Page 63 of Temptation On Ice

When I finish with practice, I know I have another thing to check off my to do list. I drive to my parents' house knowing I have to get this out of the way. One way or another, I’m telling my parents I’m queer. I just hope I can leave with our relationship intact.

“Sebastian? What are you doing here? Is something wrong?” Ma asks when she answers the door.

“Nothing’s wrong, Ma. I just wanted to talk to you and Pop. Is now good?” I ask.

“Of course, I’m just surprised.” She opens the door wider so I can enter. “You barely call and only come by when you're dropping Enzo off, so I never expect a visit like this.”

Always with the guilt trips. Never just happy to see me. The concern or love is always buried under layers of what I’m doing wrong.

I sigh, shaking off my guilt as I follow her into the living room, where my father folds the newspaper he was reading. I sit down on the couch next to Ma and look between her and Pop, my hands shaking and my stomach clenching. I don't know how they’ll respond to this, so I have to prepare for the worst, and I hate it. I flatten my hands on my knees and brace myself to keep from showing my nerves.

“You got something to say?” Pop asks, his New York accent thick and brash despite not being angry. That’s just the way he talks.

“I do.” I tighten my grip on my knees. “Ma, Pop, I’m seeing someone.”

Ma’s face lights up, her smile thrilled and radiant as she lifts her hands and looks skyward. “Oh, thank God! That’s the best news. Finally! I can’t wait to meet her. Your father and I have been talking about how you need a woman in your life for so long,” she says before I can even continue with my explanation.

“When are you going to introduce her? Are you keeping her from us because you're afraid we’ll scare her off or somethin’?” Pop asks, showing a little more interest now.

I swallow past the desert in my mouth and know that loving Tucker is worth any reaction that may come from telling them. “I’m seeing a man, and he’s incredible.”

Ma’s brows furrow as she looks at me. “A man?”

I nod. “His name is Tucker. He’s kind and caring, and he’s been so good to me and Enzo.”

“Tucker…you mean that dog trainer weirdo with the dangerous facility Enzo always talks about? That’s who you’re seeing?” she asks as her jubilation skitters away.

“Ma, for fuck’s sake, Tucker isn't some weirdo. I’m in love with him,” I huff in exasperation. I rub my hands along my thighs to keep myself from bolting upright and pacing. I’m trying to keep my shit together so we can have a civil conversation. I don't need them to lose their minds and fight with me over this on top of everything.

“What do ya mean you like men? You were married to a woman, for Christ’s sake!” Pop snarls, slamming his newspaper on the arm of the recliner.

Here we go with the macho bullshit.

But before I can respond, Ma beats me to it. “Shut up, Vinnie!” she snaps, smacking the back of her hand into Pop’s chest and stopping his tirade in its tracks. “The boy can love whoever he wants to. I don't care if it’s a woman or a man, I just want to make sure he’s taken care of.” She turns to me with concern. “Does he know how to cook? Can he make a good pasta? If not, I need to teach that boy something. You and my grandson can't be without a good pasta every week. He’ll have to earn the tiramisu, though. That’s a recipe I’ll guard with my life.”

I’m so surprised, I bark out a laugh. “Yes, Ma, he can cook. He’s made me dinner a bunch of times, and it’s always good. Enzo eats really well with him, too. I’m sure he can make pasta, and you’re welcome to give him some pointers if he asks for them. But don't get all up in his kitchen without his request.”

“I want to see him. Do you have a picture?” she asks, scooting next to me, her excitement palpable in her thickening New York accent.

I look at her with a new level of love expanding my heart. “Yeah, I do,” I say quietly. I pull out my phone and show her our sunset photo.

“Oh, Sebastian. He’s handsome.” She turns to me with a smile that’s proud and teasing at the same time. “And the way he looks at you. Good for you, honey,” she says softly, bumping her shoulder into mine while holding my phone up closer to her face and studying the photo. “It’s about time you let yourself love again.”

I swallow past the sting of tears pricking in the backs of my eyes from her acceptance.

“Thanks, Ma. He’s a great man. I know Eliana would have wanted this. You’ll love him. We’ll get together sometime soon so you can meet.”

Abruptly, Ma turns and shoves the phone in Pop’s face. “Vinnie, see the way he looks at our son? You remember when you used to look at me like that? That’s adoration right there. Tell me you don't approve of that, go on! It’s what we’ve always said we wanted for Sebastian, right?”

Pop gives her an exasperated look and pushes on her arm so the phone isn't right against his face. He adjusts his glasses and looks at the screen with a pinched-lip expression. His face softens minutely, and finally, he nods stiffly.

“Yeah, yeah, I see it, Cecilia. You don't have to throw it in my face.” Pop crosses his arms and leans back in his recliner, signaling the end of his contribution to the conversation.

“I’ll work on him,” Ma says to me. “We both support and love you, always, even if your father is a stubborn ass who wants to be a curmudgeon.”

Pop grumbles at her insults, but she puts her hand on his thigh and squeezes until he stops.

“Thank you,” I say, voice thick with emotion.