Page 102 of Heart Taker

An hour later, he took his leave with the trophy.

I didn’t want him to go, and my eyes tracked his every step until he got back in his SUV. Jo headed inside for the washroom, and that’s when my dad began to slowly type on his phone.

Dad: What’s going on with you and Damien?

I sighed, unable to keep myself locked up anymore.

“A lot, Pops. A lot is going on.” I sighed and ran a hand through my beard. “I’m… I never told you before, but I’m… So the thing is, I’m gay.”

My dad’s gaze never wavered from mine.

“I’m sorry I didn’t say anything sooner,” I added. “I figured you had enough to deal with given your stroke recovery and worries about Jo. I didn’t want you to worry about me too.”

Dad: Glad you told me. But him?

“Is it that obvious?”

Dad: To anyone that knows you.

I nodded.Discreet, my ass.

Dad: He’s older and he’s your coach.

“He’s only eight years older than me. And we’re both adults. I’m not going to stop seeing him. I don’t care what anyone says.”

Dad: It’s serious?

“Yeah. I’m falling hard.”

Dad: You know your own mind. Always have. The way he looked at you… I don’t know if that makes it better or worse.

I glanced at the picture of the four of us and marveled at the way Damien was smiling at me. What we were to each other was right there for anyone to see.

“I’m happy,” I reassured my dad. “Really fucking happy.”

Dad: Language.

I started laughing, reaching for his arm.

“It’s going to be fine. I promise.”

Dad: Until the school finds out. What then?

“I’ll worry about that later.”

It was a shit answer, but it was all I had. I should’ve been more concerned about how my teammates might react to this news; probably freaked out, like Finn. And what about Damien’s job? Why did I keep ignoring the warnings that were flashing in front of me? Before, the only thing I saw was my family and hockey. But now, there was Damien. All I wanted was him, and fuck anyone’s opinion about it.

Dad: What we want and what’s best can be two different things.

“I know. But I’ve never felt like this before. This isn’t casual. Not for me or for him. And I know it seems impossible, but I’m good for him too. The man hardly laughed before and all I want to do is draw it out of him.”

Dad: He better treat you right. Or I’ll roll over his feet.

I chuckled at my dad’s protectiveness. “That won’t be necessary, but thanks for having my back.”

Dad: You’ve had mine. Looking after Josiah. It’s a lot for a man your age.

“I’d do it all over again.”

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