Chapter 52

“I’d wind up with someone totally infatuated, cutting herself over me.” He sighs. “I wish Andy had been my dad.”

“Don’t. Because then you wouldn’t have a living father. And living is better,” I say seriously. “You can still work on your stuff.”

“Even if you get disowned?”

“I came out at twenty. I even announced Andy gave me crabs.”

“Seriously?”

“My mom replied ‘big deal.’ Dad said ‘small comb.’”

“Did they suspect, before that?”

“They knew.” I don’t want to overwhelm the kid, so I don’t mention the boys mowing or Tome Village. “I regret you and I haven’t had much of a relationship.” I pause. That sounded stiff. I want to give the kid my credit card, or a bunch of cash, but all I can really promise him is access. “We can now. How’s about I give you all the ways you can reach me? Do you have my cell number?”

“I don’t think so. I had Uncle Andy’s.”