Page 160 of Game Changer
“What did they say?”
“They were great. Maybe a little surprised. But great. Encouraging.”
“Good! That’s awesome, Scott!”
“It is, yeah. And I’m going to go public after the playoffs. As soon as possible.”
“Wow. That’s...wow.”
“I don’t want to wait anymore,” Scott said, turning slightly toward Kip and brushing his fingers over his cheek. “I’d make the announcement right now if it wouldn’t distract the team. I want to be with you in the way that you deserve. In the way that webothdeserve.”
And now Kip was tearing up. “Me too.”
They kissed, softer and more tenderly than before.
“Will you come to my place tonight?” Scott asked.
“Yes,” Kip breathed. There was nothing in the world he wanted more.
They joined Kip’s parents a few minutes later, and if they had heard the two men crashing into each other upstairs, they didn’t let on. There was already a place set for Scott, with a plate that was heaping with food. Kip’s plate looked like it had been topped up a bit too.
“Thank you for having me,” Scott said. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”
“We’re very honored to have you.” Mom was very obviously bursting with pride. “We’re big fans, you know.”
“Oh. Thank you.”
“I’m a Scouts fan,” Dad said, “but I can make an exception.”
Scott smiled. “I grew up a Buffalo fan. I consider myself an Admirals fan these days, though.”
Everyone laughed and Kip beamed. It was thrilling and surreal, having Scott sitting here at his family’s table. Watching his parents laugh at his dry humor. The same dry humor that Kip loved so much.
“This is delicious,” Scott said. “I can see where Kip gets his cooking skills.”
“He’s cooked for you?” Mom asked, delighted. “That’s nice to hear. So how long have you two been seeing each other, then?”
Kip wasn’t sure how to answer her. “Since, um...”
“We met in January,” Scott said. “I met him at his work, actually. I wanted a smoothie, and, well—”
“January! ChristopherGrady! This has been going on sinceJanuaryand you haven’t told us?”
“We needed to keep it a secret,” Kip protested. “Scott’s not... You know.”
“I’m, um—” Scott started, “I’ve decided to come out. Publicly. Soon.”
“Oh,” Kip’s mother said. “Goodness.”
“That will be a pretty big deal,” Dad said.
Scott nodded. “Believe me, I know. And I didn’t want to... I don’t want Kip to be dragged into anything he’s not ready for, but—”
“I’m ready,” Kip said. “Anything that happens, I’m ready.”
Scott gave him a small, grateful smile. “I’m in love with your son, ma’am. I don’t care who knows it anymore.”
Kip blushed becausesheesh.
