Page 74 of The One for Forever

“What happened out there?” I ask.

“I said some really shitty things to my dad. And I already feel bad about it.” He stuffs his hands in his jeans pockets.

I glance at the patio. Rex is sitting out there, staring at the ocean. I have the feeling he’ll stay there for a while. “Are you going to go apologize?”

“Not right now.”

I roll my eyes.

“I can’t even talk to you about this, can I?” Cliff asks. “You’re going to take his side.”

“I’m not on anyone’s side. But you’re still my best friend. I’m not giving up that title.” I point at the box on the counter. “Want a fritter?”

He pulls up a chair and starts pulling one of the pastries apart. “I can’t believe you and my dad…”

“I know. Me neither. I should have broken the news with more subtlety.” I grimace, remembering what I said. “You just weren’t getting the picture.”

“It did, but it shocked me. I didn’t mean to yell. Especially around you.”

“You don’t hate me for seducing your dad?”

“Ew. I will hate you if you keep saying things like that.”

We look at each other. I smile first, then Cliff cracks. We both start giggling.

“This isn’t funny,” he says. “I don’t know why I’m laughing.”

“Better than the alternative.” I take another bite of fritter, and then I blurt out, “I kissed Rex first.”

“I don’t want details.”

“I get that. But I need you to know that he didn’t push me into anything.“ It’s hard to get this out, because it’s been my secret for so long, but I have to. “I’ve had feelings for Rex for a long time. Years.”

“What? How many years?”

“Since senior year of high school.”

He gapes at me. “And you didn’t say anything to me?”

“You wanted me to tell you I had the hots for your dad?”

“On second thought, gross. All right, I see why you didn’t say anything. I may have overreacted today. It’s just so weird.”

“It isn’t weird to me. It feels right. Like I’m finally where I belong. For what it’s worth, Rex has been amazing to me. He’s been protecting me and taking care of me. I couldn’t ask for a better bodyguard.”

Cliff’s eyes lift to the ceiling. “I get it. He’s the perfect hero. I’m the asshole.”

“Your words, not mine.”

“No, you know how it is. Everybody admires my dad. It’s always been that way. I barely scrape by, while he’s running laps around me. I don’t blame you for being into him. Do you know how many teachers used to ask if my dad was single?”

I make a face. We both laugh, more genuinely this time.

“The thing is, he is a hero. When I was a kid, he wasmyhero. Why else do you think I became a cop? I wanted to help people like he does. I just suck at it.”

“You’re a great cop and an amazing best friend. Do you remember the time you went and bought me tampons because I was home alone with terrible cramps and had nobody else to ask? Or the time I had the flu, and you made homemade chicken soup? You forgot the salt, but it was the thought that counted.”

“Had to mention that part.”

---