Page 72 of Up In Flames
At first, I kept my sexuality to myself as a form of protection. Self-care. Self-preservation. But as I got older and moved out of the house, gained my independence, made friends and built a career, I should have trusted in the people I surrounded myself with.
“Are you sure you want to go alone?” Oren asked me. He’d taken a few days off work to finish recovering from his migraine, and once he’d been feeling well enough to get out and about, he packed a bag, and we came to my apartment.
To my surprise, he’d started taking the elevator in his building again. His determination to conquer his fears endearedme to him even more. If Oren could do shit that scared him, so could I.
“This conversation is long overdue. I’m trying to keep a positive attitude, but I know not everyone will be like Briggs and Jonas.”
“They're your parents. They love you.” Oren wound his arms around my neck and kissed me. “I love you. It’ll be fine. I promise.”
I decided not to argue with him. “What are you going to do while I’m gone?”
“Sit by the phone and pine for you, mostly.” He shot me a cheeky grin. “I’m going to call Liam and catch up.”
Oren stole another kiss and untangled himself from me. “You’re going to be late.”
“I won’t be long.”
He shook his head. “You’ll be as long as you need to be. My head is fine, Doctor Dorsey. I’m going to hang out and call Liam and probably raid the fridge for leftovers in a bit. Now get going.” Oren escorted me to the front door and snagged another kiss. “I’ll meet the parents soon, okay?”
I kissed Oren one more time, wishing that I could bring him with me, but it was hardly fair to ask that of him. They were my parents and if shit went sideways, I didn’t want him to get caught in the crossfire. I also had to know that I could do it. That I could tell people. Had Briggs been a one-off? A sudden, lone rush of bravery that allowed me to be open just one time?
The drive to my parents felt like it took forever, but yet still not long enough. Walking up the driveway felt like I was walking toward the gallows, but then the door swung open, and my mom was there, drying her hands on a dish towel.
“Will, darling, I thought I saw you pull up.”
Climbing up the steps, I pulled Mom into a hug, surprising us both. Hugs were generally reserved for Christmas and maybea birthday now and then. We weren’t the most physically affectionate family, but I wanted to have that memory.
Oren would kick my ass if he were here. I tried to be hopeful, but my brain kept dragging out the worst-case scenarios.
“Everything okay?” Mom asked when I let her go. Her smile was still present, but she had a hint of worry in her expression, a tightness around her eyes that gave her apprehension away.
“Everything’s fine. Where’s Dad?”
“Unboxing dinner, hiding the containers. He wants to see if he can fool you into thinking we cooked.” Mom whispered their secret to me.
“Well, whatever you cooked, it smells amazing.”
Mom patted my cheek. “You’re a good boy. Your father has been planning this joke all week.”
“I’ll be sure not to spoil his fun.”
“Thank you.” She waved me toward the kitchen. “Honey, Will is here.”
Dad poked his head out of the kitchen. “Will! Good to see you, kid.”
He exited the kitchen looking a little flushed. His mouth wore a permanent smirk that he was sure he could keep hidden from us, but after a lifetime of Dad trying to get one over on me, it was easy to read the signs.
“It smells good in here.” I started for the kitchen, but Dad stepped into my path. “The kitchen is a bit of a disaster. How about you and your mother have a seat in the dining room, and I’ll bring dinner in a second.”
“I don’t mind helping.” I tried to step around him, but he blocked my path.
“You’re always doing stuff for us. Go sit, I’ve got this.”
“So long as you’re sure.”
“I’m sure.” Dad gently steered me toward Mom, who was a far better actor than he was. “Two minutes. I need two minutes.”
With my back to Dad, I shot Mom a grin, and we slipped into the dining room.
