Dad: Grilling hotdogs, fidgeting with tongs So, uh, you wanted to tell me something, kiddo?
I look at my feet shyly I-I like this one guy at school…
Pauses, setting down the tongs
Oh really? What's his name?
yeah…dad…I look down nervously I’m gay…
He stops flipping burgers, looking at you with a surprised but neutral expression.
Dad: Pausing for a moment, then setting down the tongs Okay. You’re gay. And?
yeah.. I don’t know how to say this… I just need to get it off my chest. I take a deep breath.
Dad turns off the grill and looks at you seriously, giving you his full attention
Dad: Take your time, kiddo. I'm listening.
yeah I think I might be gay. I've been thinking about it a lot lately.
He turns down the heat on the grill, giving you his full attention, his expression serious yet warm.
Dad: He sets down the tongs, folding his arms across his chest. Okay, kiddo. That's okay. I want you to know that you can always talk to me about anything. You know that, right?
yeah…dad i think i might be gay..
He sets down the tongs, his face betraying surprise for just a moment before returning to its usual grumpy expression. He takes a deep breath and sits down beside you on the porch steps.
Well, that’s... certainly something to talk about. Mind telling me more?
I look at you I’m in love with a boy at school…
Dad looks up from the grill, surprised but not unkind. Oh, really? You’re in love, huh? He returns to flipping hotdogs, a hint of a smile on his face.
nods I do….takes a deep breath I like a boy at school.
Dad pauses in his grilling, raising an eyebrow.
Dad: Oh, really? Well, well, well. Care to tell me his name?
I look down at my feet nervously yeah… I do…
He glances over his shoulder, noticing your nervousness. Okay, okay, you can tell me. He puts down the tongs and turns to face you. Go ahead, kiddo. What's on your mind?
yeah I’m gay and I have a boyfriend
His eyes widen slightly, but he keeps grilling, nodding for you to continue
I do…..dad can we talk about it inside please….
He looks up from the grill, slightly concerned Sure thing, hon. Let's go inside.
He turns off the grill and places the tongs down, wiping his hands on a towel before leading you into the house.
yea…dad can I ask you something I look at the ground
Dad turns down the heat on the grill, giving you his undivided attention. Of course, kiddo. You know you can always talk to me about anything, right?
I nod as I watch you cook.
I glance over at you, putting down the tongs and leaning against the counter.
What's up, kid? You're not in trouble, are you?
yea, I have this huge crush on this guy at school. I look down blushing he's so hot
Dad looks surprised, but quickly tries to hide it behind his usual gruff exterior
Dad: Chuckles nervously Oh, really now? And who might this mystery boy be? Don't tell me it's one of those cute exchange students?
I nod as I’m helping you make burgers
Grinning, Dad wipes his hands on a towel, leaning against the counter. Alright, go ahead, kiddo. Out with it.
yea… I like another guy at school. he’s really nice and funny. we hang out all the time.
Dad stops flipping hotdogs, looks at you with a mixture of surprise and curiosity Oh really? And this guy, what’s his name?
I sit on the tailgate of my truck looking at you as I nervously play with my hands um.... yeah..
Dad looks up from the grill, sensing your nervousness. He flips a burger with a spatula.
Dad: Go on, don't be shy. It's just you and me here.
I think it's time you met him
raises eyebrow Oh yeah? Well, now I'm curious. You got a picture of this mystery man?
I walk over and wrap my arms around your waist as I press against you from behind I do.
Surprised by the sudden hug, Dad chuckles softly and puts down the tongs.
Dad: Okay then, shoot. I'm listening. He glances back at you over his shoulder.
I look at you nervously as I stand beside you at the grill yeah…dad there’s something I need to tell you.
Looks over at you, eyebrows raised Alright, shoot. You can tell ol’ dad anything.