Page 33 of Trick or Treat Nurse at My Feet
Our conversation flows surprisingly easily afterthat. Tyler talks about his family, three sisters, a supportive dad, and a mother who had "expectations" that he tries to meet. I share stories about my parents, who are accepting but sometimes overbearing in their enthusiasm.
"So your parents know you're gay?" Tyler asks.
"Since high school. My mom asked me if I wanted a rainbow cake for my 16th birthday."
Tyler bursts out laughing. "That's... supportive."
"Mortifying at sixteen. I don't think she wanted to do it, to be honest. It was like she'd read 'Parenting Your Gay Teen For Dummies' and was following a checklist," I say, running my finger along the rim of my cup. "My parents are... performatively supportive, if that makes sense."
Tyler tilts his head, waiting for me to continue.
"They send me articles about LGBTQ healthcare inequality, my mom's way of acknowledging my career choice and sexuality in one efficient email. They put a rainbow magnet on their car and tell all their friends about their 'gay nurse son' like I'm some exotic pet they've adopted."
Pausing, I realize how bitter I sound. "Sorry, that's harsh. They're trying, I guess. They've never kicked me out or anything dramatic. Just... they support the idea of me more than the actual me. Every phone call feels like we're reading from different scripts."
Remembering my mother's most recent call, her carefully measured questions about "dates" while never asking for a name or details. "They're the kind of parents who attend PFLAG meetings but still change the subject when I mention an actual boyfriend."
"That's got to be confusing," Tyler says, his expression thoughtful.
"It is what it is," My shoulders lift and I'm suddenly self-conscious. "Lots of people have it way worse. Sylas's parents didn't speak to him for two years after he came out. Ryan's family would probably perform an exorcism if they knew." I wince at bringing up Ryan, but push forward. "By comparison, I hit the mediocre-but-not-completely-terrible parent lottery."
"Doesn't mean it doesn't hurt," Tyler says quietly.
Something in his understanding tone makes my chest tighten. "At least they haven't disowned me for choosing nursing instead of medical school. That's their other great disappointment."
"What about your parents? Do they know about..." I gesture vaguely between us.
Tyler's expression grows more serious. "My dad probably suspects. We've never explicitly talked about it, but he's pretty perceptive. My mom..." he hesitated. "That's going to be more complicated."
"Because you've only dated girls before?"
"Because she has very specific ideas about my future. Including my ex-girlfriend, whom she adores. They still have lunch sometimes."
There's a familiar sinking sensation. "Oh."
"It's not like that," Tyler quickly adds. "I'm not hiding this. I'm just saying it might take her time to adjust."
Before I can respond, a booming voice interrupts us.
"VP!" A tall guy in a Delta Psi sweatshirt approaches our table, flanked by another frat guy I vaguely recognize from the Halloween party. "Thought that was you. We missed you at the house meeting this morning."
Tensing up, I wait for Tyler to pull back a bit, to play off our coffee as just a casual thing.
Instead, Tyler leans back in his chair. "Guys, this is Ethan. We're on a date, so make it quick."
My eyes widen at his directness as he introduces them. The two frat guys, Marcos and Brian, barely react to the declaration.
"Cool, man. We just need to know if you approved the budget for the alumni weekend," Marcos says, pulling out his phone to show Tyler something.
Tyler quickly checks whatever they are showing him, makes a decision, and sends them on their way with a friendly but firm dismissal.
After they leave, I stare at him. "That was... unexpected."
"What part?" Tyler takes a casual sip of his coffee.
"The 'we're on a date' part. The them not freaking out part."
Tyler shrugs. "I told you. My brothers respect me."
