity?” I ask, my brows scrunching together in confusion.

She laughs. “Maybe in the old-timey days, but now it’s Vegas, baby.”

“When do you need an answer?” I ask.

“Yesterday.”

I laugh again, but it feels a little forced. As much as I’d love to work with Kaylee, something keeps pulling me in another direction. I don’t know if it’s a good idea to continue being close to someone who is also close to Cooper. Still, I do think it would be a great opportunity since I pulled out of the social media position with the Heat. “Send me the contract terms and I’ll look it over while I decide what to do.”

“Fine, fine. Can I convince you over the rowing machine today?” she asks.

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