Chapter 55

“No, Ma’am, I mean not at all,” Bobby said. “I think I might be gay.”

“Are you sure?” Mr. Walker said.

“As sure as I can be, Grandpa,” Bobby said, “without actually, you know, having done the deed, so to speak.”

Mr. Walker had kind of a wicked grin on his face as he said, “Promise me two things, Bobby.”

“What?” Bobby said.

“First, if at all possible, don’t tell your father until he’s finished paying for your education.”

“What else?”

“If and when you finally tell him,” Mr. Walker said, “I want to be there. I want to see the look on his face when he learns that both of his sons are gay.”

“Harold!” Mrs. Walker said. “That’s wicked of you.”

“If you really think so, Ruth,” her husband said, “why are you smiling? You don’t like the man any more than I do. Tell me you wouldn’t enjoy seeing him just a little bit deflated.”

“Maybe,” she said, still smiling, “but I think it’s wicked to talk about it.”