Page 15 of The Men of Summer
Okay, not a friendship issue then.My breath hitches.
Dante steps in, his suave voice laced with assertiveness. “Do you remember when we talked about how love works?” Jeremy nods vigorously, toys still in hand. “You know how much you love pizza with extra mushrooms, right?”
A smile spreads across his beautiful face. “Yeah, my favorite kind!”
“And you know how much fun you have when we play board games or watch movies together?” I continue.
“Uh-huh, I love funny cartoons!” Excitement is back in his voice.
“Exactly.” My man chuckles. “There are different kinds of love, just like there are different things we enjoy. Loving pizza is one kind of love. And you prefer mushrooms on it rather than pineapples. It makes you happy, right?”
“Right. Pineapples don’t belong on pizza.”
“And loving board games or movies is another kind of love,” I add cheerfully. “It's something we enjoy doing together because it brings us closer and also brings us joy. And you love Clue the most.”
Jeremy nods, then tilts his head to look at us until his eyes settle on me. “So, another kind of love is how much I love you and Father?”
“Yes, sweetie,” I manage to say despite my parched throat. Wrapping an arm around him, I watch Dante do the same on the opposite side. He awkwardly intertwines his fingers with mine. “That's a very special kind of love. The love between parents and children is powerful because we take care of each other, support each other, and always want the best for each other.”
Jeremy nods, then frowns. He turns to Dante and his next words gut me. “So, onlyAbuelitaEva loves you?” I was so preoccupied with reassuring Jeremy that I didn’t realize my words could be applied to Dante’s parents as well. My boyfriend opens his mouth to speak, but Jeremy speaks first. Shifting his attention to me, he innocently inquires, “Do your parents love you,Papa?” My mouth goes dry. I shake my head and gesture to show that I’ll explain later and swallow the lump in my throat.
“It’s as vital between family members,” Dante provides. “Auntie Farah andAbuelaInes are perfect examples, but there's more to it.” Kissing Jeremy’s temple, he untangles his fingers from mine. “When you love someone, no matter who they are or what kind of love it is, that’s what truly matters. We shouldn't judge anyone for who they love or how they show their love.”
“Yeah, like how you love your friends,” I say. “All love is important and special in its own way. What matters most is that we care about each other and are kind to one another.”
He nods slowly, a thoughtful expression on his face. “So, it doesn't matter what kind of love it is, as long as we love each other?”
“Exactly,” I confirm, smiling warmly.
Dante leans forward, resting his elbows on the coffee table. “You know, Jay, when I was your age, I had a lot of the same questions. Sometimes, people try to tell you who you should likeor how you should feel, but the truth is, who you’re attracted to is something only you can figure out, and it can change as you grow up. That’s what happened to me when I fell in love withPapa.”
I nod in agreement. “It’s all about who you feel comfortable with, who makes you happy. Whether it’s a boy or a girl doesn’t matter as much as how they make you feel.”
Jeremy frowns, clearly trying to process our words. “But you andPapaare both boys. Does that mean I’ll like boys too?”
Dante grins softly. “Not necessarily, buddy. Just becausePapaand I are both men doesn’t mean you’ll feel the same way. Everyone’s different. What’s important is being true to yourself and understanding your own feelings.”
I reach out and gently ruffle my son’s hair. “Love is about connection and trust. Some people are attracted to boys, some to girls, and some to both or neither. What matters is finding someone who makes you feel loved and respected.”
Jeremy looks at both of us, the crease between his brows slowly disappearing. “So, it’s okay if I like girls or boys? Or both?”
“Absolutely.” I’m tempted to add more, but that should be enough information for the time being. I make a mental note to continue the conversation later; it’s important for him feel comfortable discussing this with us. “Judgments have no place in love. All that matters is the love itself and the happiness it brings. Some people, like my parents or your father’s father don’t get it.” I shrug. “Until they come around—” I doubt my stubborn parents ever will “—it’s their loss…” I trail off, my heart tightening at what closed-minded people chose to miss out on, when it was never a choice for Dante, Jeremy, or me.
A look of understanding flashes in our son’s eyes. “I think I get it: Love is love, no matter what.”
“That's right, sweetie. You can like whoever you want. We’ll always love and support you.” I pull him into a hug. Dante joinsin, wrapping us both in his strong arms. A surge of pride and love for our little family overwhelms me.
“We love you so much.”
With my words and Dante’s confirmation, I see the relief in Jeremy’s eyes as he stands up, snatches his toys, and informs us that he has some homework to do before dinner. Reluctant to interrupt him, I capture Dante’s brown eyes to look for approval. Standing in sync, we seem to be on the same page: We still have time before dinner and will keep the surprise for later.
Trotting out of the room, his head swivels when he reaches the threshold, watching us intently.
“Thanks, Dads.”
CHAPTER 11
BETTER DAYS
