Page 13 of Perfectly Wrong
“Guess I was pretty obvious, huh?”
“You were.” He sets the paper down. “I get it. I was attracted to him once. He’s a spectacular man.”
“Yeah.”
“But he wouldn’t be good for you, Tristan. I’m not just saying that because you’re my son. I know him well. He’d just use you for sex. That’s all he knows.”
I gaze out at the pool. “What would be so bad about that? You’re always telling me to have experiences. Why wouldn’t messing around with Bishop count as that?”
“Because he’s my best friend, so he’s in my life. Which means he’s in your life. He’s not some hook up at the bar or college who you never have to see again.” He takes my hand in his. “Besides, you have a big heart. You could fall for him, and…”
“And?”
“If he hurt you, I would never forgive him.”
I nod. “I understand, dad. Too risky. I just thought, maybe…”
He studies my face. “Did you come on to him, Tristan? Last night?”
My eyes widen. “Why would ask me that?”
“He seemed so uncomfortable this morning. I could tell he’s attracted to you, and I know he doesn’t really care about age. Did you do something?”
I promised. I fucking promised, but I never lie to my dad. I start to speak, but he interrupts me.
“You know what, never mind. I don’t want to know after all. Just whatever happened, if anything at all, promise me you’ll let it go. Focus on school and forget about Bishop.”
“Okay, dad.”
“Promise?”
I nod. “I promise. I don’t want to do anything that might hurt you or him. I just wanted to have a little fun, but he cares about you.”
“I know he does.” He cups my face. “I love you, son, more than life itself, and I want you to be happy and have everything you could ever want. If Bishop had your heart, and if you both wanted to try dating, I would try to be cool with it, but I know him, and he’s not ready for anyone like you.”
Something in his tone stands out. “Did you and him ever hook up?”
Dad exhales slowly. “Once, when we first met.”
Ugh. “You had sex?”
“No. Just messing around, but halfway through it, we both realized the attraction wasn’t there. It was like…” He shakes his head. “Like fucking around with your brother or some shit.”
We both laugh. “Gross.”
“It was. We knew then we’d only be friends going forward. But I’ve been out with him. I’ve been present for his relationships. He just fucks and runs.”
“What happened to him to make him like that?”
“I’m not sure, but I think it was the one time he put his heart in the game, and it got trampled on. He thought he had found the one, but the guy was just having fun. When it got too serious for him, he bailed and left Bishop picking up his dreams. From then on, he’s been guarded.”
I nod. “Too bad. He’s pretty phenomenal.”
“He is. That’s why I’m warning you. Spending time with him, you’d easily get caught up. I can’t see him ever settling down, much less with someone so much younger. You have your entire life ahead of you, Tristan. You need to find your place in this world. Bishop is on a different level.”
“I know, dad. I didn’t want to marry him.”
Dad laughs. “Yet.”
