Biting his lip, David summoned all the bravery he could from within. “I guess what I’m trying to say is, I don’t think I’m the kind of guy who’s going to want to share. I mean I know we’re only in high school and I don’t want you to feel strangled, but I can’t see myself going out with more than one guy at a time.” David let out a breath. “I remember what you told me about your ex, but I want to make sure we want the same thing out of this relationship. If that’s a deal breaker, I understand.”
“Not a deal breaker at all. I feel the same.” Kevin lifted their clasped hands.
David noticed no one was paying any attention to them. People were more interested in another couple seated in the corner of the coffee house. There was a girl he recognized from his math class sitting on her boyfriend’s lap. The two were in an ongoing lip-lock, their coffees abandoned on the table. Before he had a chance to do or say anything else, Kevin pressed his lips to the back of David’s hand. “There’s more where that came from but I’d rather wait until we have more privacy.”
Certain his cheeks were bright red by now, and not caring in the least, David hoped his broad smile confirmed his agreement.
“It’s getting late, and I still have a ton of homework to finish. I’m an honors student in math, but English is going to be the death of me.” Kevin stood, releasing David’s hand as he reached for his varsity jacket.
“I’m the opposite. I see two numbers in an equation and I want to run screaming from the room, although I’m pretty sure my math teacher wouldn’t find it nearly as amusing as the rest of the class. On the flip side, whenever a teacher reads a student’s paper out loud in English class, it’s usually mine. It used to embarrass the hell out of me but after getting some articles accepted by the school paper back in New York City, I accepted it as par for the course.”
“I’ve noticed a couple of bylines with your name in our school newspaper during the past month.”
“You did?”
Kevin grinned. “I noticed you first, then your bylines. Jesse pointed them out too, but I didn’t need her help, although I wouldn’t admit that to her.”
David laughed. “Maybe we could help each other with schoolwork?” He hoped the idea wouldn’t sound childish.
“I’d be eternally grateful. We have to maintain a C-plus or better in all subjects to stay on the track team. If you could keep me above C level, literally, I would be happy to show my appreciation.”
Feeling the heat rising in his cheeks again, David lifted his hand to his face. Even though he had given up trying to keep his blushing under control, the gesture was automatic.
“What do you say?”
“I think I’d like that.” David smiled as they walked out of the coffee shop and headed toward Kevin’s car.
When they reached the car, David glanced in the direction of his dad and Steve’s building. “It’s only a few blocks for me to walk. You don’t have to drive me home.”
“It’s not out of my way, and besides, then we have a couple of extra minutes together. I hope that doesn’t bother you.”
David tried to tone down the grin he felt spreading across his face. “Not in the least.” As he entered the passenger side of Kevin’s car, actually Kevin’s mother’s car, and buckled his seat belt, David couldn’t stop smiling. He had his first boyfriend, although he wasn’t ready to admit it out loud just yet, especially to Steve or his father.
He hoped Kevin would be as happy and wondered if he would fill Jesse in or not. To tell or not tell, that might be a tough question to figure out.
Chapter 11
“YOU’RE HOME pretty late.” Steve was in the kitchen slowly stirring a pot of vegetarian chili. “Do you have a lot of homework left to do?”
David stood at the entrance to the kitchen and watched how carefully Steve blended the aromatic concoction. It was a household staple they enjoyed regularly. “Some. I lucked out today. Not too much.”
“Yesterday at practice Kevin mentioned you and he were going to the Halloween party he and his sister are hosting in a couple of weeks—as a couple.” Steve placed the spoon on a spoon rest on the counter next to the stove. “Any reason you didn’t mention it to me or your dad?”
Lowering his head for a moment, David shuffled into the room and leaned against the refrigerator door.
“Are you embarrassed, or did you think for some reason we’d forbid you from going?” Steve’s brow furrowed.
“No, it’s nothing like that.” David sighed. He felt like an idiot, but it was time he opened up to one of the adults in his life. This would have been so much easier with his moms, but because they were halfway around the world, he chose only to let them in on the stuff he was comfortable handling on his own—schoolwork and track practice. He didn’t want them to regret leaving him while his moms were doing such important work.
“Then what’s up with keeping secrets? Are you having second thoughts about the date?” Steve sounded genuinely concerned. David assumed if his father had asked the same question it would have been delivered in an accusatory tone.
David shook his head. “I guess, in some ways, I still can’t believe he really asked.” David looked directly into Steve’s eyes. “I like him, Steve. I mean I like him a lot and didn’t expect him to like me back in the same way. After all, he’s popular, smart, and, well, totally hot.” David chuckled. “I can’t believe I just told you all that.”
Steve smiled and gave David’s upper arm a pat. “You don’t know how exceptional you are, do you? I imagine your moms boost your ego every chance they get, but it doesn’t sound like you’ve been listening.”
“They’re my mothers. They have to say that kind of crap.” David rolled his eyes, thinking of all the things his mothers had told him from the time he could remember, about how terrific, smart, and handsome he was.
“Maybe all parents do that kind of thing, but in this case it’s true. If I’d known someone like you in high school, you would have been at the top of my hooking-up wish list.” Steve laughed out loud and David joined in.
“I’m not sure I wanted to know that, but it does help.” David stood up straighter, leaving his spot against the refrigerator. “So you think he’s really interested?”
“Oh my God! I’ve been watching how he looks at you at practice and am just glad he’s staying in control. Kevin likes you. There’s no question in my mind. Give yourself the credit you deserve.” Steve turned back toward the pot of chili and resumed his stirring. “So, my guess is you and he weren’t discussing team strategy while you were out?” The playful tone of his voice didn’t escape David.
“No, we talked about costumes and about, well, sharing.”
Steve quickly turned toward David, his eyebrows raised. “Sharing?”
David snorted a quick laugh. “I mean we talked about the fact that neither of us like to share when we’re going out with someone.”
“That’s a relief! You can’t imagine the thoughts that just flashed through my head.”
“I can, and they’re not thoughts I want to explore at all.”
The two chuckled as David automatically took out two of every utensil to begin setting the table for dinner.
“Rob’s on his way home. There’ll be three of us tonight.”
His eyes opened wide, David couldn’t hide his surprise.
“I know, it’s a miracle. He was even offered a job reporting on a major accident on the interstate through Hartford. Blocked traffic for miles, but he told them he needed to get home.”
Nodding, David reached into the silverware drawer and retrieved more cutlery. He wasn’t sure what to make of his father’s rare appearance but chose not to give it too much thought. It sounded more like a grand gesture to impress rather than an effort to spend time with David. As he placed the glasses on the table, David glanced toward Steve. This was the father he’d always hoped to have. At least having a father once removed gave him the benefits of the best while unfortunately being related to the worst.
/> Before he had a chance to ponder the turn of events any further, the door to the apartment opened. “Hey, guys, I’m home. Something smells amazing and I’m starving.” Dad was home. Yippee. David rolled his eyes, wondering what kind of medal Rob was expecting for actually showing up this time. He was just glad his father hadn’t been home during his discussion with Steve. David wasn’t sure he would have been as candid and open regarding his insecurities had his dad been there too. Although he couldn’t completely face it, one of his biggest insecurities still lay just beneath the surface—why his father couldn’t stand to be around him. It had become so apparent, David feared it might even break up his father’s relationship with Steve, especially since he was hardly ever home anymore.
Sitting at the table with his father seemed strange. David had become comfortable with the natural flow of banter between Steve and himself. Tonight’s dinner quickly developed into the perfect illustration of awkward silence.
After a seemingly inordinate amount of time, Rob finally broke the silence. “How was school today? Did you have any tests or get any tests back?”
David narrowed his eyes as he turned toward his father. “You’re kidding, right?”
“No, I’m not kidding. I really want to know.”
David snorted. “You don’t even know what classes I’m taking or who my teachers are. You were reporting from the Comic Con in downtown Hartford during my curriculum night.”
“Just because I wasn’t there doesn’t mean I’m not interested. I keep up through Steve. He knows everything going on at school and makes sure I’m kept in the loop.”
“You mean because I don’t keep you in the loop. I don’t tell you anything ’cause you’re never here long enough, when I’m awake, to have a complete conversation. I bet you don’t even know about my article in the school paper, do you?” David didn’t mask his frustration with his father’s laissez-faire attitude toward his recent byline.
Rob turned toward Steve. Steve shrugged. “We haven’t had much time to talk since it happened. It was earlier this week.”
“My point exactly. It was a big deal—maybe not to a seasoned reporter like you, but for me it was huge.” David shoved a spoonful of chili in his mouth, trying to deflect any further discussion. Unfortunately, his father wasn’t as willing to cooperate.
“I am interested in you. This is all new to me. Being a full-time parent isn’t something I ever planned on.”
David glared at his father. “Or something you ever wanted.”
“I won’t pretend full-time fatherhood was on my bucket list, but having you here means the world to me.”
“How the hell would you know? You’re never here when I am. You’re barely here at all. Either you’re avoiding me or, worse, you really don’t want to spend any time at home, which would make me feel very sad for Steve. He deserves better. He’s an amazing man and a great dad.” David stood up, leaving his unfinished dinner behind, and stormed off toward his room.
Before he closed the door, his father’s words caught his attention. “Steve, have I been so far removed from my son and from you that he thinks I take you for granted, that you’ve become the father and I’m just an unnecessary third wheel?”
“I love you, Rob, but you’ve been away more than usual lately.” There was a pause. Knowing Steve, he was probably taking Rob’s hand, finding a way to comfort him physically as well as emotionally. “The anchor desk is looming in the near future, but is it worth giving up what you have in the present?”
“Damn it.” His father didn’t yell. It sounded more like a confirmation of understanding than an exclamation. “I never want to take you for granted. I couldn’t do anything, be anything, without you by my side.” There was a short pause. “And now I finally have the chance I’ve always wanted—to spend quality time with my son, and I’m flushing it down the toilet.” David heard a soft sigh. “Please help me find a balance. David doesn’t know how much I do want him; how much I’ve wanted to spend time with him throughout the years. I never got the chance to be my son’s father, in every way that counts, because his mothers didn’t think I was a good influence until you were in my life. By then he was too attached to his home and friends to pull him away for huge lengths of time.”
“Somewhere below his anger and disappointment with your recent actions, he knows you love him. The problem is, he needs to see the love. Hearing the words isn’t enough. You have to show love.”
“I have to show it to you too.”
“I could use a little more TLC, but I’m a bit more patient than a teenage boy.”
“I don’t deserve you.” David smiled, agreeing with his father’s statement.
“You don’t, but I love you too much to look around for a replacement.” Steve and Rob chuckled and then David heard the distinct sound of them kissing.
“David must be looking for a replacement dad. Have you taken on the role?”
“Not intentionally.” Steve’s voice was serious and soft. “I’m glad he trusts me enough to think of me as a father figure.”
“I see. I’ve really screwed up royally.”
“You’re an accurate reporter and you’re seeing this clearly. Now fix it.”
“Help me.” David wasn’t sure how he felt about the desperation he detected in his dad’s voice.
“Okay, but I can’t do this alone. You have to be an active participant and demonstrate your determination to make the changes needed to be a good father.”
“God, Steve, what would I do without you?”
“Hopefully, you’ll never find out.”
David noted both voices dissolving into muffled sounds. They were making out again. At least the PG version they indulged in unless they were in their bedroom and out of sight. They hadn’t done much of that lately, and it put a smile on David’s face to know Steve and his father were reconnecting. He wondered how it would be to make out with someone he cared about. David grinned as he closed his door. He wondered how it would be to make out with Kevin and hoped he would someday get the chance to find out—someday soon.
Chapter 12
“YOUR PARTY was amazing! Thank you so much for inviting me.” David gave Jesse a hug. Dressed as Cleopatra, she and her hunky boyfriend, dressed appropriately as Mark Antony, were the best-looking couple in the room.
“Making the effort to meet you was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Do you think our English teacher will give me extra credit for the unit on Shakespeare if I show him a picture of Craig and me?”
David and Jesse laughed. “If it was that easy to earn extra credit, I’d take on a special assignment on the works of Arthur Conan Doyle and show him a shot of Kevin and me.”
“Speaking of my wayward brother, he was the one who invited you, not me.” Jesse winked and then pointed toward the front hallway of their home leading to the front door. “In fact, I think he’s saying his final good-byes to everyone.” David looked toward Kevin and smiled.
“Yeah, he did invite me. And I’m so glad I said yes.”
“From the way Kevin’s been acting during the past couple of weeks, you’re not the only one who’s pleased.”
David smiled but thought it was time to keep his mouth shut. Despite not having a sibling, he could imagine the gross factor in learning too many details about a brother’s or sister’s love life.
“Well, Dr. Watson, Craig and I are going to change and then he’s taking me out to a special showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the theater in the town center. My parents remember the movie fondly and gave me special permission to stay out late, as long as I agreed to be home by 2:30. I’m certainly not going to argue for more time, and Craig is thrilled to have me to himself for a while.” Jesse snickered. “Parties are fun, but alone time is the best.”
“I’m not sure if I should be insulted, but I do hope you’re right. Kevin asked me to stay after all the others left.”
“Sounds like progress to me.” Jesse held up her hand. “And I don’t want t
o hear another word about it.”
David chuckled. “What kind of fag hag are you? No details?” Although David knew the answer and was determined to keep his personal life to himself, he liked to tease Jesse.
“I’m the best fag hag you’ll ever have, but Kevin and I share a last name and there are some lines no brother and sister should cross.” Jesse snickered again as she ran upstairs, presumably to change. Craig had already changed and was waiting outside for Jesse, talking to their friends as they walked to their cars.
Looking around, David wasn’t left alone for long. Within a few seconds, Kevin was by his side. “Well, Dr. Watson, it looks like we presumed correctly.” Kevin was putting on a bad version of a British accent. David smiled and let him continue uninterrupted. “The party was a smashing success and everyone went home happy.”
Not sure of what to say, David nodded and remained silent. Still covered in heavy makeup but wearing jeans and a fitted sweater, Jesse briskly walked by and headed toward the door. Before she left Jesse looked over her shoulder. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do, boys.”
“Considering you’re heading out to a movie featuring a transvestite and copious amounts of groping and sexual innuendo, that leaves us open to a lot of options.”
Laughing out loud, Jesse walked out to join Craig and continue their evening together, closing the door behind her.
Kevin took off his hat and tweed jacket, then opened up the top two buttons of his shirt. David took off the outer layers of his costume as well.
“That feels better.” Kevin took David’s hand in his, lacing their fingers together. “I have to admit, you looked pretty hot for an older doctor.” Grinning, Kevin guided David to the bottom of the stairway.
“You looked pretty hot yourself, for a seriously intense detective.”
“My parents told me they were heading to bed and I should relax now that the party’s over. They even told me they liked meeting you and, best of all, Jesse and I could clean up in the morning.”
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