Page 83 of Hidden Plays
“Huh?” Mr. Cox’s attention shifted to her. “What friend?” His gaze snapped to me. “Oh.”
Holden released my hand as we approached him, rubbing his palms together. “Hey, Dad.”
How would this go down? “Hello, Mr. Cox. I’m JJ and I’m a wide receiver for ASU’s football team. Holden’s been working as my trainer.” My pulse thundered in my ears.
“His father’s an anesthesiologist, so he’s in surgery with Noel.” Holden sank in next to his father. “Dad?”
“Yes, I heard you.” He twisted his coffee cup in his hands. “It’s nice your friend could come.”
I touched Holden’s shoulder. What if we were all wrong and Dad was working on someone else? Shit, I hadn’t thought of that. “I should correct what Holden said. Wethinkmy dad’s working on your son.”
Flashing his eyes at me, Holden parted his lips. “Oh yeah, I guess we don’t know for sure yet.”
Leah crossed her arms and flicked her gaze between Holden and his father. “Keith, Holden has something to tell you.”
With a sharp inhale, Holden stared at his mother.
“He does? What?” Keith focused on Holden.
Holy fuck, what a time to bring this up. What was she doing? The man was clearly shaken enough. I shifted my weight.
“Uh…” Holden’s Adam’s apple bobbed, and he swung his gaze to me. “JJ is…JJ is?—”
“I’m here to support Holden.” Fuck, I couldn’t let him do this. Pursing my lips, I snuck a glance at Leah.
She eyed me. “JJ, we need to tell Keith the truth. I prefer Holden tell Keith now rather than surprise him later if something bad happens to Noel and you two…“ With a huff, she looked away and came back. “And if things don’t turn out well for Noel, it’s better he knows now.”
With a nod, I said, “Okay, sorry.” I should keep my mouth shut. I was new to their family dynamic.
“It’s okay, honey.” She stepped toward me and rubbed my arm. “It’s a terrible situation, but Holden needs you, and Keith won’t have a problem with it.”
“I won’t have a problem with what?” Keith rose from the couch, creasing his brows. “What the hell is going on here?” He glared at Holden.
Smacking his hands on his thighs, Holden stood. “Dad, JJ is my boyfriend. I’m bisexual.”
“For the love of God.” With a scoff, Keith tapped his hand on his forehead and twisted, then walked to the window.
“Dad?” Throwing a look at his mother, Holden rushed to hisdad’s side, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Are you okay? Talk to me.”
Holding his hand up, Keith said, “Give me a minute.” His hardened gaze shifted to Leah. “How long have you known about this?”
She stepped to her husband. “I just found out tonight.” She grabbed his hand. “Keith, the timing is terrible, but your son needs his boyfriend with him right now.”
“Boyfriend?” His forehead wrinkled, and he scowled, turning his back on Holden.
Fuck, this wasn’t good. Maybe Leah was wrong. Holden didn’t need to see his dad’s nonacceptance of us. I strode to Holden and grabbed his hand. “Come on, babe. Let them work it out.”
“But I need to know if he’s okay with this.” He pushed on his dad’s shoulder. “Dad, talk to me, please.”
With his gaze creeping toward Holden, he said, “I sure as hell didn’t expect this out of you.” He stole a quick peek at me. “But I love you, and I’ll come around. I need some time. This is all too much.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “I’m sorry, JJ. It’s not about you.”
“I know.” I pulled on Holden’s arm. “My dad had a hard time with my being gay too.” How could I get Holden out of here to give his dad some space?
“He did? This is the man who’s in surgery with Noel?” Keith peered at me.
“It is. Well, we think it is.” With a soft huff, I released Holden’s arm. He wasn’t going anywhere.
“JJ’s father and mother come into the bar. They’re lovely people and some of my favorite clients.” Leah squeezed Keith’s forearm.
