When Michael Knapp brings his lover Dan Biggs home to meet his parents, he doesn't expect things to go smoothly. His mother's been trying to marry him off for years, and sometimes he isn't even sure his father knows he exists. He has always felt like the shadow son, competing with his terminally stupid older brother and smart-mouthed little sister for his parents' attention. Coming out to them over dinner seemed like the perfect opportunity to finally get noticed.<br><br>But an unexpected phone call interrupts his announcement -- Aunt Evie, the family matriarch, is dead. With Dan in tow, Michael follows his family to Sugar Creek, where he spent his summers growing up, to prepare for the funeral.<br><br>Amid an overabundance of memories and relatives, Michael's world begins to slip. His dysfunctional family, Evie's death, and an old friend's confession all threaten to smother him. Worse, in his grief and confusion he seems determined to inadvertently push everyone away, including his lover. Can he and Dan move beyond his family and his past to a new life together, before Michael's insecurities tear them apart?

It's All Relative

With a wink that no one else sees, Dan says, “I’m not the only one.” He sips his milk, which leaves a moustache beaded above his upper lip, and even though we’re not alone, I can’t stop myself from kissing it away. The milk tastes cool against his warm skin, and while I’m still close, he whispers, “Why don’t you apologize to her?”


Because she’s my sister, I think. I shouldn’t have to say I’m sorry. Still, he gives me a slight nudge in her direction, and when I move past him, he slaps my ass playfully. Yes, I definitely can’twait to get him alone again, in one of the upstairs bedrooms maybe, or the attic where Aunt Evie stores slip-covered furniture. Just the two of us, the door locked on the rest of the family, and I’ll show him just how contrite I can be. I’m looking forward to it already.


Chapter 68