Page 26 of Hooking the Captain
“Do you think it would be possible for us to meet him?” Mom asked.
“I’m not sure. I wasn’t planning on telling you just now that I was seeing a guy.”
“Is he from here?” Dad inquired.
I shook my head. “Actually, he’s from Boston too, but we met here in Hartford while we were in town.”
“Oh, wow,” Mom breathed. “Small world.”
It sure was.
I pulled into Ford’s grandparents’driveway right at noon and sent him a text that I was out front. A few moments later, the front door opened, and he walked out and got into my truck. I itched to lean over and kiss him, but I refrained and instead squeezed his knee as he buckled his seat belt.
“Hey,” I greeted.
He smiled at me. “Hey.”
I backed out onto the street. “Just to get things out of the way, I might know a few people at the bar. I’ll introduce you as my friend, but I want you to know you’re more than that to me.”
Ford nodded. “I understand.”
“I really wish it wasn’t this way. By the way, I just told my parents this morning that I was gay and seeing someone.”
“Wait. What?” he gasped.
I lifted a shoulder. “It felt right.”
“How’d they take it?”
A smile spread across my face because telling them made some of the weight I’d been carrying around lift off of me. “Good. They want to meet you.”
Ford’s blue eyes widened. “Really?”
“I didn’t tell them specifics, but they want to meet the guy I’m seeing. Obviously, only if you’re up for it.”
“I …” He turned and looked out the passenger window. “I need to think about it.”
“Of course.” I knew he was in the closet too, so I understood his hesitation. I turned on the main drag where the bar was. “You’ve been understanding about my situation, so when and if you’re ready, that will be your choice.”
“Thank you.”
I pulled my F-150 into the parking lot of the bar and cut the engine. We got out and walked side by side to the front door. Before reaching for the handle, I took a deep breath and smiled warmly at him. In another world, maybe we could walk hand in hand and have nothing to hide, but even if Ford was out, I couldn’t be and that fucking sucked because spending time with him made me super happy. It was almost freeing.
The familiar scent of stale beer and fried food welcomed us as we entered. The low hum of conversation and the distant sounds of classic rock filled the air as I scanned the room for an open table. Spotting one, I walked to a booth near the corner, away from prying eyes, and Ford and I slid into the worn vinyl seats.
A server came over, and we ordered two plates of wings, fries, and a couple of beers. As we waited, I stole glances at Ford, his eyes reflecting a mix of excitement and nervousness. The weight of our secret hung in the air, but for now, we were just two friends enjoying a casual lunch.
“So,” I began, breaking the silence, “this place has the best wings in town. You’re in for a treat.”
Ford chuckled, relaxing a bit. “I’m looking forward to them.”
A few seconds later, the door chimed. I glanced over, and to my surprise, JP and his wife walked in. They hadn’t noticed us yet, so I nudged Ford, nodding subtly in their direction.
“Shit. That’s my friend JP, and his wife, Chrissy.” I assumed I’d see people I knew, but I didn’t realize it would be one of my best friends because I thought he’d be working.
Our waitress returned at that moment and placed our pints of beer in front of us, and we tried to act as casual as possible. JP finally spotted us, and a grin spread across his face before he made his way over. I slid out of the booth to greet my friend and his wife.
“Coop! I didn’t expect to see you here,” JP exclaimed, giving me a quick hug.
