Chapter 7: Just Be Myself!

Eric's POV

As we continued watching Hell's Kitchen, my attention wavered, drawn back to my earlier conversation with Gary. It played in my mind like a vivid scene from a movie, echoing with his comforting words.

**

"Good afternoon, Sir Eric. How's your first day of college?" Gary asked, his warm voice laced with genuine concern.

"Everything's great so far, I guess..." I replied, casting my gaze downward.

"Is there something bothering you?" he inquired gently. "Stan's not there, is he?"

"No, he's not here, thankfully. But there's something I need to talk to you about..." I glanced around cautiously, ensuring our privacy. I didn't want Stephen or anyone else to discover the truth about my growing feelings. "Remember how I had a small crush on Stephen back in high school?"

"I wouldn't call it a small crush, but yes, I remember. And I was proud of you for confiding in me and your mother," he affirmed, his eyes filled with fatherly affection.