"Deal."
That was how we found ourselves at my parents’ house the next day for dinner. My mom had invited Josh to join as well, and of course he brought Ava, his daughter. As we settled around the table, Mom cleared her throat.
"Now, it’s been too long since we’ve seen each other like this. I want us to go around the table and everyone should say one thing that’s new in their life."
My stomach turned. There was my chance, but was I really going to announce an update to my sexuality over Mom’s tater tot casserole?
"Now, my new thing is I’ve decided to take a photography class." Mom beamed, looking pleased with herself. "I want to take pictures of the birds in the backyard."
Dad patted her hand. "You’re going to be great, honey. I’m learning to cook. That’s my news.”
Mom smiled at him, the corners of her mouth tugging up. “He’s getting better. The casserole he made for tonight wasalmostedible.” When Josh and I exchanged looks, Mom laughed a little. “Don’t worry. The one that made it to the table is all mine.”
Josh went next. "Ava started taking music lessons. Guitar."
She rolled her eyes. "Dad, that’s not a new thing foryou."
"Being a guitar dad is," he argued.
Mom chuckled and shook her head. "You need to think of something else. Ava’s news doesn’t count as yours."
"Fine…" He frowned as he thought. "I actually just scored a major new account at work. Does that count?" When Mom nodded, he glanced at Ava. "Now you have to think of something other than guitar," he teased, poking her in the ribs.
Ava sighed heavily, very much the put-upon teenager. "Fine. I have a boyfriend." She cut a glance at her dad, who was shaking his head but smiling.
"Ava thinks she’s old enough to have boyfriends," he said.
"Dad, I’m thirteen. That’s old enough." Josh just chuckled and shook his head again.
All eyes were on me next. "Mason, what’s your new thing?" Mom asked.
My heart pounded in my chest.Tell them. Just rip off the bandage."I… also have a boyfriend."
Josh laughed incredulously. "Okay. What’s yourrealnew thing? If I can’t use Ava’s guitar lessons, you can’t use Ava’s boyfriend announcement to deflect."
"I’m not," I said slowly. "It’s true." I glanced at Emery, who gave me a little nod.
"Fine, you don’t want to share. I guess we’re moving on to Emery." Josh’s tone was thick with annoyance.
Emery smiled, but I could see the nervousness in the smile. "Ialsohave a boyfriend."
My mom’s patience ran out then. "Fine, you boys don’t want to play. I get it. You want to keep your lives to yourself. I understand. I just wish you wouldn’t make fun of me."
"Mom—" I started. I looked at Emery again and he gave me an almost-imperceptible nod. "I’m not making fun of you. Emery and I are… we’re dating. Each other."
Her eyebrows furrowed and she looked back and forth at both of us.
Dad cleared his throat. "So, when did this happen?"
"Beginning of the summer, I guess. It’s new."
Emery took my hand under the table. "But we’re happy. So far."
Everyone was quiet for a few moments before Josh spoke up. "Well, I think it’s awesome. Emery’s practically family anyway. Might as well welcome him into the fold officially."
Mom and Dad were both looking at me quizzically. When Mom spoke again, she spoke slowly, as if she was choosing her words carefully. "I didn’t know you liked men."
I shrugged. "Me either. Not until Em and I started seeing each other."
