Page 49

An Impromptu Split

Harrison

The drive back to New York takes longer, but maybe that’s because my mind is still on vacation in Bomont.

I’m curled up in the backseat with my head resting against the cool window.

The gentle hum of the engine and the steady passing of streetlights lull me into a half-sleep state.

Through the haze, I catch snippets of conversation from the front seat.

“We need to talk about this, Charlie,” Daniel says in a concerning tone. “About the three of us.”

Charlie’s response is muffled and hesitant. “I know, I know. But can’t it wait until we’re back in the city?”

“It’s not going to get any easier,” Daniel sighs. “If Harrison’s mom knows, that means everyone knows. We’re used to being talked about for our athleticism, but this? Being gossiped about because of our love lives? We need to be prepared for the negativity.”

I shift in my seat, trying to find a more comfortable position. The leather squeaks beneath me, and I freeze, wondering if they realize I’m awake. If they do, neither of them acknowledges it.

“I don’t care what people think,” Charlie says, his voice rising slightly. “This is about us, not them. All they have is words. What matters is that we don’t let the chatter in. We focus on ourselves and each other.”

Daniel’s silence means he’s computing. This might not be math, but it’s still an equation that needs to be figured out. I can picture the furrow of his brow, the way he’s likely drumming his fingers against the steering wheel as he mulls over Charlie’s words.

“You’re right,” he concedes. “We’ll take it one day at a time. Together.”

I drift off to sleep, my mind swirling with images of Charlie and Daniel. The way Charlie’s dimples appear when he laughs, the sensation of Daniel’s strong arms around me. The taste of their kisses and the throbbing between their legs.

I don’t know what the future holds for us, but I do know one thing. I’m not letting go of this, of them, without a fight. We’ve come too far and been through too much to let the opinions of others tear us apart.

The gallery is abuzz with activity when I arrive, and Danielle is at the center of the commotion.

“Harrison, darling!” she exclaims, bustling over to greet me with a warm hug. “Thank goodness you’re here. We have lots to do before the opening.”

I smile at her enthusiasm. Danielle has been a constant source of support and encouragement. And somehow, over time, she’s become a friend, a mentor, and even a mother figure.

“Put me to work, boss,” I say, rolling up my proverbial sleeves. “What needs to be done?”

Danielle hands me a checklist and rattles off a series of tasks. “The lighting needs to be adjusted on the new installations. The catering staff will be here in an hour to set up, and we still need to finalize the guest list.”

I nod, taking the paper from her perfectly manicured hands. As I scan the list, Danielle clears her throat delicately. “I couldn’t help but notice the recent publicity surrounding you and a certain pair of baseball players.”

My cheeks flush at her words. I knew this conversation was coming. “Ah, yes. That.”

“That, indeed. How are you holding up, my dear? I can’t imagine it’s been easy, having your personal life splashed across social media.”

“Honestly, Danielle? I’m okay. More than okay. I mean, sure, it was a shock to hear that there were photos of us all over the internet. But at the same time, it’s kind of a relief, you know?”

Danielle nods. “I can understand that. But are you prepared for the constant scrutiny that comes with dating not one but two high-profile athletes? The media—and overzealous fans—can be ruthless, Harrison. I want to make sure you know what lies ahead.”

“Danielle, I knew exactly what I was getting into when I fell for Charlie and Daniel. They’re not just any college baseball players—they’re the star pitcher and catcher of the Ashford University Green Wolves.

I’d have to be living under a rock not to realize the attention that would come with that. ”

“I’m glad to hear that, Harrison.” She smiles. “You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for. And you know I’m always here if you need someone to talk to, right?”

I return her smile as a surge of affection comes over me for this incredible woman who has been such an integral part of my life. “I know, Danielle. And I appreciate that more than you could ever know.”

My heart races at the thought of facing Daniel’s parents again, this time as an official part of their son’s life. The last time I’d seen them, I was an aloof asshole. From everything Daniel has shared with me about them, they don’t sound as bad as my parents. But still, I’m nervous as fuck .

Charlie’s parents welcomed me in with open arms. I’ve already made plans to visit them over the summer. Will Daniel’s parents be as kind?

Walking into Charlie and Daniel’s brownstone, the Hollingsworths are seated on the plush living room sofa, their expressions unreadable as Daniel leads me over to them.

His mother wears a navy sheath dress, perfectly pressed, with not a strand of her sleek black hair out of place.

She sits ramrod straight, ankles crossed, and hands folded primly in her lap.

Her hazel eyes, so much like Daniel’s, regard me with a mix of curiosity and what I can only describe as polite apprehension.

Next to her, Daniel’s father cuts an imposing figure in a charcoal suit, his salt-and-pepper hair neatly combed back.

He leans back into the cushions, one arm draped casually over the back of the sofa, but there’s nothing casual about his demeanor.

His gaze is sharp and assessing, as if he’s trying to see straight into my soul.

I glance down at what I’m wearing—a faded brown hoodie and a pair of well-worn sweats—and inwardly cringe. I am woefully underdressed for the occasion. But I force a smile to my face, determined not to let my discomfort show.

“Mom, Dad,” Daniel says, his voice steady and confident, “this is Harrison. My boyfriend. Do you remember him from his parents’ anniversary party a few months ago?”

Mrs. Hollingsworth is the first to speak. “Of course. It’s lovely to see you again, Harrison. Daniel’s told us plenty about you.”

“All good things, I hope,” I joke weakly, shaking her outstretched hand. Her grip is firm, her palm soft and cool against my own.

Mr. Hollingsworth rises to his feet, towering over me. He extends a hand, and I take it, noting the strength in his grasp. “Hello, Harrison. We’ve been looking forward to getting to know the other young man who’s captured our son’s heart.”

I gulp audibly. “Thank you, sir.”

“Harrison is an incredibly talented artist,” Daniel tells his parents proudly. “He even works at an art gallery in Brooklyn. ”

Mrs. Hollingsworth’s eyes light up at that. “An artist? How fascinating! You must tell us all about it.”

Some of the tension drains from my shoulders as I sit down on the recliner. Maybe this won’t be too bad after all.

“Before we get into all of that, I just want to say how much it means to me that you’re willing to hear us out,” Daniel says, heading for the kitchen and returning with a bar stool to sit on. “I know this”—he gestures between me and him—“isn’t exactly what you had in mind for my future.”

Mrs. Hollingsworth sighs softly. “Daniel, you’re our son. We love you, no matter what. But we’d be lying if we didn’t say that we do have some concerns about the path you’re choosing.”

“I understand that, Mom. And I’d like to address those concerns. But first, I need you to know that this isn’t some passing phase or experiment. What I have with Charlie and Harrison is real and important to me.”

Mr. Hollingsworth clears his throat. “What about your future, Daniel? Have you given any thought to what comes after graduation? I know you still have another year left, but the clock is ticking.”

“I have thought about it. And I’ve made a decision. I’m going to take the job with you on Wall Street.”

The room falls silent for a moment as the weight of Daniel’s decision hangs in the air. I know they must be shocked; Charlie and I were when he told us this last night. But we support whatever he chooses to do with his life. I only hope his parents will do the same.

Mrs. Hollingsworth is the first to speak. “But what about baseball, Daniel? I know you’ve always loved the game.”

“I do love baseball, Mom. But playing professionally has always been more Charlie’s dream than mine. For me, it’s always been about the joy of the game and the camaraderie with my teammates. I can still have that, even if I’m not playing at the highest level. ”

Mr. Hollingsworth nods slowly. Proudly. “I think that’s a wise decision, son.”

I lean forward in my seat, curiosity piqued. “What exactly will you be doing at the firm again, Daniel?”

Mr. Hollingsworth answers before Daniel can.

“He’ll be a manager-in-training. Learning the ropes, shadowing some of our more experienced staff.

But his main focus will be working with our interns, helping to mold the next generation of investment bankers.

” He goes on, enthusiasm building in his voice.

“Daniel has always had a knack for guiding others and sharing the knowledge he’s gained.

It’s one of the qualities that will make him an excellent leader someday. ”

I glance at Daniel, trying to gauge his reaction to his father’s words. He meets my gaze and gives a slight nod.

“It’s true,” he says. “Helping people, teaching them, it’s always been one of the things I love most. Whether it’s on the baseball field or in the boardroom, I want to make a difference in people’s lives.

” He shrugs self-consciously. “And this way, I can do that without putting my body through the wringer. No more squatting for hours on end, no more ice baths after games. My knees will thank me in twenty years.”