J.T. Marie

Karen has always suspected her son Brian is gay. When he comes out to her his junior year of high school, she's happy he has finally embraced his sexuality. He's a well-rounded student -- gets straight A's, plays all the sports, and has a bright future ahead. But it worries her when he says he's the only gay kid at his school. Though his best friend knows he's gay, he doesn't want to risk coming out to anyone else and losing his popularity.<br><br>It breaks Karen's heart to see him so down. He should be going on dates like other kids his age. A dental assistant for an oral surgeon, Karen decides to subtly look for a good match for her son at work.<br><br>But when she discovers a former teammate of Brian's might be interested, her son gets angry at her for potentially exposing his sexuality. Can Mom make him see she's only trying to help?

Matchmaking Mom

David shrugs. “Bethany has the same rule. Years ago I told you no girls in your room with the door shut, remember? This is the same thing. No guys.”


Brian rolls his eyes and pouts, but he doesn’t argue. After a moment, he mutters, “It doesn’t matter, anyway. I’m the only gay kid at school.”


“You don’t know that, sweetie.” I reach across the table to pat his arm. “How many other kids know about you?”


He pouts harder and admits, “None, I guess. Well, Jenny. She knew before I even told her. Like you.”


“Good gaydar,” I joke, hoping to elicit a smile from him.


It doesn’t work. “Who knows?” Brian asks. “Maybe everyone already figured it out and I’m just the last to realize it. All I know is I don’t know anyone else who’s gay. Or bi. Or even questioning. All my guy friends are dating girls.”


“So are you,” David points out. “You’re taking Jenny to prom, right?”


“That isn’t a date,” Brian says. “She knows it isn’t, everyone knows. We’re BFF. That’s it.”


Chapter 3