Page 54 of More Than a Spark

Is this what I think it is?

Ryder

Yes.

Milo

Take all the time you need. I’ll be here when you’re done.

My eyes stung. Shit, Milo was the best and I really had nothing to be afraid of.

Ryder

Thanks.

I twisted on my chair to face Dad, blinking back the haze in my eyes. “Dad, there’s something I need to tell you.” I rubbed my chest with the heel of my hand. Fuck, this was still hard. My heart thundered in my ears.

“Is it about Milo?” He pointed at my phone.

“Sort of, but mostly about me.” I breathed in deeply. Should I even mention Tate? “Dad, I’m bisexual and Milo and me…we…”

The corners of his eyes crinkled with a warm smile. “You love him.” He squeezed my forearm. “He loves you. Has for a long time.” His smile widened.

“What?” My vision blurred. How the hell did he always know this shit? “Well, we’ve decided to be boyfriends, but we haven’t?—”

“You do though, don’t you.” His eyes glistened. “For some reason, I always saw you two being together. You were always so close growing up. Closer than most boys would be.” He tilted his head, his gaze roaming over me. “I never said anything. I knew it would have to happen naturally if it was going to happen.” He pulled me into his arms and kissed the side of my head. “I love you, son, and I’m happy for you.”

“Thanks, Dad.” Hugging him to my chest, I sniffled. Wait until I tell Milo about this. I freed him, swiped at my eyes and released a soft chuckle. “Dang, even though I was pretty sure you’d be okay with it, it was still hard.”

“I know. Now, go and see your boyfriend.” He pursed his lips. “Andplease, call your mother this weekend?”

I choked out a laugh. “Yeah, fine.” With a deep inhale, I hopped off the stool and stretched. “I’ll see you Sunday, okay?” I patted his shoulder.

“You can bring Milo by, you know. Maybe we can all go to breakfast on Sunday?” A smile quirked his lips. “I miss that kid.”

“Yeah sure. But we’ll have to make it a late breakfast. Milo has a show on Saturday night.” Dad loved his Sunday breakfasts out.

“Brunch then.” He stood up with his water. “See you then.” He gave me a quick side hug.

“See you and love you, Dad.” I strolled to the door, my heart soaring. I’d come out to the most important people in my life, and I was on my way to the rest.

“Love you and give Milo a hug from me.” Dad waved at me as I walked out the door.

FIFTEEN

MILO

Isat on the black leather couch in the main room of the band house, rereading my text messages with Ryder and chewing on my thumbnail, my gut knotting. God, I hoped things were going well with Ryder and his dad. What if he was a mess when he got here?

Cash walked in from the front door, wearing his brown, Discount Tire uniform. “Hey, girlfriend, I’m home.” He sauntered to the couch and fell in next to me. “What’s up? You look upset?”

“It’s Ryder. He’s coming out to his dad as we speak.” I flicked my gaze to his. Cash would talk me down. He always knew what to say.

“Oh, hun, his dad is a good man, right?” He brushed his hand down the side of my head and cupped my cheek.

“He is. I’ve always gotten along really well with him. He’s more of a dad to me than my own father.” My chest pinched. My dad would probably say something demeaning to us when he found out. But Ryder would be expecting it. He knew how my dad was.

“Then I’m sure Ryder will be okay. Even if he isn’t, he has all of us.” Cash waved his arm around himself.

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