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

Halfway through the turn, we dostart to skid and I let go of Dan’s hand the same instant that he shakes free to grip the wheel. “Baby,” I caution, my heart in my throat. The world dips away dangerously and I clutch the door, my seat, anything to hold onto while the car threatens to pull out from under us. “Maybe this isn’t a good idea—”


Dan’s reply is caustic. “Michael, please,” he snaps. I purse my lips in a frightened grimace but stay silent. He knows what he’s doing,I tell myself. He won’t hurt me, he’ll keep me safe.Though I can’t help but wonder why we can’t just sit this out on the side of the road, would that be too much to ask?


Chapter 118