“I don’t know what to suppose,” says Drew’s father quietly. He seems to be the one Hicks on the porch with any concern for being overheard. Surveying the gang shortly, I can’t see Drew’s mom in there anyplace. I can’t think about she’d put up with this if she knew what was happening.

Drew’s dad and mom at all times struck me as open-minded, beneficiant folks. It by no means occurred to me that they could have an issue together with his bisexuality, and definitely not together with his profession selections.

“You actually must have recognized higher,” continues Drew’s father, wanting disillusioned and unhappy. Mr. Hicks harrumphs in settlement.

“Your son is likely one of the greatest males I’ve ever met,” says Cooper, stepping ahead instantly.

“You’re awfully ahead for somebody exhibiting up uninvited to a household event,” says Mr. Hicks, glowering at Cooper.

“Drew invited him,” I say, stepping ahead and sliding a hand into Cooper’s. I can’t stand right here and hearken to this anymore.

“Don’t get me began on you, younger woman,” says Mr. Hicks, turning his glare my method. “It’s unhealthy sufficient, you turning up right here when Alan doesn’t need you anymore.”

“That’s sufficient.” Drew steps between us and his household. “You’ve made it clear we’re not welcome right here. It’s time for us to go.” He turns, taking Cooper and me every by the elbow and pushing us gently again the way in which we got here. We’re pulling our coats on as his father and grandfather not far away, whispering heatedly at one another.

“Andrew, we aren’t completed with this dialog,” says Mr. Hicks.

“You’ve made your views completely clear, Grandfather,” says Drew tonelessly. “My life and my selections don’t meet your expectations. I doubt they ever have, and I don’t count on that to vary. You don’t want to fret about that going ahead.”

“What’s that speculated to imply?”

“It means we’re leaving,” says Drew, serving to me into my coat. “Congratulations, Dad. Give my greatest to Mother. For no matter that’s price.”

“Andrew, wait,” says his father. Drew shakes his head.

“You don’t get it,” he says. “You solely see how I’ve disillusioned you. Can’t you see that each step I’ve taken these previous couple of years, each transfer I made that disillusioned you… each single one introduced me nearer to being myself?”

Drew’s father closes his mouth. Alan comes up behind him, his arms crossed, wanting defiant.

“That is who I’m,” says Drew quietly, taking my hand and Cooper’s. “These are the individuals who settle for me for that, who perhaps even love me for it. Should you can’t settle for them, we’re losing our time right here.”

He tugs on our fingers and the three of us stroll again to the automotive as one.

26

Drew

“The place to?” Cooper asks. Bailey’s shoving me into the again seat, none too fastidiously, so I’m too distracted to protest when she directs him to my place. Simply as nicely.

Cooper takes us out of the parking zone and I’ve to make an effort to not flip again to see if my household continues to be watching us from the porch of the home. Bailey’s received a solution for that too, jerking my chin down in a grip firmer than I knew she had in her.

“Have a look at me,” she says.

“Do I’ve a alternative?”

“Drew,” she says, all enterprise. I comply. It’s no hardship—my Bailey lady is gorgeous, extra so proper this minute than she’s ever been. My coronary heart skips a beat, pondering of the final half hour and the final a number of weeks and it dawns on me that I don’t simply love her. She’ll at all times be my greatest pal. Someplace in the previous couple of weeks I’ve gone and fallen in love together with her.

Bailey’s eyes widen at no matter she sees in my face and she or he pulls me shut for a kiss. The kiss is gentle, filled with issues I don’t dare to say out loud, however I believe Bailey hears me anyway if the look in her eyes is any indication.

“Beginning with out me, huh?” says Cooper. I catch his eye within the rearview mirror and grin. He smirks again. “Knew I ought to have gotten that digicam put in.”

“One thing for the bucket checklist,” says Bailey. She slips out of her seatbelt.

“Security first,” Cooper singsongs.

“We’re nearly there,” says Bailey over her shoulder as she straddles my lap. “Do me a favor and don’t wreck the automotive.”

Cooper mutters one thing too low for me to listen to however I’m distracted once more, arms filled with Bailey.

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