I grin like I’ve just won a prize.
Carter groans. “Dad, shut up. You’re making me look bad.”
Debi waves a hand. “Actually, I think it makes you look good, less slutty.”
I look at Carter and laugh.
She turns to Carter and adds, “Our boy is Mr. Private, but ever since he told us he likes guys, we’ve been very understanding and accepting.”
Chase stares at Carter. “Did you tell Nate that I was the last person you came out to? You told the whole family and even your friend, Becky, before me. Becky, Carter. What the fuck was that?”
I mock-scowl at Carter. “Wow. Dick move.”
Carter shrugs, half-defensive, half-amused. “Can you blame me? Your friends were kind of douchey. I figured they’d be dicksto you and me. Plus, look at me now. I still can’t say the word ‘gay’ without looking over my shoulder.”
Debi glances at me. “He’s still nervous, but I can see he’s more relaxed tonight. And I love that.”
I look around the table. “Did Carter tell you how he came out to his team and coach? He even told some of them about me.”
The whole table looks stunned. I glance back at Carter, surprised he hadn’t mentioned it.
He gives me a sheepish smile. “I’m working on myself, okay? And yeah…I told them. It was actually the best feeling ever.”
Scott points his fork. “So that’s why you’ve been playing so well lately. No offense, Carter, but right after your bye week? You’ve played like shit.”
I watch Carter to see if he’s going to snap back, but he just laughs and nods. “You’re right. But things have changed, for the better.”
Debi locks eyes with him. “I’m just glad you’re happy.”
Carter cuts her off before she can keep going. “Thanks, Mom. Love you too. I really am happy.”
After dinner, we all grab Cookie Dough Yasso Bars for dessert. I take one bite and nearly let out a loud moan. “What are these? They’re amazing. How are they only 100 calories?”
Carter grins. “Right? We could have like ten a day and basically gain no weight.”
I roll my eyes. “You’re an idiot. Maybe just two.”
It’s around 9:30, and I decide to help Debi clean everyone’s plates. The two brothers head back upstairs, probably to play video games, while Carter settles on the couch next to his dad to watch football reruns.
I look at Debi and say, “I could help, Mrs. Elliot.”
She laughs and shakes her head. “Call me Debi. Mrs. Elliot makes me feel old, and I’m only sixty-one years young.”
I smile. “Fine, Debi. I’m staying to help clean.”
“Perfect,” she says, her tone playful but firm. “I’d love the company.”
I start rinsing the plates while she scrubs a pot coated in meat residue. After a moment, she says, “Carter looks so happy. He told me you’re temporarily living with him. Why not make it permanent?”
I glance over at her. “It’s only been ‘official’ for a little over two months. I feel like the right thing to do is move out, and maybe after a year or two, we could live together permanently. It’s still pretty fresh.”
She nods but doesn’t let it go. “I see the way Carter looks at you. He’s in love. But I can’t help feeling he’s still holding on to some anxiety.”
I pause. “What do you mean?”
She sighs. “Earlier, when I said he looked happy…he cut me off. I know he probably didn’t mean anything by it, but he always stops me when I bring up him coming out publicly. And look, I know it’s no one’s business, but if he wants a real relationship with you, he needs to feel free. He can’t go around looking over his shoulder all the time.”
I glance over at her and nod slowly. She’s sharp and more in tune with her son than I expected. And she’s right. For Carter and me to keep growing, he has to be more comfortable with who he is.
