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Cameron was stacking the last of the pancakes when his mother said, “Cover your ears. I’ll let your father know.” He did just that but could still hear her shout,“Trevor! Breakfast is ready!”

Once she was seated, Cameron served her a pair of pancakes, placed another two on his father’s plate, and treated himself to a triple stack. He didn’t reach for the maple syrup though. As far as he was concerned, applesauce was the only way to eat pancakes. With a couple shakes of cinnamon, of course.

“They’re delicious, honey,” Brenda said after taking a bite. “Are you sure you don’t want to be a professional chef? I like the idea of showing up at your restaurant three times a day.”

He laughed. “No thanks. You can always come over to my place for a bite to eat. Although I wouldn’t mind if my spouse likes to cook. That’ll take some of the pressure off me.”

“Your spouse?” she asked.

“The spouse in my house,” he said playfully. Although he was tempted to tell her right then and there, because nobody used that word, and she’d picked up on it. Anyone else would have said wife or husband.

“I’m sure whoever they are, that they’ll be every bit as wonderful as you.”

“Thanks, Mom.” She was definitely avoiding specific pronouns. Coming out to her would be a mere formality. His dad was the big unknown. They weren’t as close, so it was hard to be certain of what he already knew or what he thought of gay people in general.

“I think it’s sweet that you want to spend the day with us,” Brenda said. “Have you decided what you’d like to do?”

“The Kansas City Zoo would be fun.”

“The zoo! We haven’t been there since you were little.”

“It’ll be a trip down memory lane,” Cameron agreed.

“You know, I think we have photos from the last time. Your father would know where they are. If he ever shows up.”

“I’m sure he’ll be here soon. Hey, do you remember those weird vending machines that make wax toys? They have them at the zoo. Or maybe they were plastic. I mostly remember the smell.”

His mother wasn’t really listening. She was looking toward the stairs. “He’s going to miss the entire meal,” she murmured.

“That’s all right. Cold pancakes are just as good. Do you know what I mean though? About those funny machines. I think I got an ape from one.”

Brenda shook her head. “I’ll be right back.”

She stood and left the room. Cameron listened to her footsteps go up the stairs and across the ceiling above him. Then he heard voices that steadily grew louder.

“A business call? On a Sunday morning?” his mother yelled. “Who are you talking to?”

“Now isn’t the time,” Trevor snarled in response.

“Let me talk to them! Do they even know that you have a wife?”

“Jesus Christ, would you get out of here?”

Cameron sighed and continued eating. He heard a door slam, stomping feet, and then more shouting. He’d already cleared his plate, so he helped himself to another stack. The shouting continued. He clenched his jaw, wishing his mother had stayed downstairs, so at least he wouldn’t be eating alone. Cameron managed to finish before she reappeared. He was pretty sure he heard her crying. As much as it broke his heart, it wasn’t a rare occurrence. He knew that her sorrow would shift back to anger soon enough. The day was as good as ruined.

But only if he let it be.

Cameron pushed away from the table. He put on his shoes while sitting on the stairs and grabbed his jacket afterwards, finding the car keys still inside. He left the house without telling anyone where he was going or when he’d be back. They probably wouldn’t even notice.

— — —

Anthony’s hair was still damp when he opened the front door. Cameron stood there glowering at him, which instantly made him assume the worst. “Am I running late?” he asked, glancing past his boyfriend at the station wagon. “Are your parents with you? Tell them that I’m—”

“They’re still at home, “ Cameron said. “And you’re fine. Can I come in?”

“Yeah, of course.” Anthony stepped aside and shut the door behind him.

Cameron was already heading for the stairs, although he hesitated when reaching them. “Can we go to your room?” he asked.