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

At the table, Ray shoots me a hateful look that I meet with a steady gaze, until he’s the one to turn away. I need to go talk with my dad, tell him Dan’s not coming to his beck and call. I’ve wasted too much time arguing here—by the time I return, Dan won’t even be in the mood anymore. Heading for the back door, I call out bitterly, “I’m sorry, okay?” I’m talking to Caitlin but she’s not looking at me, she’s probably not even listening. “Just stop fucking interrupting us.”


“Stop interrupting you fucking,” she corrects. Her slight smile tells me we’re cool again.


“Caitlin!” Aunt Bobbie warns. I make my escape, the sounds of my sister’s quick laughter following me outside. 38: My Dad


Chapter 127