Page 108 of Make the Play
“That’s because you’re more tactful than me. That’s why you’re the court lawyer, and I just work on legal documents in my office.” He turns his gaze on Emerson, smiling friendly. “Kim is amazing. Best lawyer in Southern California. They’re going to cry when she retires next year.”
“You’re retiring?” Jason gapes.
“I told you not to mention that yet.” His mom swats his dad’s arm which is still wrapped around her. “Who cares about retirement, I want to know more about yourfriend. Introduce us.”
The way she says friend means she knows exactly how friendly they are. Then again, the way Jason’s all but wrapped himself protectively around Emerson was likely the first giveaway.
“Mom, Dad—this is Emerson.”
“Nice to meet you, Emerson,” his dad says, extending a hand which Emerson awkwardly shakes.
“You too, sir.”
“Oh no, no ‘sir’ around here. You just call me ‘Art.’”
“Can I hug him?” his mom blurts, looking like the only thing stopping her from throwing her arms around Emerson is the way his dad is still hugging her.
“Why are you asking me?” Jason laughs. “He’s right here.”
“Well, you’re kind of holding on to him, sweetie.” His mom smiles, pushing a stray curl out of her eyes. “Emerson, sweetheart, do you mind if I hug you?”
“Oh, um, sure ma’am,” Emerson says, straightening himself stiff as a board.
“Ma’am,” his mom laughs. “Just call me Kim. Or Mom.”
“Mom,” Jason groans.
“What?” his mom laughs. “You haven’t brought anyone home in years. I’m not stupid. Besides, I've never seen you look so happy. Anyone who makes my boy smile like this can call me Mom. Well, if he wants. I’m sure he’s got his own mother, but?—”
“She’s dead,” Emerson offers.
Both his parents go very still, until his mom practically twitches.
“Can she hug you before she starts crying?” Jason whispers to Emerson.
Emerson nods, that permission all Kim needs before Emerson’s got an arm full of Jason’s mother. Despite her small stature, it’s Emerson who curls into her, his shoulders hunching as he hides his face in her curls. She tightens her hold on Emerson, whispering something Jason can’t make out. Whatever she’s said makes Emerson’s shoulders drop further. They stay like that for long seconds, and when Emerson pulls out of the hug, both their eyes are watery.
“So,” his mom says, clearing his throat. “A boyfriend. Can’t believe you didn’t warn me.”
“Sorry, I know I should’ve told you I was bisexual before.”
“Sweetie, I’ve known you were bisexual since you were seventeen and couldn’t take your eyes off Theo’s date to prom.”
“What the hell, Mom?”
“No, it was earlier than that,” his dad counters. “Remember that boy Theo went to homecoming with sophomore year? Jason kept checking out his ass.”
“What the fuck, Dad?” Jason groans.
“You’re right,” his mom nods, ignoring Jason. “I forgot about that. You’ve got a good memory.”
“Hard to forget the first time you notice your son?—”
“Oh my god! Stop it!” Jason laughs, relieved at their easy acceptance of his sexuality and also deeply embarrassed. He also really wants to talk to Theo now because he has no memory of that specific event.
“Sorry,” his mom says, not sounding sorry at all. “Besides, you know we only care about our boys being happy. You don’t ever have to come out to anyone you don't want to, Jason. I meant you should’ve warned me you were bringing home someone special. You said you were bringing a friend over. I would’ve made a home cooked meal instead of ordering takeout if I’d known you meant someonespecial.”
“Takeout is probably for the best,” his dad soothes, kissing the top of her head.
