Page 62 of Fresh Start
“I’ve got some good Scotch if you like,” Dad added.
“No, really. I’m okay,” Leo said.
“I’ll go get you a Coke,” I said, and before I could go, Mom grabbed me and asked me to put some whiskey in it.
“Mom, Leo doesn’t drink alcohol,” I said, hoping they both would get the drift.
“Why on earth not?” Dad said.
I opened my mouth to find an excuse, but Leo cut in.
“I’m a recovering alcoholic. But I don’t drink anymore. Five and a half years clean,” Leo said.
Mom’s cheeks took on a rosy hue, and Dad opened his mouth to say something, but then decided it was best not to say anything at all.
“I’m so sorry. I’m such an idiot,” Mom said and gave Leo another hug. “But good on you for resisting temptation. And my silly persistence. Is it too late to say I was just testing you?” She winked at Leo, and he laughed.
“Don’t worry about it, Christine. You didn’t know,” he said, and Mom patted his chest with a smile. “If you’ll excuse me, can I use your restroom?”
Mom pointed toward the stairs, and Leo smiled at me before climbing them.
“Oh sweetie, I’m so happy for you,” Mom said when she came back. “He’s gorgeous. And he comes from such a good family.”
“Christine!” Dad reprimanded her.
What was she talking about? Why was she happy for me, and what did Leo have to do with it? Had someone told her about my relationship with Leo? Had someone seen us together?
Fuck.
Was it when we went to the private beach and had sex out in the open? Or had someone seen us when we had the dinner that Melody helped me prepare?
“Wh-what are you talking about?” I asked.
“Leo,” Mom said. “He’s your... special friend, isn’t he?”
“You don’t have to answer that,” Dad said. “We’re just happy to see you have someone.”
My knees felt weak all of a sudden, and I desperately needed to sit. Along with a strong drink.
“I don’t understand. How do you—” I said.
Mom took my hand in hers and gave Dad her wine glass.
“Sweetie, I gave birth to you. You think I don’t know my own son? You’ve never brought a girl home even though you have been engaged what? Three times?”
She turned to Dad, who nodded.
“Besides, you look at him like he’s your lifeline. Even if I didn’t know before, I would have guessed it as soon as I saw you two together.”
I opened my mouth, but I didn’t know, nor could I find, what to say. There were so many questions circling in my head, and I was having a hard time picking any of them to vocalize.
“You’re surprised,” Mom said and turned to Dad.
“He’s surprised,” Dad answered her. “Son, I want you to know that I—we love you no matter what, no matter who or what you are—”
“Unless you’re a murderer,” Mom added with a very serious, but very drunk face.
“And even then, although I really do hope you’re not. We love you, and we want you to be happy. And if Leo makes you happy, then we’re happy with you.”
