Chapter 33
Colton
Colton rested his arm on the open window of his G Wagon, letting the warm air caress his face as he drove up the coast. He was heading up to his parents’ place, a short drive, only fifty miles north of San Francisco.
He’d been seeing Dean for a couple of months now, even moved in together, but he still hadn’t told his parents.
He’d finally worked up the courage to do it.
He felt nauseous, his stomach in knots, and he was having trouble swallowing. If he wasn’t careful, he could easily talk himself into turning around and going back home.
Going back and fucking Dean six ways to Sunday would be a much more pleasurable afternoon.
But Colton was determined to be better for Dean, to be honest with himself and with the people closest to him. So that meant he had to come out to his parents, before he chickened out. Again.
Having heard Dean’s coming out story, and the coming out stories of so many kids at the shelters, Colton feared what might happen after he told his parents.
They loved him, he knew that.
But he also knew their plan for his life, which didn’t include him dating a man. They wanted the wife, kids, and the picket fence, while dying a slow boring death in some suburb.
Decidedly the opposite of what Colton wanted anymore.
He pulled into the driveway and took a long, calming breath as he stared up at his childhood home.
It was a palatial house, grand and opulent. Both Colton’s parents were professional athletes. His father had also played in the NFL, winning three championships, and his mother played pro tennis. Money had never been an issue for Colton and his family.
He took one last deep breath and approached the door.
“Colton! What a surprise!” His mom kissed his cheek, ushering him into the house. “What are you doing here? You can’t possibly need money. And I’m not about to do your laundry.” She teased.
Colton chuckled and kissed her cheek. “Hey, Mom. I didn't know I needed a reason to come visit my parents.”
“Well, considering you haven’t darkened our door since Christmas...” Mary retorted with a wink. “Come in, you can help me in the kitchen.”
They made their way down the central corridor of the house, passing through a massive great room that opened into a large, open concept kitchen and dining area in the back of the house. The appliances were all stainless steel, with dark walnut cabinetry, and milky white quartz countertops.
A vast array of ingredients and bowls was spread across the central island. It looked like the refrigerator exploded.
Colton looked over the cluttered, messy island. “What exactly am I helping you with?”
“I’m making your father a special dinner.” Mary double clacked her tongs in Colton’s face.
“There’s enough here for a week of dinners.” Colton laughed.
“Food is the key to a man’s heart, my son. You’ll learn that if you ever decide to settle down with a nice girl.” Mary smirked with a wink and another clack of her tongs.
Colton inhaled sharply. He realized his mother was right. Whether he meant to or not, Dean had taken residence in his heart, not only with his charm, beauty, and wicked sense of humor, but his skills in the kitchen totally sealed the deal.
“That’s kind of why I’m here today. I need to talk to you and Dad about something pretty important,” Colton said nervously.
Mary’s eyes danced with excitement. “Sure thing! Your father’s in the back yard.” She abandoned the massive cooking project and led Colton out the glass French doors by his arm.
Peter, Colton's father, was on his knees and elbow deep in dirt, tending to his garden.
“Hon, Colton's here and he needs to talk,” Mary called to him.
They each pulled out a chair and took a seat at the large, round glass table on the spacious patio off the back of the house.
“This must be something special,” Peter joked as he sat. “You only visit on holidays.” His eyes suddenly widened. “You didn’t get someone pregnant, did you?”
Mary gasped, her eyes widening to the size of golf balls.
“Jesus, Dad! No!” Colton scoffed.
Peter exhaled and Mary studied Colton. “You do look quite nervous, Colton. Would you like some water?”
Colton emitted a skittish laugh. “Maybe something a little stronger? Bourbon?”
Mary lifted her eyebrows. “Oh my! This is going to be one of those talks. I’ll get a round for all of us.”
Mary hurried off as Peter eyeballed Colton. He let out a light chuckle.
“What’s funny?” Colton muttered.
“The last time I saw you this jittery was when we had the sex talk. You were so uncomfortable.” Peter smiled with a wink.
Colton smiled too, “Well, it’s weird, isn’t it? Talking about sex with your dad.”
Peter laughed and squeezed his shoulder. “I suppose so. But it had to be done, Son.” He winked.
Mary returned with a glass of bourbon for everyone.
Colton took a big gulp and a deep breath…no turning back now.
“First, nothing’s wrong. I can tell by the looks on your faces that you’re worried. Everything’s fine.”
Mary and Peter both exhaled, their shoulders relaxing.
Colton took another big sip and another big breath.
“I need to tell you something, something very important. I’ve started seeing someone.
We’ve been together for almost four months and I’ve been keeping it from you, as if it’s something I’m ashamed of.
But I’m not ashamed or embarrassed. In fact, I’ve never been happier with anyone.
And I don’t think I’ve ever laughed or smiled more in my entire life.
I came here today to tell you about who I’m dating, and how happy it makes me, but I’m fairly certain you’re going to be a little shocked when I tell you who I’m seeing. ” Colton exhaled sharply.
Peter smiled and reached across the table, placing his hand on top of Colton’s. “Is it Dean?”
Colton sighed as relief washed over him. “Yeah. It’s Dean. I think I’m falling in love with him.” He smiled. “This must be love, or something…because I’ve sure as hell never felt this way about anyone else! I feel like I’m floating twenty-four seven.”
Mary looked at him as a tear rolled down her cheek. She didn't look happy and she didn't look angry…something in between. She stood and wrapped her arms around his shoulders.
Peter enveloped Colton on the other side, for a Merrick family sandwich, and Colton laughed with happy tears.
Mary pulled back quickly with an ‘I’m totally fucking serious’ face and poked Colton in his sternum. “But I need grandkids! This doesn’t let you off the hook, mister!”
Colton laughed loudly, rolling his eyes. Immediately, he thought of Aiden and how much he would love to have a grandma. “I think I can do that. Don’t worry.”
Peter, always the realist, sat back in his chair and asked bluntly. “So, are you going to tell the coach? The team?”
Colton sighed. “Well, we discussed that. I’m really nervous about telling anyone in the league, based on what’s happened with the other players who came out. Dean supports whatever I decide to do, which I appreciate. I guess I’m in a lets-wait-and-see type of situation.”
Peter patted his hand. “You know I’m a big proponent of honesty.
If you don’t tell them and it comes out in the media, it could really hurt your team dynamic.
” Peter’s expression shifted from practical to caring father.
“But it’s your decision, and that’s actually probably a smart thing to do.
Wait it out and assess the situation before moving any further.
And it’s really nice that Dean is so understanding of your situation. ”
Colton beamed with a wide smile. “He’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I don’t know how I got so lucky.” His gaze nervously bounced between his parents as the remainder of his nerves sizzled in his stomach. “But are you guys ok with it? Are you happy for me? You’re not upset?”
Mary shot a quick glance at Peter, then looked to Colton.
"I can't lie. It worries me a little. If this got out it could ruin your career.
I remember back on the tennis circuit, things were pretty toxic.
There were no out men and any women that were out were treated horribly and often shunned.
But I can see how happy you are, and all I want is for you to be happy and healthy.
Please just promise me you'll be careful. "
"I promise, Mom, I'll be fine."
“And you were right. It was a surprise.” Peter smiled as he took Mary's hand. “But we both really like Dean. He’s a great guy. You could do a whole lot worse!”
Colton snickered. “Thanks, Dad. You’re definitely right about that. I hit the fucking jackpot with Dean!”
“Language!” Mary chastised, playfully smacking his arm.