Page 22 of Betting Brett

I smile, feeling a rush of gratitude. "Thanks, guys. That means a lot."

The rest of the morning passes in a blur, the conversation light and filled with laughter. But as I leave Leeanne’s, my friends’ warning still lingers.

God, I really hope this all turns out OK.

14

Brett

Theparkinglotofthe police station is mostly empty, save for a few stray leaves dancing in the gentle breeze. The distant sound of crickets chirping and the soft rustling of trees create a serene backdrop, a stark contrast to the rocky turmoil brewing inside me. I lean against my truck, lost in thought, and I don’t notice Sam approaching until he's right beside me. He looks at me with a knowing expression, his eyes filled with concern. We had spoken earlier about what I planned to do tonight, so he didn’t need to be caught up.

"Hey," he says softly, clapping a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "You ready for this?"

I let out a shaky breath, my gaze still fixed on the horizon. "I don't know, Sam. I've been avoiding this conversation, and now... I'm not sure I'm ready to face it."

"I get it,” Sam says, giving me an understanding gaze. “Coming out to your parents, especially when you're not sure how they'll react, is one of the hardest things you'll ever do. But remember, no matter what happens, you've got people who love and support you. Paul and I, Andy, Izzy... we've all got your back."

I smile, but facing what’s ahead of me, it’s hard to believe that’ll be enough to shield me from the inferno that my mother will surely unleash. "Thanks, Sam. That means a lot," I say, nudging him with a shoulder.

He grins, trying to lighten the mood. "Besides, if your mom gives you too much trouble, you can always sic Izzy on her. That girl's got a fierce protective streak."

I chuckle, the tension in my shoulders easing slightly. "That she does."

The setting sun is casting long shadows across the parking lot, similar to the shadows in my thoughts. Sam speaks up, breaking through a silence I hadn’t even realized had settled on us. "You know, when I realized I was in love with Paul, I was terrified—terrified of what people would say, of how they'd react. But then I realized that love is too precious to hide away. It's worth fighting for."

Sam smiles and gives me a soft, knowing expression. "You know, from what I've seen when I’m around you and Andy, the way you two look at each other, the way you light up when he's around... I think you've got something special. I think you’ve always had it."

Taking a deep breath, I nod. "I know we do. And that's why I need to do this. For us."

Sam claps me on the back, his smile wide. "That's the spirit. Now go face the music. And remember, we're all here for you.”

“Love you, Sam.”

“Love you too, Brett.” We give each other tight hugs before I slide into the driver's seat of my truck, the leather cool against my skin. There, I take a moment to collect my thoughts.

My heart races and a whirlwind of emotions swirls inside me. The thought of confronting my parents, especially my mother, is daunting. But it's the potential fallout that truly terrifies me. What if they react badly? What if they say hurtful things? And worse, what if those somehow reach Andy? What Sam said rang true and definitely helped solidify my backbone, but if coming out to my mother hurt Andy more than it helped us, then was it really worth it?

I can't bear the thought of Andy getting hurt because of me. The image of his bright smile, the way his eyes light up when he talks about something he's passionate about, the warmth of his touch – all of it flashes before my eyes. The idea of tarnishing that light in any way is unbearable.

I pull out my phone, hesitating for a moment before dialing Andy's number. The familiar ringtone fills the car, and after a few rings, his voice comes through.

"Hey, it's me," I say, trying to keep my voice steady.

"What's up, cowboy?" His voice is light and teasing, and it brings a small smile to my face.

"Just... wanted to hear your voice," I admit.

There's a pause on the other end, and I can almost picture Andy's expression, a mix of surprise and warmth shining through those kind eyes of his. "Everything okay?" he asks.

I take a deep breath. "I'm about to head out to my parents’. My Mom has been asking why I haven’t brought Isabelle out. Almost like the last conversation we had didn’t happen. It's time I tell them about us."

There's a longer pause this time. "Are you sure? I mean, I'm ready whenever you are, but I want you to be sure."

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "I thought I was… But now, honestly? I'm second-guessing. I just... I don't want them to say or do anything that might hurt you. My mother isn’t on the right side of history with this."

Andy's tone is gentle and understanding. "Brett, whatever happens, we'll face it together. We always have and always will. But you need to do this for you, not for me or anyone else. If you're not ready, it's okay. We'll figure it out."

His words bring comfort, but of course, he’s not going to decide for me. "Thanks, Andy. I needed to hear that."

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