Now it was time to return to the real world of school and, probably more significantly, see John.
As had become their routine, Jesse waited for David at the school entrance so they could walk to homeroom together. Entering the classroom, David scanned the students who were already present. His eyes narrowed when he spotted John seated at his assigned desk. David’s actions weren’t lost on his friend.
“Do you want to tell me what he’s done? I know you and Kevin are hiding something. I can read my brother like a book, and I’m getting pretty good at reading you too, especially since you’ve been at the house a lot lately.”
“Are you mad because I’m neglecting you?” David tried to force a smile.
“No way! I’m looking forward to having you as a brother-in-law.” Jesse gently elbowed David.
“Hey, don’t rush things. Let Kevin and me graduate from high school before you have us married and settling down.” David couldn’t help thinking about the future but made sure to keep focused on the present. He had no intention of becoming a stereotypical teen dreamer.
“You’re changing the subject… pretty well, I might add.” Jesse placed her hands on her hips. For a little girl, she could be an awesome presence when she wanted to. “What’s up with the newest addition to the track team?”
“It’s not really my story to tell. Let’s just say, he hides a lot more than he reveals, and he was caught in a whopper, so Kevin became firm with John about his status on the team.”
“Now I know you’re dancing around the truth, but I’ll let it go. If you’re keeping a secret for Kevin, I won’t get on your case about breaking his trust. We both know how much trust means to my brother.”
“It should mean a lot to him, and I won’t break his trust again.” David looked at Jesse. “I thought I ruined everything with my behavior a while ago. Now I’m lucky enough to be able to run alongside him and spend special time with him outside school. He’s really important to me, Jesse.”
She smiled and nodded. “And it’s obvious how important you are to him. Remember, I was in the house Sunday morning.”
“I hope you weren’t uncomfortable.” David felt a slight blush form.
“Not at all. It’s great that my parents are cool. For them it’s about knowing our boyfriends, approving of them, and knowing where we are.”
“My dads seem to be taking notes. I hope they continue to feel the same way.”
“It’s great that you think of Steve as your second dad.”
“To be honest, Steve started feeling more like a parent before Rob did. I’m glad they both feel equally like parents now. I just hope my dads can actually pick a day to get married. They finally got engaged after all these years, but they don’t seem to be doing anything about it.”
“Do you think they’ll figure out a way to back out?”
“I hope not. They definitely belong together, especially if Steve can still deal with my dad after all these years. He gets bonus points for his staying power and patience. My dad had better not string him along with an endless engagement.”
Jesse giggled as she and David took their seats.
John glared at David. “What were you looking at? I haven’t done anything.”
“I care about Kevin. If you don’t do anything to hurt him, we’ll all be happy.”
“As long as he keeps his word, I’ll keep mine.”
“Good. You’d better!” John’s words comforted David and, although he had no reason to trust his sincerity, the guy’s tone of voice made David think the commitment was genuine.
“Is that a threat? I’m already handling your boyfriend’s deal. Are you challenging me too?” John’s voice had an edge, but David also detected a note of fear.
“No challenge, just a promise. If you don’t hurt him, I won’t have any reason to hurt you.” David sat back in his chair. “If you play your cards right, you may even feel better about yourself, and who you are, sooner rather than later. I found out it’s worth letting the world know who I am.”
“Yeah, you did get a winner.”
“In every way you define winner, I sure as hell did.”
Before John or David could continue their stilted, yet somewhat reassuring interaction, Mr. Hatcher called the class to order as if he were a judge in a courtroom, banging his hand on the desk as if it were a gavel to get the students’ attention. The two boys sat at their desks awaiting the daily roll call.
David glanced in John’s direction once more and noticed him toying with the edges of the pages of one of his textbooks. He hoped John found a way to accept himself. There were enough gay guys around for him to choose from if he just admitted who he really was to the world, or at least their little part of the world.
Chapter 28
AS THE track meet grew closer, David worked harder and harder to achieve his time goals at the practices every afternoon. He was even happier to note John did the same. Each day the team seemed to improve and so did Kevin’s mood. Kevin seemed to have left his deal with John in the past. And as team captain, he seemed pleased with John’s progress.
It had been a particularly grueling afternoon as the weather had taken a turn for the worse, growing colder and adding an unexpected rain, catching the long-distance runners midway through their treks around the neighborhoods adjacent to the school, leaving them cold and wet as they wended their way back to the school grounds. The hot showers in the locker room were more welcome than usual. Returning home with Steve after practice, David relished the comfort of their climate-controlled apartment.
“You, Kevin, and John all seemed to give it an effort beyond expectations despite the crappy conditions.” Steve made conversation as he and David hung up their jackets in the front hall closet.
“I was surprised I did as well as I did, but running alongside Kevin is never a chore, even in the worst weather conditions.” David grinned.
“Yeah, it’s getting more and more apparent you and Kevin are pretty solid. I’m glad for you.” Steve offered a half smile.
“We are solid. I’m beginning to believe we’re in a good place, and I don’t have to worry about screwing it up any time soon.”
“I wouldn’t expect you to screw it up. I’m happy for you, David. I really am.” Steve’s words were the right ones, but David could hear his lackluster attitude filtering through.
“If you’re so happy for me, why do you sound like I just killed your favorite pet?”
“Damn. I’m sorry. It’s nothing you have to worry about.” Steve shook his head as he closed the closet door and headed into the kitchen. “Why don’t you start your homework and I’ll start dinner?”
“Will Dad be home for dinner? He’s been trying to get home more regularly.” David had enjoyed sitting down to dinner with both his fathers on the nights he didn’t go out with Kevin. David and Kevin spent most school nights apart, as they always had lots of homework to complete after their grueling, pre-meet practices.
“Yeah, Rob’s been trying.” Steve shrugged and started taking out pots, clearly wanting to end the conversation.
After opening his bedroom door, David entered and tossed his backpack and gym bag on his bed. Pulling out his sweaty track clothing, he tossed them in the hamper in the far corner of the room. Before he could sit down at his desk to begin studying for an upcoming math test, David heard the door to the apartment open. He smiled, pleased to note his dad was home on time again. His ongoing effort meant a lot to David.
Having forgotten to close the door to his room, David unintentionally heard his dad greet Steve in the kitchen. The obvious sound of a quick kiss, immediately followed by the filling of a glass of water, all seemed innocuous.
“Hey, what’s for dinner? I know you’ve been getting home a little later and probably just started cooking, but it already smells great in here.”
“Glad you noticed.” Steve’s curt answer surprised David.
“Of course I noticed. You’re a terrific cook.” It seemed strange. One da
d sounded loving and genuine while the other seemed distant.
“I know I’m a good cook, and I’m glad you noticed since I’ve been cooking meals for you for almost eight years.” Unable to concentrate, David set his math book aside and completely focused on the interaction in the kitchen.
“Have I been taking advantage? You know I’m not very good in the kitchen.” Rob chuckled. “I like to do my best cooking in the bedroom.” David grimaced. That was not something he wanted to hear.
“You’re a riot, Rob.” There was a momentary pause before Steve continued. “And you’re amazing in the bedroom.” The words were the right ones, once again, but something was off.
“I detect a but. Do you want to tell me what’s wrong or should I guess? Does this have anything to do with David or one of the boys on the team?” It was clear Rob was as confused by Steve’s attitude as David.
“I’m not sure you really want to hear why I’m in a pissy mood.”
“I may not want to hear it, but it sounds like I’d better hear it so we can fix whatever the hell is wrong.”
David startled in his desk chair as he overheard the lid of a pot slamming forcefully into place.
“Okay, Rob, but remember you asked for it.” Steve paused. David could visualize him taking a deep breath in preparation for whatever bomb he was going to drop. Insecurities rising, David hoped it wasn’t a make it or break it kind of revelation.
After what seemed like forever, Steve finally continued. “It’s this.” David had no idea what Steve was referring to and was almost tempted to sneak out and try to peek, but thought better of it.
“Your engagement ring? What’s wrong with it?”
“Nothing’s wrong with it, but after living with you for nearly eight years, I would have expected we would be planning a wedding soon after you put this on my finger. You haven’t even been willing to discuss a date, let alone any concrete plans.” David heard Steve’s voice hitch. “I’m getting the feeling this is all for show, and you don’t want to marry me now or ever.” There was a brief pause followed by a loud sigh. “I love you more now than I ever have, but I want to be your husband. I thought you wanted the same thing. If you don’t, at least be honest enough with me to tell me the truth. I don’t want to be strung along hoping for something that will never happen.”
“Oh God.” His father’s voice was barely louder than a whisper, but rising from his chair and standing in a spot adjacent to his bedroom door, David could hear everything. “I’m such a fucking coward—again. I can’t seem to stop myself. From the moment I proposed I’ve been afraid of taking the final step—not because I don’t love you enough, but because I’m not sure I’m good enough to be husband material.”
There was no reply from Steve. David wondered if he was as confused by Rob’s statement as David was.
“You know I’ve tried to fight all my demons by being the best I can be at work, and now I think I’ve finally made headway as a parent. Being a husband never seemed to be something I’d have to think about.”
“Look, Rob, if this isn’t what you want, just tell me.” Steve’s voice was shaky at best and David felt a cold chill run down his spine, far worse than anything he had felt while running in the freezing rain.
“No! All I’ve ever wanted was to love you, from the moment I met you. I’m just not sure I’ll be good enough to handle all the responsibilities of being a good spouse for the long haul. I don’t want to disappoint you if I cave and end up working long hours for a while, or if I let being a father come before you at times.”
“Did you ever hear of fucking balancing your life?” David’s eyes widened. He wasn’t used to hearing Steve swear. “I have to do it and you’ve been doing it pretty successfully for the past few months. Why do you think I’d blame you if things got out of balance every once in a while? That’s what being married is all about. Making choices, respecting each other, and continually finding the right balance to work for our family, making adjustments whenever necessary.” Steve paused and David thought he heard a sigh. “I thought you wanted this. If you’re not ready to make this commitment, tell me. I feel like you’re taking me for a ride. It’s the meanest tease a man can experience.”
“Jerk! I’m such a fucking jerk.” David heard a bang against the counter and assumed his father slammed his fist down hard. “I’m afraid to disappoint you, so I end up screwing up and hurting you even more.”
There was a prolonged silence. David couldn’t wait any longer and dared to risk poking his head out of his bedroom and taking a quick look toward the kitchen. He smiled. His dads were standing in a tight embrace, kissing as if they hadn’t kissed or even seen each other in months. Maybe in some ways they hadn’t.
“Steven Garrett, marry me in two weeks. We have no need for a big wedding. We can get married and if we want to throw a party later, we can. We can have a big reception when the weather is a lot warmer, after David’s done with school. It’ll be a time when you don’t have to worry about track and can just focus on your writing and planning the celebration of your dreams.” Steve didn’t respond. He was staring into Rob’s eyes. “A two-week timeline will give you one week to relax after the upcoming meet with all those big deal scouts in the stands.” David smiled as he watched them kiss again. His father seemed to finally get the message about what was and wasn’t important in life.
“Are you sure you’re ready? I don’t want you to do this if you’re afraid of making a commitment.” Steve bit his lip.
“The only thing I’m afraid of is that you’ll stop waiting for me to pull my head out of my ass, and leave me.”
Steve laughed. It was the best sound David could imagine hearing. “So does this mean I get the privilege of being stuck with you permanently?”
“You already are, but now it’ll be official in the eyes of the state and federal governments.”
“It may give a bump up to your on-air ratings when you announce it.” Steve grinned.
“I can honestly say that’s the last thing on my mind right now.” His dads were in another lip-lock that seemed to last far too long. “We should probably tell David his best-man duties are now in overdrive.”
Nodding, Steve kissed Rob once more. “So you’re really ready? You want this?” Steve gestured, pointing back and forth between the two men. “Us?”
“Without a doubt, without any apprehension, without question!” David loved hearing the enthusiasm in his father’s voice. There was an energy behind his words that warmed David’s heart.
“I guess we’re getting married in a little over two weeks. Do you want me to call a judge to officiate?”
“I’ll take care of all the particulars. You just make sure your best suit is clean and invite a few people if you’d like. How about we get married right here? It’s the first home we’ve shared as a complete family.” David’s father exhaled audibly—a sound mimicking a sigh.
“What’s wrong? Second thoughts?” Steve’s voice was a bit shaky.
“Not one. I just wished, for a moment, David would continue to live with us. I know he misses his mothers and his home in New York City but I had hoped—” Rob’s voiced trailed off. “Hell, how could we compete with the goddamn Big friggin’ Apple?”
“Let’s just enjoy our time with him while we have it, and make the most of it.” Steve and Rob clung together as David stealthily inched his way back into his bedroom.
Sitting on the edge of his bed, he gazed around the room. His eyes widened when they fell on the screen saver he had designed. It was a montage of pictures of his fathers, Kevin, Jesse, and himself in a variety of groupings.
David glanced at his wall calendar. The school year was nearly over, with only a little more than two months remaining. David continued to stare at the montage as if it might change and do something unexpected. Instead he made a decision. Picking up his math book, opening it and then closing it again, he approached his computer. Looking at the clock, he knew it was very late in London, practically the m
iddle of the night, but this couldn’t wait. It was time to Skype.
Chapter 29
AFTER THEIR big announcement of the wedding date, his dads had become more affectionate than David had ever seen them be before. Recalling his moms’ totally gag-inducing behavior when they decided to get legally married, he was not surprised to see his dads acting the same way, but seeing them continually kissing, touching, and ogling each other all the time was getting old very quickly.
When he told Kevin and Jesse about their over-the-top behavior, both reminded David that it was better than having them sniping at each other. It was much better than dealing with the possibility of garnering his dads’ anger when they inevitably found out the subject of his most recent Skyping session with his mothers. David hadn’t even told Kevin and Jesse about his hopes and plans for the coming year, choosing to wait until things were resolved with his parents.
Leaving the apartment for his early morning run before school, David took the opportunity to think about the previous couple of days. Everything seemed to be happening so fast, yet it seemed strangely as if his life were on hold.
His conversation with his mothers had gone better than David expected, especially since he played the birthday card, knowing they were suckers for giving him almost anything he wanted each year. And let’s face it, sixteen was a big deal. Every time he caught sight of a calendar over recent days he had been reminded, for the umpteenth time, that the track meet and his birthday weren’t far apart. David had strongly hinted to Kevin he wanted to go out somewhere special and then have Kevin spend the night at the apartment. All four local parents seemed to be in agreement; David hoped to have the best birthday ever. Now if only his mothers cooperated with his birthday request from them, it would be perfect.
David knew his mothers had contacted his fathers to plan their own time to Skype, parents to parents. Even though he was aware of the subject, David chose to keep it to himself for the time being. There was no reason to stress out his dads.
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