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

My fingers graze his ass before he moves away. “It’s less messy in the tub,” Dan tells me with another laugh. Slipping a t-shirt on over his head, he adds, “I’ll think of you.”


I lie back on the bed and pout, a trait I’ve picked up from my sister this past weekend. “You do that,” I grumble. I hope he sees the wounded expression on my face. I hope it looks convincing enough.


Dan manages to look suitably sympathetic. “Aww, poor baby,” he cajoles and I pout harder, until my lips hurt. He laughs as he scoops up his toiletries—toothbrush, razor, the soap and toothpaste we both share. Heading for the door, he throws a glance over his shoulder and says, “You’ll get over it.”


Chapter 160