Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 10

a decision, it's going to be like this every time."
    Jason squeezed him tightly. He knew that Glenn's words were true. If he couldn't come clean with his dad and be truthful, every time that he and Glenn were together would be bittersweet. Every time he said goodbye, he'd have to worry about when they'd be able to see each other again. He'd have to worry about keeping his secret. He'd have to deal with being away from Glenn.
    "I'll be flying in Monday before Dad leaves for Dallas. I'm gonna talk to him."
    "Are you sure?" Glenn held Jason's head in the palm of his hands, staring into his eyes.
    Jason nodded. "I don't know how much I can tell him at once, but I'm at least gonna tell him about myself."
    "I'm so proud of you," Glenn said, kissing him softly on the lips.
    "You call me afterward. I'll need to know you're okay." Again Jason nodded, wordlessly. "And if you have any problems, I'll be there. I'll fly up… or I'll fly you back here. Whatever …"
    "No. I have to run things for a few weeks while Dad's gone."
    "That settles it then. I'll come up there. I can work from my laptop. We'll fly up together and I'll stay at your apartment."
    "Really?"
    "Yes! Yes, yes, yes!"
    "In that case, let's go see Nascar!"
    ****
    Well, one of the benefits of flying with Glenn was that Jason's seat was upgraded to first class. That did little to alleviate his anxiety about his upcoming conversation with his father, though. At least they had an early flight and got back in Denver by 9am.
    "We'll just take the cab to my place, and then I'll drive over to the office. I told Dad I'd meet him there around ten, ten-thirty."
    "Are you going to be all right?" Glenn asked, squeezing his hand.
    "Yeah," Jason smiled and nodded. "You know, Dad's whole demeanor seems to have changed since he met Laura. Even last night when I talked to him on the phone, he sounded relaxed and happy. He might not take it bad at all. I mean, don't you think he must at least have a suspicion about me?"
    Glenn released Jason's hand and rested his own on Jason's thigh, just above his knee. He rubbed it gently. "Probably," he said. "My advice is to hope for the best but prepare for the worst."
    "Glenn, that's not very comforting!" Jason objected.
    "What I'm saying is that your father has been known to have a volatile temperament. I just don't want you to be hurt too badly if he overreacts."
    "Yeah, well I'm sure glad you came back with me."
    Jason made it to the office before his father arrived for the day. He started a pot of coffee and said hello to the employees who were already present. He was chatting with Janine, his dad's secretary, when his old man walked through the front door.
    His dad smiled warmly and stepped over to slap Jason on the shoulder. "Well, how was Texas? Oh… nevermind. I'll find out for myself in a few hours."
    "Actually, it was great," Jason said.
    "Oh really?" His dad said sarcastically. "Is that why you were working while you were there?"
    "Dad, I just checked a few emails…"
    "So I probably don't have to waste much time going over everything that happened while you were gone."
    "I think I'll manage," Jason smiled. "I'm sure I can figure it out. But Dad, I do need to talk to you about something before you go." Suddenly Jason's throat became dry and his knees turned to jelly. He coughed then took a sip of his coffee. He was trying to maintain a casual demeanor.
    "Sure, come on," his father motioned him into his office. Once they both were inside, his dad closed the door. "Son, is everything okay?"
    Jason took a seat. "Yeah, everything's fine. I just… well…"
    "What is it?" His dad sat down on the other side of the desk.
    "I don't want to ruin your trip, but there is something I really need to tell you. It's something that's kind of hard for me to talk about." He felt like a robot, as if the words were pouring out of him but he wasn't really the one saying them. He'd rehearsed his speech so many times in his head that he was on autopilot.
    "Jason, what is it?" His father's brow was furrowed as he leaned against the desk.
    "I've been keeping a secret about myself. Well… not really. It's not like I was deliberately trying to lie to you, or to anyone." Jason paused, waiting for his dad to interrupt. When he didn't say anything, Jason continued. "Dad, I'm just gonna come right out and say this. I'm gay."
    His dad leaned back in his chair, covering his face with both hands. A wave of panic swept over him as he saw his father's shoulders