Page 43 of Run To You
“Morning, Dad. Day off?”
He shrugs. “I figured I’d worked hard enough recently.”
“Do you want some breakfast, honey?” Mom asks, already rising from her lounger. I wave her off and gently push her back down.
“I got it. Although I really need to go to the grocery store. I can’t keep pestering you guys for food.”
Mom tuts, and Dad laughs at her grumbling. Mom would have me over for every meal if she had it her way.
After I’ve cut up a bowl of fruit, I rejoin my parents. The silence is amiable, and a sense of peace washes over me.
“Did I see Eden leaving this morning?” Mom asks, bursting my idyllic bubble. I hate that I blush because it’s not like they’ve never seen Eden leave our house in the morning before. My and Eden’s parents were really cool about us sleeping over at each other’s houses. I’m grateful both sets of ’rents were super open about having gay kids and just wanted us to be safe and comfortable.
“You did,” I say without elaborating.
Mom swings her legs around until she’s facing the patio table I’m camped at with my breakfast and coffee. “Sloane Bishop, spill!”
“You know most parents aren’t all up in their kids’ love lives,” I joke. She and Dad have always taken an interest in that part of my life. I told them I had a massive crush on Eden, and they listened to me pine after her for years.
“Well, we’re not most parents,” Mom shoots back with a sweet smile.
Sighing dramatically, I place my spoon down. “The things I have to do,” I mutter loud enough for them to hear. They both laugh, which is what I was going for.
“Come on, kiddo. Spill the tea,” Dad adds.
“Fine. Yes, Eden did stay with me last night, but nothing happened. I mean, some stuff happened but not what you’re thinking. We talked. Like, a lot, and ironed out a few things. Eden needs time…to trust us, to trust me. She forgave me but I know she struggles with forgetting, and I put her through a lot.”
“She loves you, baby,” Mom says gently. “I always knew she’d be here waiting when you came home.”
“But it isn’t just about me. Eden has always put me first, and I hurt her. I need to show her I’m here for her, and that she can trust me not to run away.”
“So what did you guys decide?” Dad asks.
“We’re going to date. Take things slow and build our relationship from the ground up again.”
“That sounds like a good plan, Sloane. You’re taking the time to make sure it’s right for both of you.”
“We are. I want to plan the first date but I’m coming up blank.”
“Go old school,” Dad says. “Go out for a fancy meal and share some wine. I know you probably want to do something super special and surprising, but maybe giving Eden a taste of normal with you is better.”
I had planned on coming up with a fantastical date that would’ve blown Eden’s socks off, but maybe Dad is right. Maybe we should try something regular for a change.
“I’ll do some research into restaurants. Thanks, Dad.”
“He’s full of good ideas sometimes,” Mom deadpans. In a flash, Dad jumps off his lounger and scoops my mom up in his arms. She screams as he launches them both into the pool.
I love how they still act like this with each other. That’s the kind of love I want. The kind I know I’ve already found, I just have to nurse it back to health.
I left my parents playing in the pool. I was serious about the lack of food at my place. If the girls keep on coming over for pasta nights, I need to stock up. Now that I know Eden will be stopping by more often I’ll stock up on some snacks and sodas I know she enjoys.
The grocery store is delightfully cool as I enter. The weather today is gloriously hot, but after ten minutes of enduring the baking sun, I’m happy for the store’s air conditioning.
I’m halfway through my shopping when I accidentally bump my cart into someone. Ready to apologize, I gasp when I see Mr. Porter, my high school gym teacher.
“Sloane Bishop, well I’ll be damned. How are you?”
“Hi, Mr. Porter. It’s so lovely to see you.”
