Chapter 9

“So you two went on a date?”

“It wasn’t a date.”

“You had a meal together, but it wasn’t a date?”

“No, Mom, it wasn’t a date.”

“Well, maybe it should have been. I told you Leslie told me he broke up with that mechanic. You know she and I are in a book club together.”

“Yes, I know.” My mother and Darren’s mother were in frequent contact both inside and outside the book club.

“You and Darren would make a great couple,” my mother said.

“Why? Because we went to high school together?”

“Well, yes, but not just because of that. You two have a lot in common.”

“You’re just saying that because we’re both gay.”

“That’s a big thing to have in common, isn’t it? You need to strike while the iron’s hot. Leslie thinks Darren hasn’t been seeing anyone since he broke up with Carlos.”

“I doubt Mrs. Nichols would be happy to see me or any other man with Darren.”

“Why would you say that?”

“Darren told me his parents hate every man he dates.”