Page 55 of Scrap Metal & Love Reforged

He pulled me into a hug before I could answer and released me quickly. He wasn’t like my mother, who lingered with her hugs so you could savor her warmth. “I wanted to,” I said, “But it’s complicated.”

My dad waved to the sofa. “Well, why don’t you tell us about it? We can get over the shock before Skye arrives, and then you can drop the news on her.”

Seth immediately plopped onto the sofa and smiled sunnily. I dropped into the seat beside him with considerably less enthusiasm. So far, this wasn’t goingdisastrously, but that didn’t mean it was going well.

“Skye already knows,” I said.

My father returned to his chair, and my mother opted for the remaining vacant chair across from him. I took a deep breath and began, explaining how I’d told Lance about my sexuality and how, instead of Lance dropping me off for just any old party, he’d taken me to meet a boy I was interested in.

My parents were quiet as I spoke, so I kept talking, the words coming faster as I went. It was as if I had to get the words out all at once and as quickly as possible, before they evaporated. When I finished, I reflexively rested my hand on Seth’s knee.

“So, yeah,” I concluded. “That’s it. Everything. I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you sooner, but I was just so afraid of what might happen. I blamed myself. It was my fault that Lance died.”

“Oh, honey,” Mom said, leaning across to squeeze my hand. “Jackson’s death wasn’t your fault. It was just a terrible accident.”

“I know that now,” I said, “And I think I knew it back then. But I still felt like it was my fault, and it was hard to come out after that. I kept telling myself that if Ihadn’ttried to keep secrets, he’d still be alive and here with us.”

“And you thought that?” my dad asked. “Is that why you left?”

I nodded. “And I know that didn’t make it easier on you. I’m sorry.”

Mom shook her head. “Don’t be,” she said. “You were just a kid. I… I understand. It was difficult on all of us, but if you felt all that, I’m sure it was much harder for you. I’m only sorry that I couldn’t make everything alright for you much sooner.”

“It’s okay, Mom. I think I’m getting there.”

I looked at Seth, who rewarded me with a radiant, mischievous grin.

“That’s good,” Dad said, “And I’m glad you came this Christmas. Your boyfriend too.”

I nodded. “Thanks, Dad. You know, it’s really good to be home.”

“So, what are you doing these days?” Mom asked. “Skye said you’d reduced your hours at the garage.”

“I did,” I replied. “I’m splitting the rent with Seth and really pursuing my art. I'm not exactly successful yet, but I have my work in a couple of galleries. And I think that’s pretty great.”

Seth and I weren’tquitesplitting the rent in half. He hadn’t wanted me to pay anything at all, but I’d insisted on payingsomething. Instead, we’d scaled it to each other’s income. Sometimes, I still felt a little bit uneasy about that, but Sethdidhave a point. A hundred dollars to him wasn’t the same as it was to me.

“He’s too modest,” Seth said. “Already, he’s won two competitions, and those aresofilled with real serious competitors. What Troy has done is really impressive. Don’t let him tell you differently.”

“And Seth is starring in a movie,” I countered.

“Only because I know the director,” Seth said with a grin. “And the writer, the producer, and half the make-up crew. I get my accomplishments through my connections, while you manage to get yours through merit alone.”

“That’s my boy!” my dad exclaimed. “He was always like that, Seth. A very hard-working man.”

I raised an eyebrow at Dad addressingSeth. Everything seemed sonormal. I leaned back against the cushions, a wide grin stretching across my face. It felt as if a heavy weight had been lifted from my shoulders, and now everything was fine. Just like it should be.

“You must be very proud,” Seth said.

“We are,” my dad replied immediately. “We always have been, although maybe I didn’t tell you that enough, Troy. But we are proud of you. No matter what.”

My face grew hot, as my father’s words rekindled that old desire to please my parents. “Even if I’m not exactly successful?” I asked.

Even if I didn’t have a scholarship and a college degree like they’d always wanted. Even if I wasn’t the molecular biologist I promised I would be.

“It sounds like you’re pretty successful to me,” my mom said.

The doorbell rang, and my father stood. “That’s probably Skye,” he said. “She’s bringing some new guy, too.”