Mike’s life is carefully compartmentalized. He’s deep in the closet to his family back in Kansas, but lives life honestly and openly in Austin. He’s unnerved when Wes, his old university crush, turns up at his door in answer to a roommate advertisement, but quickly sees the potential ... benefits of the arrangement. Wes has never doubted nor denied his sexuality. With the support of his family he’s an out and proud LGBT activist.<br><br>On the scale balancing his self-esteem on one side, and the love of his family on the other, Mike has to decide which weighs more. Is Mike being fair to his parents by not giving them the chance to know his real self? When the delicate balance of his life is disrupted, he decides he’s tired of living a lie. Will Wes understand his concerns, or will their fledgling relationship crumble under the strain of Mike’s uncertainty?

Closets Are for Clothes

The expression on my brother’s face was more of a cross between curiosity and worry. He cleared his throat. “You know Mom is going to plan something with all the family for Saturday afternoon since you’re coming to town. Maybe Helen and I can steer the conversation to something that’ll help you out, ’cause you’ll need to get it done before everyone descends.”


I groaned melodramatically and palmed my face. Of course Mom would plan something with her sisters and their families. They were always looking for any excuse for a gathering. There would probably be a cookout, and the house would be full of aunts, uncles, and cousins.


So, yeah, one way or another, I would have to come out of the closet Saturday morning, as early as possible, and hope the atmosphere wouldn’t be hopelessly tense by the time company arrived.


Chapter 17