“Blake, son, that’s…I don’t really have the words to describe what that means, son. That’s incredibly generous of you.”
“So generous,” my mom says. “Goodness, Blake. This is so touching.”
I’m surprised at how happy they sound. And a little confused.
“Wait, you guys aren’t mad?”
“Why would we be mad?” Mom says. “We have a generous, selfless son.”
“But aren’t you upset about the kind of content I make?”
When they fall quiet again, that familiar dread courses through me once more. I brace myself for them to admit how embarrassed they are.
“I’ll admit, it’s a little strange to think of you, my son, showcasing your body like that,” Dad says. “But I’m not mad about it. You can do what you want, Blake. You’re an adult.”
“Absolutely, honey,” my mom says. “Sure, it’s a kind of weird to think that my baby boy is posing shirtless for others to look at. But it’s not wrong. You’re not committing a crime. I don’t have a problem with it.”
Now I’m the one speechless.
But then, a moment later, when my brain starts to process everything they’ve said, I feel like a jerk again. Because of course my parents would be cool about this. They’re good people. They don’t judge others for petty reasons. They might think something is odd, but they’d never get upset about it.
Relief swoops through me. All the tension in my neck and shoulders eases.
My mom lets out a chuckle. “Honey, we don’t care what you do. As long as you’re safe and happy, we’re good.”
Emotion bubbles up in my chest at how awesome they are. I have the best parents in the world.
“I didn’t realize how badly I needed to hear you say that. Thank you,” I say.
“Son, we’re proud of you. Always. We just wanted to make sure you were doing okay. The news coverage makes it all seem like a circus.”
“I’m okay, Dad. I won’t lie, seeing my secret account splashed all over sports news and online isn’t fun. But I’m getting through it. Briar’s been supporting me a lot.”
“Oh, I’m so happy to hear that,” Mom says. I can hear the smile in her voice.
“That girl is a gem, Blake. You be good to her.”
I smile. “Promise I will dad.”
“And hey, you really don’t need to be spending money on us,” he says. “Save some for yourself.”
“Dad, come on. Let me pay for stuff. I have the means to do it now.”
He sighs. “Okay. Thanks, buddy.”
“We love you, Blake,” Mom says.
I tell them both that I love them. When I hang up, it feels like a thousand-pound weight has been hauled off my shoulders.
My parents aren’t mad at me. They still love me. They still stand by me. Just like Briar.
And as long as I have them by my side, I can get through this mess.
Chapter 59
Blake
“Blake, you need to see this.”
