Page 71 of Scoring Zone
“Did you pray about it?” Austin’s mom’s voice is high and stressed while his dad says, “Have you spoken to anyone at our church?”
Tinny opens his eyes and steadies himself. “There isn’t anything to pray about. You’ve known for years my stance on sexuality.”
“This is all Grayson’s influence, isn’t it?” his father spits out.
Before Austin can formulate an answer, there is a lot of background noise.
“In here, dear,” his mom calls, and we hear Lori enter and greet her parents.
“We’ll talk later, Austin,” his dad says.
“Hey, big bro. What’s up?” Lori says.
“We can’t talk, we’re going to lunch,” his mom says in a rush to get off the phone.
“Lori,” Austin yells. “I was telling Mom and Dad that I’m bisexual.”
“Oooh.” She draws the word out as if understanding all the tension in the room. “Cool. Who are you dating?” We hear a smack. “What? He wouldn’t tell us if he wasn’t serious about someone. Is it Grayson? Tell me it’s Grayson, or I’m disowning you. That man isfine!”
Leave it to Lori to embarrass Austin while giving him a sense of acceptance.
“I’ll pass that along,” he says, leaning into me.
“If you’re not dating him, I’ll fly in to tell him in person and watch a game. He makes a killer brunch with potatoesandCanadian bacon.”
“Thanks, sis.” Those two words hold so much feeling.
“Love ya. Gotta run.” The line goes dead.
I pull Austin into my arms. “All in all, that went well,” I murmur into his hair.
“It could’ve gone worse,” he admits. “Should I punch Lori or give her a huge hug?”
“Don’t worry, there’s only one Lapointe I’m interested in.” He scoffs and lifts his head so I can press my lips to his. “And you know she was trying to irritate you, but she made the next call with your parents easier. She’ll set them right.”
“It wasn’t bad, but it’s infuriating that they view it as a sin and blame you.” He rests his head against mine. The conversation clarifies the shame I’ve associated with my sexuality.
“I’ll take all the blame in the world. I’m keeping you, and your parents are part of the package deal. We don’t see them that often.” We sit in silence for a few minutes, but I can’t stand not knowing. “What are you thinking?”
“You’re too good to me, and I can’t show my appreciation because I’m meeting Kenney,” he grumbles.
“I’m here whenever you’re ready.” I try to sound sexy but laugh. Even though we’ve talked about this at length, I have a niggling sense of unease that his emotions will sabotage his mind. “I mean, is everything okay up here?” I tap my head.
“You can use that voice later in the bedroom.” He sits up, untangling us and I frown. “Sorry.” He sighs. “I’m happy I told them and that part is over. Part of me was terrified they’d disown me over the phone. They love me, but I’m not the son they wanted: a straight preacher or doctor.” He coughs. “We all have to live with their disappointment. I’m trying to identify my core emotion. And it ain’t fun.” He rolls his shoulders.
That’s something he’s talked about with the therapist that Victoria referred him to. It sucked diving into my emotions, and I assume it’s the same for him. I’ve been putting off going back to my therapist for no reason. “And?” I ask.
“I’m sad even though the conversation went better than I expected. I held out a sliver of hope that they would surprise me. Instead, Lori surprised me by saying you’re hot.” He uses his weight to flatten me on the couch.
“I’m sorry your parents let you down. If things get to be too much—”
“I’ll tell you or talk to someone. I promise.” He brushes my hair back off my forehead.
To change the subject, I throw a quote at him. “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return. Moulin Rouge.”
“Profoundly perfect, like you.” Austin kisses me softly. “Even if you’re stealing my movie quotes.”
I laugh and ask, “Is everything all right with Kenney?”
