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Cameron hadn’t seen many episodes beyond the first season, but the show endorsed progressive ideals. Anthony’s parents didn’t seem conservative. Joe even shouted “Oh, for fuck’s sake!” at one point, Dawn adding, “She’s such a bitch!” before remembering he was there and smiling at him sheepishly. Cameron couldn’t recall any mention of them being religious either. So why would they mind if their son was gay? He was still pondering this during one of the commercial breaks, when they switched channels and Elton John’s ‘The One’ was in the middle of playing.

“That’s whatrealmusic sounds like,” Joe said at the end of the song. “None of that grungy stuff that’s so popular now.”

“Elton is great,” Cameron agreed. Sensing an opportunity, he added, “I wonder who the song is about. The person he’s married to?”

“I don’t think he’s married to anyone,” Dawn said, “but it’s probably about a man, since he’s gay.”

“Fucking gross,” Mike grunted. “I hope he dies of AIDS.”

“Shut your goddamn mouth!” Joe snapped with fire in his eyes. “A man that talented can be whatever he wants. And anyway, it’s no business but his own.” His gaze settled on Anthony, with a flicker of concern.

The timer went off, giving Joe an excuse to focus on the TV again, but Cameron hadn’t missed that exchange. They knew. Better than that, they knew and still loved their son! Enough to defend him from his own brother. Cameron’s heart was racing. He wondered if Anthony had picked up on the same thing. If not, he couldn’t wait to share the good news.

— ——

Cameron slowly took in Anthony’s room, which was very much a reflection of the person who inhabited the space. The dominant color was black, the walls covered in posters of his favorite bands and musicians. He saw half-melted candles on the windowsill and imagined his boyfriend bathing in their light while listening to maudlin music. Cameron spun around to face him and smiled. “I love it.”

“Your room is so much better,” Anthony said, fidgeting with insecurity. “Everything I own is junk.”

Sure, his furniture was all mass-produced and made of particle board, but that was okay. “When we move in together, we’ll use my furniture and your decorations. I like the bandanas tied to the standing lamp. Why does that make me think of a microphone?”

“Because I stole the idea from Aerosmith,” Anthony said with a laugh.

“Oh, right!” Cameron moved closer. “How thin are the walls?”

“Why?” Anthony murmured seductively. “How noisy do you get?”

Cameron rewarded him with a kiss. Then he pulled away. “Can we talk without being overheard?”

Anthony held up a finger and moved to the stereo. Cameron sat on the edge of the bed. Light music began to play, Anthony sitting next to him and leaning close for a kiss. Cameron was happy to oblige him for a moment, but what he really wanted was to talk.

“I think we should come out,” he said.

Anthony scrunched up his face when pulling away. “What about our plan?”

“As much as I’d love to spend the night here, this is more important. Your parents already know.”

“About me?”

Cameron nodded. “And maybe about us. Your mom was trying to figure out if we’re dating. But they know about you for sure.”

“What makes you say that?”

“Did you see the way your dad defended Elton John?”

“He listens to him all the time,” Anthony said dismissively. “Mostly his seventies stuff, which I’ve been warming up to lately. Especially the—”

“Tell me that part later,” Cameron interrupted. “Think of what this implies. Your dad is a fan of an openly gay musician. Remember the way he snapped at your brother? That was for you, not for Elton John."

Anthony studied him. Then he flopped back on the bed. “Maybe.”

“Even if your dad isn’t sure, he already suspects the truth. And your momknows. Trust me.”

Anthony didn’t seem surprised by this revelation. “She’s asked a few times.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Not in so many words. But she’s dropped some less-than-subtle hints that she’d be okay with it.”