“That’s amazing.”
“It is. I told him that as much as I valued our friendship, I was willing to risk it for you.” He smiles. “I don’t even know how this happened.”
“What? Us?”
“Yeah. One night I was just fucking around with you and the next I’m asking you to stay.”
“I’m basically irresistible.”
Bishop laughs, leaning in to kiss me. “You are.”
“Should I call him?”
“I told him you would reach out when you’re ready to tell him your plans. I thought you should come to him as a man and show him you got this.”
“Because of you.”
“There’s no shame in getting help.”
I nod. “I feel really blessed to have you in my life. For so many reasons. You have my heart, Bishop. All of it.”
“I know.” He climbs on top of my lap, straddling me and wrapping his arms around my neck. “Want to fuck?”
I laugh. “Yes, sir, I do.”
In the morning,I kiss Bishop on the forehead and sneak out, knowing my dad is up early. He always is. I drive to his house, feeling less nervous than before, but still crazy nervous. Now he knows about me and Bishop.
When I arrive, I unlock the door and step inside to find him sitting at the kitchen table, staring outside.
“Dad?”
He looks up and smiles as he rises from the table and rushes to me. He pulls me into his arms, hugging me tightly. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
I hug him back, letting my tears fall. “I’m sorry.”
He steps back, studying my face. “For what?”
“So much. For making you worry, for wasting your money in school, for failing, for hiding Bishop. I never meant to hurt you, dad. Never.”
He cups my face. “I know that, son. I know. You didn’t hurt me. You did what you had to do to deal with me. I’m the one who’s sorry. I just didn’t see it before how I was pushing you to live my life instead of yours.”
We walk over and sit on the couch. “Bishop too, dad. I didn’t know it would become something. I just wanted…” I shake my head. “You know.”
“You’re in love with him?”
“Yeah. His impact on me was quick. It was like being hit with a meteor and pulled into his orbit. I couldn’t stay away. Even when I went back to school, all I could do was think about him.”
“Are you sure it’s love? You saw him a few times.”
“I know, but when he looks at me, dad, it’s like I’m the only person who exists. We just click on a level that blows my mind. You had to notice.”
“I did. I tried to ignore it, but it’s impossible. The two of you…” He smiles. “To use your words, it was like no one else existed. I was afraid he was just fucking around. I should have stayed out of it.”
“You couldn’t. I’m your kid and he’s your best friend. We should’ve come clean sooner, but neither of us knew it would be something worth talking about. I thought it would be a fling. I didn’t think I could snag a man like Bishop.”
“I knew you could, but I didn’t think he would let you. He surprised me.”
I laugh softly. “I think he surprised himself, but he’s such a good person. He’s been incredibly loving and supportive and protective. That night I drank too much, he was so gentle. I was so mad at him and I acted ridiculous. I called him a pussy.” Dad’s eyebrow rises. “I drank too much and threw a tantrum. He tookme home and put me in the shower and tucked me in. He took care of Trinity. I tried to come on to him that night, but he said no way. I needed to sleep it off. He cared about me.”
