Page 94 of Mr. Naughty List

“I’m a monogamous person,” Doug said seriously. “And I feel like we’ve had enough difficult discussions for one day. We can discuss polyamory and such another time. Like at counseling, like we were just discussing. Suffice it to say that Betsy makes me very happy. I have no need for more.”

“If you say so,” Carter said, still clearly skeptical.

RJ couldn’t help but think it was the skepticism of a very gay boy who couldn’t fathom a future without dick. “So, with this all out in the open, I hope we can be friends,” RJ said to Carter earnestly. “I came home for the holidays because I wanted to get to know my family. And that includes you.”

Carter flushed but nodded. “We could playOverwatchsometime if you want.”

“Sure. I’ll suck at it. But that’s okay with me, if it’s okay with you.”

“Yeah.” Carter stood up, pulling free of his dad’s embrace. “I’m going upstairs now.” He paused and turned back. “I’m sorry if I caused Mr. Danvers any problems. What should I do?”

“Just apologize when you see him,” Mom said. “That should be more than enough.”

Carter nodded and turned to go again. “He won’t lose his job, will he?” he asked as he reached the foot of the stairs.

“I’m not sure, buddy,” Doug said. “I hope not.”

“There’s a lot going on between Aaron and his mom that has nothing to do with you,” RJ offered. “If Aaron doesn’t stay on as a teacher, Carter, it won’t be your fault. It will be hers, okay?”

Carter nodded and dashed up the stairs to his room. The door shut hard, the eager bam of a kid who was dying to get away from an awkward situation.

“Well, that sucked,” RJ said. “Note to self: never have kids.”

“Does Aaron want kids?” Mom asked.

“Hell if I know, but I’m not having any.” Though the idea of a little Aaron in the world was pretty cute. But no. No way. He wasn’t going to start down that mental path. One of the great things about being gay was that his relationships could crash and burn, and only he and the other guy went through the fallout. No kids left behind. Although he supposed some gay people did have kids.

“I feel like it’s not quite over yet,” Doug said. “But we at least have it all out in the open.”

“And I’ll try to stop being hot,” RJ said, nodding to himself.

His mother slapped his arm. “You’re an asshole.”

RJ laughed. “Merry Christmas, Mom. It’s the messed-up family you always wanted.”

“It is, actually,” she said, joining Doug on the sofa. “Though maybe Doug’s having doubts.”

“Never.” He threw his arm around her, dragging her close for a kiss.

“And now it’s my turn to go up to my room,” RJ said. “I have some presents to wrap.”

Back in hisapartment, Aaron was on the sofa when he finished the last of his end-of-semester grading and set aside his laptop. He still hadn’t heard from his mother, but his father had texted earlier in the day.

Dinner will be at 6 on Christmas Eve but come spend the whole day. Bring that boy. Don’t let yourself down. Just bring him.

Aaron fiddled with his phone, reading the last message from his mother before their big blowup.You can be in charge of the sweet potato casserole for our Christmas Day luncheon this year. I’m trusting you not to mess it up.And then switching back to his dad’s message. Such different people. No wonder they hadn’t lasted.

Not sure what possessed him, he thumbed his father’s name on his phone, and the call went through. Too late to hang up. His dad would see his name on the caller ID and just call him right back.

“Cracker! What’s going on, son?”

“Just wanted to hear your voice.”

“Oh, yeah? Why’s that? Something wrong?”

“Mom and I fought.”

A low hum of understanding slipped through the phone, and Aaron wanted to wrap himself up in it like a blanket. “Must’ve been a doozy. You wouldn’t be calling me if it weren’t.”