Page 29 of For Fake's Sake and other stories

“Ah, yes. Straight to the point.” Monty picks up his glass of red wine and takes a long swallow. “I know this is too many years too late, but I want to apologise for my behaviour. I should have spoken to you immediately after the ball. But I was kindof blindsided by the truth, so from the bottom of my heart, I apologise.”

“Okay, thank you.”

He struggles to find more words.

“But there’s something else, isn’t there?”

He nods. “Of course you’d see that. You always were observant. My son, Archie, is gay. He came out to me and Cazza last week. He’s a brilliant young man, clever, athletic, the whole package. I couldn’t be prouder of him. His bravery to talk to us, accept himself, and be out and proud, brings me here.”

“Why?”

“Because he had a counsellor at his school who could talk him through his emotions, teach him how to dismiss the bullying, and give him the strength to be who he is. That counsellor was from Ollie’s Foundation. So thank you.”

I can’t stop a broad grin from spreading over my face. “That’s great, and you’re very welcome.”

Monty shifts and looks over his shoulder to his wife and a young man. “He’d like to meet you. Would that be okay?”

“Absolutely, I’d be delighted.” I look at Kit, who’s been following the conversation. He gives me a thumbs up. I hold my hand out for him to join me.

When we get to the other table, I give Cazza a kiss on the cheek. She smiles broadly, then looks at the young man. He’s a slim version of Monty. Well, if you take the black eyeliner and gloss from his eyes and lips.

“Hi,” I say. “It’s Archie, right? It’s good to meet you. You look like your dad. This is my husband, Kit. He’s the man who made me brave enough to speak up and start Ollie’s Foundation.”

He jumps to his feet and, as I embrace him back, whispers, “Thank you.”

I pat his back, then pull away. “You’re welcome, Archie.”

Monty looks at his son proudly and wraps his arm around his shoulder, pulling him close

“It’s been good to see you, Monty.” I smile at Archie one more time, then walk away with my hand in Kit’s and my head held high.

“You’re a fucking rockstar,” Kit whispers in my ear.

The End

Table For One

Note: This book was formally a short story in the Heard it in a Love Song Anthology. It has been extended by over 10k words, and is based in the UK and written in British English.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

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