“Are you okay, sweetheart?”
“Yeah.”
He thought maybe she was crying, but it was unlike her. “Are you sure?”
“Yeah, I’m sure. When do you want me to come over for dinner?”
Trent sucked in a breath, shocked at the about turn in her. What made her change her mind? “I’m not sure which day yet. It will either be tomorrow or Thursday. Can I message you later?”
“Sure. I’ve got to go.”
“Okay, sweetheart. I’ll speak to you later.”
“Bye, Dad.”
He couldn’t believe she’d agreed to come, at least for the moment. He told himself not to get his hopes up until she was actually at his door.
A knock sounded. Max was a sight for sore eyes, and Trent enfolded him in his arms, holding him tightly. He never expected to get so close so quickly.
“I could get used to coming back to that every day,” Max said.
“Sorry, been a long day.”
“I’m not complaining.” Max pulled back and cupped Trent’s face. He closed the distance and kissed him chastely. Then pulled back and lifted the bag. “I come bearing gifts.”
The smell of the food hit Trent, his stomach growling in response. Max laughed. “Someone’s hungry.”
They dished up the dinner and took it to the sofa to eat, tuning the TV into some gardening programme for background noise.
“So, what did you want to talk about?” Max asked.
Trent turned sideways so he could look at Max without twisting. “I came out at school today.”
Max coughed; something must have gone down the wrong hole. Trent reached for Max’s drink and passed it over.
Once he’d stopped choking, he croaked out, “What!?”
“You heard me. Someone at school had seen us out on Saturday, so I decided to own it. I came out to that person knowing that it would go around the school in no time.”
“Why?”
“Three reasons. Firstly, there was no denying it was me on Saturday. Secondly, knowing this person, it would spread to school soon anyway, and thirdly, I don’t want to hide.” He whispered the last part, looking down at his plate.
“Wow.”
“That’s not all either.”
“There’s more?” Max stared at him, shock written all over his face.
“I came out to Jocelyn and Harper too.”
“Jesus, Trent, you don’t do things by halves, do you?” Max sat back against the arm of the sofa, having copied Trent’s position.
He laughed. “No reason to. Plus, Jocelyn asked to meet you. Are you free tomorrow or Thursday for dinner?”
Max stared at him, then smiled. “Either is fine.”
“Tomorrow then.”