Page 15 of Betting Brett

But it's not just the happy memories that flood back. The disapproving glares from my mother every time she saw Andy. I never realized why until now. She must have known somehow, must have picked up on Andy being gay. I could always sense the prickliness, but Andy—my sweet Andy—always believed the best in people. It’s why I always tried to hang out somewhere other than my house and why we loved the cabin so much. Dad almost always brought us out here by himself. Mom wasn’t really the cabin type. Even though I didn’t fully understand it as a kid, I still knew I wanted to protect Andy and keep him safe, no matter from whom.

And that thought brings me to thinking of the threats to Isabelle to keep her from being "corrupted" by Andy's influence.

I clench my fists, anger bubbling up inside me. How could she be so narrow-minded, so judgmental? Andy was one of the kindest, most genuine people I knew. He didn't deserve her hatred, her prejudice.

And to use my daughter as a pawn. Her own granddaughter? Why was she worried about where Andy was going to end up after death when clearly she wasn’t aiming for the pearly gates herself?

Tears prick my eyes as I think about how much he means to me. He's more than just a friend; he's family. And last night, we crossed a line, venturing into uncharted territory. I’m pretty sure I know where I want to go from here, but it’s pretty overwhelming. I find a secluded spot, sitting on a large rock, my feet dangling over the edge. I pull out my phone dialing Sam's number. He picks up on the third ring.

"Hey, man," he greets, his voice groggy. "What's up?"

"Morning, Sam," I reply, taking a deep breath. “Sorry if I woke you. I… I need to talk."

Sam's tone immediately shifts, concern evident. I can hear bed sheets rustling as he sits up in bed. "What happened? Is everything okay?"

I chuckle softly. "Yeah, everything's fine,” I tell him. I look up at the clear blue sky, a sparrow flying past. “Better than fine, actually. It's just... a lot happened last night, and I need some advice.”

Sam's curiosity is clearly piqued as he says, "No problem. Spill."

I recount the events of last night, from the bet to the intimate moments with Andy. Sam and I have always had a pretty great relationship, and he never shied away from telling me about his relationship with Paul. It’s how I know I can trust coming to him with this. Sam listens patiently, not interrupting, letting me get everything off my chest.

When I finish, there's a moment of silence before Sam speaks. "Wow, that's... that's a lot to take in. And I don’t mean that in the pun kind of way."

I burst out with a laugh and nod, even though he can't see me. "Tell me about it," I say.

Sam takes a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "Look, Brett, sexuality is fluid. It's not always black and white. People discover things about themselves all the time. It's okay to be confused, to question, to explore."

I swallow hard, my throat tight. "I don’t think I’m confused or questioning anything. I know what I am, Sam. I’m bisexual.”

There, I said it out loud to one of my friends. Every time I acknowledge it, it feels like another crack in my eggshell, another break in my cocoon. This metamorphosis was coming to completion, and there wasn’t a single cell in my body that wanted to fight it.

"Yeah, that feels right. I’m bi," I repeat.

Sam's voice is gentle. "Brett, I’m really proud of you, man. I know it isn’t easy, trust me, but it does make life so much fucking better. Being yourself, there’s nothing like it, especially when you have someone to be yourself with. That’s a game changer."

I smile, feeling a huge weight lift off my shoulders. "Thanks, Sam. I needed to hear that."

We chat for a few more minutes about having a double date between the four of us before hanging up. I take a moment to soak in the beauty of the lake, the calmness of the water reflecting my newfound clarity like a mirror, endless with its truth.

I decide I should head back before Andy worries about why I’m gone. Making my way back to the cabin, the delicious aroma of breakfast greets me. The cabin door creaks as I push it open, the mouth-watering scent of sizzling bacon and freshly brewed coffee drifting my way. Andy stands by the stove, flipping pancakes, his back to me. He was wearing the boxers I gave him and a slightly oversized white t-shirt.

My t-shirt. He must have grabbed it from the pile in the bedroom, thinking it was his. The sight of him, so relaxed and at ease, sends a warmth through me that has nothing to do with the food. I smile as I walk up to the simmering pans, wrapping Andy up in a tight side hug. He rests his head on my shoulder, and my heart nearly explodes.

"Morning," I greet, trying to keep my voice casual.

Andy looks at me, a smile lighting up his face, with just a small side of relief. "Morning. Hope you're hungry."

I chuckle, somehow able to pry myself off him and pour myself coffee before grabbing a seat at the table. "Starving."

He places a plate of pancakes in front of me. "Thought you might be. After our... eventful evening."

I smirk, taking a bite. "Eventful is one way to put it," I tell him.

Andy laughs, pouring himself a cup of coffee. I can’t help but notice the extra swing he’s got in the front of his boxers every time he takes a step. "How would you describe it?" he asks.

I pause, considering. "Unexpected. Intense.Right."

"Right?" He raises an eyebrow, curious.

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