Page 95 of Poolside

“And I’m seeing someone,” he added.

“Thomas! Tell us all about her!”

Tommy took a deep breath. He had an idea of how this conversation was going to go based on years of watching his parents out in the world and listening to their conversations. He hoped he had nothing to worry about, but even so, it was something else entirely to open his mouth and say the words.

“So, I’m dating a man. Chuck, actually.”

His mom’s face was still for only a split second before it melted into the kind of love-filled expression that always accompanied her hugs. Her smile was wide as she shouted, “Dan, did you hear that? Our two favorite boys are in love! Tell me you’re in love, Thomas. Oh, I’m so happy for you. Chuck’s the sweetest.”

“He really is, isn’t he?” A relieved laugh slipped from him as loud wolf-whistles sounded in the background. “I mean, we haven’t said it yet, but of course I love him.”

“We’re happy for you, Tommy,” his dad said with an affirmative nod. “Chuck is a good man.”

“Thanks, guys.” He rubbed his hand over the back of his neck. “And you’re okay? With me being with a man?”

“Thomas, we love you. As your parents, all we want for you is happiness and fulfillment. If being in a relationship with Chuck is what you want, then we will support you every step of the way.” His mom’s voice broke, and he watched as she wiped at her eyes. His dad wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pressing a soft kiss to the side of her face. He watched his mom lean into the embrace. “Bring him home for Christmas this year, understood?”

“We’ll have to see how Chuck’s schedule is with the swim season, but I’ll do my best.” The first droplets of rain began to fall, picking up speed within a matter of seconds. “It’s just started raining here, so I’m going to run,” he said, standing up and jogging toward the back door. “I love you guys. Thank you for being so accepting of me. For everything, really.”

“We love you,” his mom repeated, blowing him a kiss. “Everyone, tell Thomas that you love him!”

Tommy hung up to the loud outpouring of love from his family, slipping quickly through the sliding door to keep the rain out of the house.

“How did it go?”

Tommy glanced up, finding Chuck standing in the kitchen in a loose pair of sweats and one of those cut off t-shirts he’d taken to wearing. Tommy stared at the exposed strip of skin, at the jut of his hip bones and the sloped V that disappeared under the low waistband.

“T.”

He looked up, grinning at Chuck. “You are so beautiful, I can’t help it if my brain gets scrambled sometimes.”

Chuck let out a soft chuckle. “I asked how the phone call went.”

Tommy closed the distance between them, gripping Chuck by the hips and pulling him close. “It was good. Really good.”

“I’m happy for you.”

Tommy looked at Chuck,reallylooked at him, and saw the unmistakable strain in his smile and the tightness around his eyes.Baby,Tommy thought, and grabbed one of Chuck’s hands, immediately noticing the chipped blue polish.

“I want to try something,” Tommy said, pulling Chuck forward and leading him into the living room. “You sit, get cozy, and I’ll be right back.”

* * *

“You don’t have to do this.”

Tommy looked up at Chuck from where he perched on the edge of the coffee table. One of Chuck’s hands was splayed out on his thigh, and beside him was the basket where Chuck kept his nail polish and other supplies. “I want to try,” Tommy said, scrubbing away the last of the polish from Chuck’s pinky nail. “What color do you want?”

Chuck’s expression was one of fond amusement as he reached over and grabbed a bottle from the basket. “This one.”

It was a dark blue, like a new pair of jeans that had never been washed.

Tommy shook the bottle, unscrewed the lid, and carefully wiped away the excess polish. Taking a deep breath, he gently turned Chuck’s hand so that his thumb was facing up.

“You look scared,” Chuck said with a quiet laugh.

Tommy glared at him. “I want to do a good job!”

Chuck pressed his lips together like he was trying to contain his amusement.

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