Page 54 of Switch Hitter

I drag a hand down my face, exhausted. Can’t I just not be brave for five seconds?

“My family is harassing me about being home for Easter next weekend,” I say finally, voice rough. “They’re… texting about ushering and menus and… like I’m still the same person they think I am.”

Gael nods. “But you are the same person.”

I shake my head. “No. I’m… I’m different.”

Jackson’s voice is gentle. “Still the same person. Just because you’re now painfully aware of your sexuality doesn’t make you any different.”

My phone buzzes facedown on the counter like it’s listening. The man who crossed the country just to sit in my apartment until I said the truth out loud is on the other side of that screen.

“I agreed to go to meet his family while we’re in New York this weekend,” I say, barely above a whisper.

Kai’s eyes go wide. “YOU’RE MEETING HIS FAMILY!”

“Shut up, Kai.”

Kai is already vibrating. “Oh my God. We need to make sure you look amazing. Is it like the whole family? Are we talking like a carne asada type deal?”

“He didn’t say. He just wants me to meet his family while I’m there. He said it’ll be… practice. Before I tell mine.” I look down at the floor while I say the next part. “He’s introducing me as his boyfriend.”

Kai leans forward, elbows on his knees. “Okay,” he says, suddenly focused. “And how do you feel about it?”

I force out a laugh. “Like I’m going to throw up.”

He nods like that’s a valid answer. “Means he matters.”

I stare at him. “That’s the worst motivational speech I’ve ever heard.”

“The words you’re looking for are ‘thank you.’”

Andres stands up. “Okay, you need to eat.”

I blink. “What?”

He points toward my kitchen. “We’re not leaving until you eat some real food.”

“I hate all of you,” I mutter.

Jackson smiles. “No, you don’t.”

Gael adds, calm as ever, “We can order food from my mom. If we all don’t eat something, Camila will send a voice memo threatening us.”

At the mention of Camila, Kai perks up. “Camila lives with Will now, right? Why aren’t we at their place? She’d actually cook.”

Gael gives him a look. “Because you’re loud and I’m sure they’re doing other things.”

Kai looks personally offended. “Rude.”

I stare at them, at my team, at the way they’ve somehow become family without requiring me to be anything other than me, and my chest aches so hard I have to look away.

Maybe… maybe I’m not going to be alone.

I open my family’s chat and read the thread.

Mom

You’re bringing someone home for Easter?