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“Um, yeah. I’m open to that.”
“Wonderful.” His smile is almost blinding. “Maybe you and that young man of yours can come over for dinner. I’d love to hear more about how you helped him after his injury.”
“You remember the part about me not being a doctor, right?”
“Of course, but he said you helped him get through it.” Uncle Callahan’s brow wrinkles.
“Yeah, you probably don’t want the details on that.” Omigod am I blushing? I don’t blush. What is happening?
“Perhaps not.” Uncle Callahan clears his throat. “He’s special to you though, yes?”
“I–” It’s on the tip of my tongue to downplay my feelings since they still terrify me, but I can’t get the lie out.
Somewhere in the midst of helping Noah sort his shit, he helped me sort mine. Not that either of us realized I was the bigger mess when we made our little arrangement, but he’s taking it in stride, and while I still have my moments of panic, deep down I know he’ll be there to help me get through it. That my man will do anything for me, because he loves me.
He loves me.
And I totally, completely, unequivocally, love him.
“Yes. He’s special to me.”
Uncle Callahan gives me a warm smile. “I’m happy to hear that, son. You deserve it.”
“It doesn’t bother you that I’m with a man?”
Now, he seems to turn a little pink in the cheeks. “There’s a reason I never married, son.”
“You… You’re gay?” When he doesn’t say anything I continue. “And you’re still in the closet.”
“You’re a lot braver than I ever was. Than I am.” Uncle Callahan looks at me like… Wow, this is… Is he proud of me? It sort of feels like he is. I…
“I’m ready, Mr. Tripp.” Rose pokes her head into the office right before I can spiral into unfamiliar emotional territory. Good timing.
Uncle Callahan stands when I do, stepping around the desk to give me a hug. I know we did this at my parent’s party, but it still feels weird. Not bad, just different. I don’t hate it though, so I return the embrace.
“I’ll uh… I’ll call you. About dinner?”
“Please do.”
He escorts us out and helps us get Rose’s bags into the car. There are only a few since it seems my parents kept her on a pretty tight leash the last few years, but if the smile on her face is any indication, she’s not concerned about the lack of personal items. She’s just happy to be out of their house.
I’m not sure we’ll ever talk about them–I get the sense we’d both rather move on–but I’ll listen if she ever needs me to. I do have one question though.
“What are you going to do with all your free time?” Between the condo I’m giving her and the cash Uncle Callahan got her in exchange for not pressing charges, at Rose’s request, she doesn’t need to work anymore.
“Nothing, Mr. Tripp. Absolutely nothing.”
“I think that sounds perfect. Can I ask you one favor though?”
She looks at me curiously, but like any mother would, she says. “Of course.”
“Teach me how to cook your ramen? I want to introduce Noah to the comfort food I had growing up.”
Rose bobs her head slightly. “I’d be honored.”
Chapter 25 - Noah
It’s been heaven to be back on the ice.
