Page 101 of Stick By Me

“No, I need to do this myself.” I gripped the bedrail.

Leo stepped up behind me, winding his arms around my waist and nuzzling into my shoulder. “I can be there if you want.”

I patted Leo’s hand over my stomach. “Thanks, babe.”

A few days later,and I was finally home and tomorrow was New Year’s Eve. Dad had been released from the hospital into the care of my uncle and his loving wife. Leo was back at work,and I sat on the couch alone after a tough afternoon practice, my legs aching.

I rolled my phone in my hand. What was I going to say to Richard? If I didn’t set up a time to meet up with him, I’d never have the talk. I called him and pressed my phone to my ear, my heart pattering in my chest.

“Hello, Archer?” Richard asked.

“Hello, yes, Coach Dupont.” I clenched my jaw. “I hope this is a good time to call.” I’d start there. No point in talking to him if he didn’t have time.

“Sure, it’s fine. I was just in my office, finishing up my day.”

Good. I inhaled quickly. “I was hoping I could have a word with you,” I said. “In person.” I bit my lower lip and fisted the hem of my athletic shirt. “And probably in private.”

His breath caught. “Of course.” He paused. “I’m available tonight. Where would you like to meet?”

Shit, I hadn’t thought that far ahead. I stammered. “Um, h-how about at a restaurant maybe?” Idiot. It sounded like you were asking the guy out. Okay, but he’s not queer, so he’s not going to think that.

“We’re both in Tempe, since the Coyotes are playing at ASU’s stadium for now. How about the Postino’s over on Mill? It’s quiet and relatively private.” Papers rustled in the background.

“Yeah, perfect.” I nodded. It was a wine bar and not many college students would be in there. Hell, not many college students were around campus with it being the holidays. “Meet you there in thirty minutes?”

“That works. See you soon.” He hung up the phone.

I shifted sideways on the couch and stared out our patio doors at the swimming pool in our backyard. Holy shit, I was going to find out Richard’s side of the story tonight. I blinked a few times. I’d better call Leo. I dialed his number and rose from the couch, then paced to the patio doors the phone clicking in my ear.

“Hey, babe,” he said with a smile hanging on his voice.

God, he sounded fucking good. “Hey. I wanted to let you know, I called Richard and I’m meeting with him tonight.” My pulse kicked and I held my breath. It was real if I was telling Leo about it.

“Really? When and where?” Shuffling carried through the phone. “Do you want me there? I can leave now if you?—”

“No, Leo. I think I’m going to do this alone.” I swallowed a lump climbing up my throat. Like Leo had said, Richard hadn’t abandoned me. It wasn’t like he didn’t know who I really was.

“Are you sure?” His voice rose in tone. “I don’t mind, really. I was about done here, anyways.”

A small ache crept through my chest. He wanted so badly to help. “I know, but I’ll be okay.” I sucked in a breath. “How about if I call you after?” Leo was going into work early tomorrow, so he could leave early, and he’d made special plans for us for New Year’s Eve. All the time spent with me in Minnesota had meant he’d gotten a little behind at work. If I went to his house tonight, I’d surely keep him up too late.

“Are you sure?” he asked.

I ran my index finger down the cold glass of the patio door. “Yeah, I’m sure. Thanks, though. I’ll FaceTime you after. I’m looking forward to tomorrow night.” We might be ringing in the best year of my life.

“Okay. But Archer, where are you meeting him?”

“Oh, at Postino’s on Mill. I’m having dinner with him.” As I sighed, I stepped away from the window. Leo wouldn’t just show up, would he? His brother did things like that. Shit, that wasn’t Leo’s style.

“Oh, okay,” he said. “I’ll be waiting for your call. Love you.”

“Love you, too.” I hung up and grabbed my car keys, then swiped my jacket, which was lying across the back of the couch. It was time to see my biological father.

After parking my car,I strolled into the wine bar, taking in the cozy darkness of the place, the soft glow of the lamps over the tables and the comfy looking cushions on chairs.

A man waved a hand over his head and smiled.

“Shit, Richard.” I eyed him as I strode to the corner table he sat at, my heart beating out of control.

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