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“You probably don’t have to,” I say. “He’s got Liz. And maybe the fallout won’t be too bad.”

Trey’s gray eyes are stormy, filled with anguish. “It will be bad,” he says. “Really bad. It will blow over, but it will be bad. I remember coming out to my parents. I thought they’d kick me out.”

“Bobby is a grown man,” I say. “He has a trade and work experience. He’ll be okay.”

“God, my stomach is in knots—”

Liz and Bobby burst out of the room, both red in the face. Bobby can’t stop running his hands through his hair.

“What happened?” I ask.

Liz speaks first. “I suggested that he text Mom and Dad and Mickey and then tell them he will talk to them on the phone.”

“So? How did it go?”

“He did. Told them he’s gay and that he’s seeing someone here and that it’s serious.”

Trey swallows hard. I swear his normally glowing brown skin turns pallid and clammy.

“So what did they say?” I ask.

“See for yourself.” Bobby offers me his phone, where a group chat is displayed.

Bobby: Hi everyone

I have something important to tell you

Lizzie says to give you a heads-up over text so have time to digest

I’m gay

There’s someone I’ve been seeing for a few months now in Madison

His name is Trey and he’s pretty amazing

Other than that I’m the same Bobby you’ve always known

Mickey: No worries

I knew you were seeing someone in Wisconsin

No way you were heading that way every weekend to see Lizzie

I also suspected the gay thing

Doesn’t change anything for me

Bobby: Thanks man

I appreciate the support

Mom, Dad?

Dad: What do you want us to say?

This is not how we raised you

Bobby: There’s nothing wrong with how you raised me