scene. Is that true?”
“Yeah, it’s true. We split when I started dating your mom.”
“Well… can you tell me about him?” There was no trace of the rage that had contorted his features minutes ago, only an earnest expression that tugged at Joel’s heart.
Joel had a better idea. He got up from the rocking chair and went over to the bookcase, where his laptop sat. Joel opened it and found the document, then handed the laptop to Nate. “Read this. It’ll tell you everything you want to know.”
“What is this?”
Joel smiled. “My first attempt at writing, so please, don’t judge.”
Nate inclined his head toward the kitchen. “I’ll read it at the table, okay?”
That was fine by Joel. He didn’t think his nerves could take watching Nate read.
He waited till Nate was out of sight, then sagged into the chair. His phone vibrated in his pocket, and he took it out. It was a text from Finn.
I’m going out of my mind here. Is everything okay?
Joel wasn’t sure okay was the right word, but he was happy with the cessation of hostilities. Joel’s thumbs flew over the keys. Nate’s still here. I think we called a truce. He’s staying tonight. Maybe you can come over tomorrow?
He won’t mind?
Joel smiled. Not now he won’t. Carrie will be here too, and Laura.
A moment later, Finn’s reply pinged. Okay. I’ll come over tomorrow. I’ll miss you tonight though.
Warmth pulsed through Joel in a slow tide. I’ll miss you too.
“Dad?”
Joel got up from the rocking chair and went into the kitchen. Nate sat there, his eyes wide. “Have you read it all?” Joel asked him.
Nate shook his head. “I’m up to the part where you went off to college. This… this is really good.”
“You’re the first person to read it.”
Nate blinked. “Not even Finn?”
“Nope.”
“Wow.” He returned his gaze to the laptop. “I can’t even begin to understand how you must’ve felt, having to hide everything. Not like nowadays, when people can just come out.”
Joel sighed. He is so young. “Not everyone comes out, because even today, not everyone can.”
Nate’s stomach growled, and he flushed. He gave Joel a sheepish glance. “Hey, Dad? Did you mean it when you said pizza?”
Joel chuckled. “Yeah, I need to eat too. Pepperoni okay?”
Nate nodded eagerly. “My favorite.”
“Mine too.” Joel went over to the freezer to search for the pizza, his heart a little lighter.
Maybe Finn was right after all. It’s going to be okay.
He wasn’t about to count his chickens, however. He and Nate still had a lot of talking to do.
Chapter Twenty-One
“Nate? Coffee’s ready.” Joel poured himself a mug and went over to the back door to gaze out at the deck. Almost finished. A thought flitted through his head. And what then? Will Finn stick around?
God, Joel hoped so. Of course, he could just come right out and ask Finn if he wanted what they had to continue, but that raised a dilemma. Joel already knew he didn’t want things to go on as they were—he wanted more. Only thing was, he was too shit-scared to reach out for it.
Nate came out of the bathroom and sniffed. “I like the smell of coffee. Laura thinks I’m weird.”
Joel chuckled. “Wait till she’s thirty. She’ll change her tune.” He nodded to the coffee pot. “Help yourself. Creamer’s in the fridge and there’s sugar in the canister.” He didn’t move from his spot.
Nate joined him once he’d poured himself a cup. He stood at Joel’s side, looking out at the yard. “I should’ve told you I was coming yesterday. And I should’ve rung the doorbell too, but I went around the back to take a look at the deck. Then I had to look inside, didn’t I? I got more than I bargained for.”
Joel took a deep breath. “I’m sorry you had to find out like that.”
“Hey, it could’ve been a lot worse. Then I’d be reaching for the eye bleach.” Nate snorted. “Joke, Dad.”
The fact that he could joke about it made Joel breathe that bit easier.
“Does Bramble need to pee?”
Joel laughed. “You were still asleep when I took him outside. He needs a walk though. We could do that before your mom gets here.”
Nate’s phone buzzed, and he took it from his jeans pocket. “No, we couldn’t.” He stared at Joel. “Laura says they just got off the turnpike.”
Joel glanced at the kitchen wall clock. “They’re about twenty minutes from here. That means they must have left the house before seven o’clock.” Oh God. Carrie was not a morning