Second Chance(66)

His father raised his eyebrows. “That sounds ominous.”

“Is everything okay?” His mother frowned in concern.

“It’s nothing awful. But it’s important. Come and sit down.” Jack led them into the living room and let them take the sofa, while he sat on an armchair facing them.

They looked at him expectantly and Jack’s heart pounded. He’d planned exactly what he was going to say to them, but now he was facing them the words deserted him.

“I’m in love with Nate,” he blurted. Okay, that wasn’t part of his script. But as soon as he said it, Jack realised it was true. He repeated himself, more quietly this time. “I’m in love with Nate.”

His parents gaped at him, seemingly lost for words. So Jack filled the gap, ploughing on and spilling out his truth while they listened.

“I’ve been seeing him for a few weeks now. We reconnected as friends, but then it became more. It took me a while to realise how I felt about him. Now I know, but I’m afraid I’ve messed things up with him.”

“Just let me get this right. Nate is Nat, the girl you were friends with at school, yes?” His father frowned.

Jack clenched his fists, willing himself to stay calm. “Nate is Nate. But yes, he used to be called Nat before he transitioned.”

“But you’re gay,” his mum said. “And Nate is….” She made some half-hearted gesture with her hands that left Jack none the wiser.

“I am gay. And Nate is a man.” Jack met her gaze, and then turned to his father who was still frowning. “This is why I didn’t want to tell you I was seeing him, because I knew you’d react like this.” Jack had a sudden flash of realisation. “I thought I was trying to protect Nate from your ignorance. While all along I was trying to protect myself from your disapproval. But fuck that. You’ve never approved of me anyway, and I’m long past caring what you think. Nate is an amazing man. He’s kind, funny, clever, and one of the bravest people I know. I’m going to go to him right now, and try and persuade him to give me another chance. I just have to hope he’ll say yes.”

Jack stood. Squaring his shoulders, he turned, and stalked towards the living room door, but his mother’s voice made him stop.

“Jack, darling.” He turned to find her standing behind him. Jack’s dad was on his feet too, flanking her. She met Jack’s gaze and her expression was pinched and hard to read. Regret or sympathy? Jack wasn’t sure. “I know we haven’t always had the easiest of relationships. But we do love you.”

Tension still held Jack tightly, a band around his chest making it hard to breathe. He glanced at his father, who nodded.

“She’s right, Jack. Maybe we haven’t been very good at showing you that.”

“And we want you to be happy,” his mum said. “Really. So, if Nate makes you happy I hope that you can work things out with him.”

Letting his breath out slowly, muscles easing, Jack let his shoulders relax. It was as though a weight he’d carried for decades had lifted. “Thanks.” he managed a half-smile. “I’d better go then.”

Jack’s dad called after him, “Buy him flowers. That always worked on your mother when I was in the doghouse.”

Jack snorted. “Thanks for the tip.”



Maybe fate intervened, because as Jack walked past the village shop a bucket filled with bunches of daffodils caught his attention. He’d never noticed the shop selling cut flowers before, but it was daffodil season. One of the local farms must have been growing some.

Daffs 50p a bunch read a sign attached to the bucket.

Jack picked some up, the stalks dripping as he carried them into the shop. He placed them on the counter and got out his wallet while the woman at the till wrapped the stalks in old newspaper.

“Thanks.” Jack handed her the right money in silver and took the proffered flowers.

When he reached Nate’s place, Jack’s heart was beating hard—partly from walking fast and partly with nerves. He rang the bell and tried to compose himself, hoping it might be Nate who answered.

It wasn’t.

“What do you want?” Cass’s tone was as hostile as her expression. She folded her arms and stared at Jack.

“Is your dad in? I need to talk to him.”

“He’s not here.” Cass started to close the door.

“Wait!” Jack said urgently. “Where is he?”

“I don’t know. He hasn’t come back since lunch. You’re the one who went after him, and that obviously didn’t go well if you’re here now and he’s not. So your guess is as good as mine.”

Shit.

“Okay, thanks. I’ll go and look for him. I want to try to make things right.”

Cass’s gaze lit on the flowers in Jack’s hand and she raised her eyebrows, looking sceptical. “Are you going to grovel?”

Jack shrugged. “That’s the plan.”

Her lips curved in the barest hint of a smile. “Well, that might help I guess.”

“I hope so. Thanks, Cass.”

“Bye.” Then as an afterthought she added, “Good luck.”



Where are you? Jack texted as he walked.

No reply.

Nate, please. I want to talk.