Page 10 of A Coffee Away

Dad dropped his spoon. “Get out.”

My breath hitched.

I stepped back. “But… Mom?”

She looked down as Dad stood, his glare set on me. He gritted his teeth, and his muscles bunched beneath his shirt. “Get out of my house!”

Mom didn’t say a thing as a tear rolled down my cheek. Then another.

Dad’s gaze was resolute.

My soul shattered. My heart pumped wildly as I ran upstairs. I cried as I filled my suitcase. I took my wallet, my phone, and my charger. I wanted to call Esteban. But I didn’t have his number, just the card.

I dialed.

“A Coffee Away. How can I help you?”

His deep voice was just what I needed to hear.

“Hello?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Esteban?”

There was music in the background. Chatter from customers.

“Robbie? Is that you?”

I couldn’t hold back a sob. It was pure agony.

“What happened? Are you all right? Do you need me to get you?” His voice turned soft.

“I told my parents.” I sobbed, the air thick around me. “I…I don’t know what to do.”

“I’ll be right back.” His voice was almost muted.

A moment passed, then the people and music quieted.

“Robbie. Breathe for me. What do you mean? What did you tell them?”

“That I’m gay.” I wiped my eyes with my arm. “They threw me out. I…I have nowhere to go.”

Silence.

“Gaby, can you take over my shift? Something came up. I have to go somewhere.”

“Sure,” a sweet voice answered in the background.

An engine roared on the other end.

“I’m coming to get you.” Esteban’s voice was desperate. Raw.

“But…” I paused.

What the hell was I thinking? I just met the guy.

“But nothing. I’m picking you up, and that’s it. I’ll be there in ten.”

There was a silence.

“Pack your stuff. Get out of there. Meet me at the beach. Same spot as last night.”