Page 119 of Off Limits

Josiah froze, and I could practically see the wheels turning as he processed what I said.

“That’s awesome, man,” he said, recovering quickly. “I didn’t realize you’re…” He glanced around, then shot me a helpless look. “I have no idea what to say, and I don’t want you to think it’s because you’re… I just?—”

“I get it.” Relief replaced my earlier fear, and I bumped his arm with mine. “I did just drop that on you out of the blue.”

“I’ve never had anyone come out to me.” He shook his head ruefully. “I was so sure I’d know exactly what to say if someone did, but I fucked that up.”

“You didn’t fuck anything up,” I assured him. “I’m bi.”

“How long have you known?” he asked carefully.

“Are you asking if I knew back in school?”

He nodded.

“I figured it out in college, but I suspected for a while before that.”

“Are you out?” he asked, still keeping his voice down.

“Not yet. I’m starting to tell people, so don’t worry about keeping it a secret or anything.”

“Are you worried about what people might say when they find out?”

“Not anymore. I used to, but it’s who I am. If people can’t accept it, then that’s their problem, not mine.”

“Good for you. And I’m glad you have someone who makes you happy.”

“Josiah?” a barista called as they put a cup on the counter.

I waited while he got his order.

“We should catch up sometime,” he said as we left the shop together. “Maybe do a double date if your guy is up for it?”

“Yeah, for sure.” I smiled as more relief washed over me. “I’ll talk to him and text you later. Do you still have the same number?”

“Yup. And that sounds good.” He tossed me a wave. “See ya.”

“Bye.”

I headed toward where I’d parked, my head spinning from my impromptu coming out. I could only imagine Asa’s reaction when I told him about this.

I was just closing my car door behind me when my phone rang.

Surprised, I pulled it out of my pocket and checked the screen. Who the hell was calling me?

My heart sank when I saw it was my dad. I was tempted to ignore him and let it go to voicemail, but knowing him, he’d keep calling until I picked up.

Groaning internally, I swiped to answer the call. “Hello?”

“Dexter,” he greeted icily.

I winced. He only called me by my full name when he was pissed or about to lecture me.

“Hey, Dad, what’s up?”

“What’s up?” he spluttered. “That’s all you have to say?”

“What am I supposed to say?” I asked slowly.

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