Page 39 of Pride High 2: Orange

“That’s crazy!” Anthony replied with a grin. “I should have recognized her handiwork. Your hair looks great!”

“Be sure to tell your mom that as well, since you’re complimenting us both,” Brenda said warmly. “And I’ll be sure to tell her what a charming son she has. Your mom is very talented. All I have to tell her is which celebrity I want to look like and she makes it happen. Can you guess who it was this time?”

Anthony squinted in assessment. “Princess Di?”

Brenda slapped the table again, looking to her son in disbelief.

“This is why I needed you to meet him,” Cameron said, not hiding the warmth he felt when smiling at Anthony. “He’s amazing.”

His mother and boyfriend continued to talk hair. Cameron was surprised that Anthony had so much to say on the subject, although he changed his often enough, as if never satisfied with his appearance. Mrs. Cullen’s occupation probably contributed to that. Then again, Cameron didn’t know a thing about the barcode scanners that his father sold and wasn’t into the houses his mom showed. Not everything ran in the family.

The server brought their food, which helped him to relax, since any lulls in conversation could be filled with chewing. Or embarrassing stories.

“It’s so nice to meet you,” Brenda said during the meal. “Cameron has always been such a lonely boy. I don’t think he’s ever had more than one friend at a time.”

“Mom!” he complained. Not that it mattered.

“It’s true! I always thought he could use a brother or sister. We tried, but it wasn’t in the cards. I think he got used to being on his own so much. We were so relieved when he made his first friend here. How long has it been since the last one, honey? He had a funny name.”

“Quincy,” he grumbled. “He moved before we started high school.”

“That’s right.” She sighed, her features crinkling with worry. “An entire year without a friend.”

“Best friend,” he corrected.

His mother wasn’t finished. “We thought he would at least bring a— Bring someone special home. High school is when all those tingly feelings start to develop.”

Tingly feelings?She made it sound like his leg had fallen asleep. He was in love, not… Wait, is that what she was acknowledging?

“I mostly hang out with the same friend,” Anthony said. “I have more than one—” He nudged Cameron playfully. “—but if you like your best friend, what more do you need?”

Brenda seemed on the verge of asking a question before she shook her head and focused on her plate. Cameron wished she had said whatever was on her mind, because he was certain they were close to the truth. In fact, when Anthony excused himself to use the restroom, he decided not to wait.

“Do you like him?” Cameron asked. “Really?”

“Yes, honey,” Brenda said without hesitation. “He’s adorable.”

“Good,” Cameron said. Then he swallowed. “Because he’s more than just my friend.”

His mother slowly lowered her fork, her eyes searching his. “What are you saying?”

“I’m gay, Mom.”

The muscles of her face kept twitching, as if unable to decide on a single emotion. His heart sunk when her chin began to quiver and leapt again when she smiled. “I thought you might be.”

“I’m still me,” Cameron said hurriedly. “There’s no difference. Except I won’t be bringing girls home. Anthony is my boyfriend. I love him.”

Brenda glanced around the restaurant in concern.

“Are you ashamed of me?” he asked.

“No!” she said in shock. “I’m worried because we live…” She lowered her voice and leaned forward. “This is small-town Kansas. If we were still on the East Coast, at least you could travel up to New York where there are other gay people. Won’t you need to go to special bars?”

He laughed. “Only if I want to. And I think they have those most places. But I mean what I said. This doesn’t really change anything.”

“It does to me.” Brenda seemed on the verge of tears again. “I want know to who you are. I’m your mother! I understand how much courage this must have taken, and I’m so happy that you told me. Really! But please don’t feel like you have to hide the truth from me. Ever. I’ll love you no matter what.”

“Thanks,” Cameron said, swallowing against his own tears. “I love you too.”