ONE
BISHOP
“Can you grab me a beer, Bishop?”
Glancing over my shoulder at Rocco, I nod before opening the ice chest and grabbing a Blue Moon. “Catch!” He looks startled while I laugh. “Kidding.” I walk over to him and hand him the bottle after opening it. “Even I wouldn’t throw glass.”
Rocco laughs, taking a swig with one hand and flipping burgers with the other. “Thanks for coming over early to set up.”
“No thanks needed. How many are you expecting?”
“Tristan was vague, but I’m guessing twenty or thirty people.”
“Popular boy.”
Rocco chuckles. “Yeah, he’s always been social. I just hope he can buckle down and focus on school now. It’s a good opportunity for him.”
I shrug. “You know how I feel about college.”
“Yes, I do, but you had the focus and dedication to make something of your life without an advanced degree. I’m not sure Tristan does.”
“Maybe he just needs some time to get his head in the game.”
“Maybe, but this school is costing me a fortune so I hope it’s sooner rather than later.”
I pat my friend’s shoulder. “I’m sure it’ll be fine. You loved college.”
“I did.” He grins. “I could finally be me. At least Tristan never had to hide who he is.”
“He’s lucky to have you as a father.”
Rocco smiles. “Thanks. I’m proud of him after all he went through. It was rough after the divorce.”
“I can only imagine.” I take a drink of my beer.
“I don’t regret the marriage because of Tristan, but it sucked. Michelle wanted me to pay for hurting her.”
“Kind of can’t blame her, man.”
“I know.”
“Is it better now?”
“Better. Once Tristan turned sixteen and told her to stop shit talking me, she realized she had to change to maintain a good relationship with her child. Then he came out shortly after that.”
“How did she take it?”
“Shitty. Blamed me and said I taught him to be gay. As if you can do that.”
“People are stupid sometimes.”
“Yeah.” He flips a burger. “After she got some advice and education from a therapist friend, she relaxed. Accepted him and now I think she better understands I wasn’t trying to hurt her. I was trying to be normal, as they say.”
“Yeah, glad it worked out. It’s better for Tristan.”
“Definitely.”
“It’s weird as much as we hang out I’ve never met him. Our paths always just miss.”
