Coming Out by Seven Slade

Author:Seven Slade [Slade, Seven]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Howling Mad Press

Bad News, Good News

[Rodrigo]

In the five days since I last saw Tamsyn, my tennis team lost in the tournament by five measly swings; Simon pestered me five times with phone messages, texts, and a surprise visit at my apartment; I’ve been trying to wrap up five classes by finishing projects and studying for finals; and I’ve had five minutes to myself.

Five is officially my unlucky number for this torturous week.

I suppose it’s a good thing Tamsyn and I agreed to give each other space. I didn’t have much time to share with her anyway. But, man, my thoughts have been consumed by her every second I’m not doing something else.

About that, Willie broaches. It’s time we had a bit of a chat, old chum.

Can’t we talk about Tamsyn some other time?

No. It has to be now. And it’s not just about her. It’s about Simon, too.

“Ugh,” I groan. Hiding in the corner booth at our favorite burger dive in Middle, I slump in my seat and watch the door. Simon delivered on his promise to up his game, which has forced me to up my blending skills.

The past week has been strange, Willie begins.

I nod. Yeah, that’s one word for it.

I’m baffled by this turn of events. You told me you were gay. I accepted you were gay. We had a gentlemen’s agreement that you were gay—even shook on it. Countless times. His British accent seems to thicken with the last two words. You told me it was going one way and then detoured. I have a hunch you’ve been lying to yourself.

Oh really? I’m lying? Who’s the hypocrite that keeps getting erections every time Tamsyn’s around?

Your ‘erections,’ he says with that haughty tone again, are prompted by how you respond to stimuli. When your brain wires heat up, I accommodate with a proud pelvic retort. Don’t diffuse blame to me, young man. Take responsibility and accept the truth.

What truth?

That perhaps Tamsyn is the reason you’ve kept me locked up in this trouser dungeon for twenty-two years.

My phone buzzes, displaying an unknown number.

I frown. What now? “Hello?”

“Hi there, Rodrigo. It’s Dan Holsteen from the Charlotte Museum. How are you doing?”

I sit up ramrod straight. I seriously need to add this number to my contact list. “Very well, sir. And you?”

“Great, great. I’m calling about a couple of things. Firstly, we received your paperwork and look forward to your participation in the Pride exhibit. Thank you for sending everything in so promptly.

“Secondly, we’ve reviewed your application for the curatorial assistant position, and we’re quite impressed with your credentials. You’ll be graduating this month—a double major, yes?”

“Yes, sir. Painting and art history.”

“Impressive. The references from your professors indicate you’re highly knowledgeable and a hard worker.”

“I do my best.”

“And lots of extracurricular activities, I see.”

“The tennis team didn’t make it to the championship this time, but I have faith they will next season. We have some great players coming up.”

“And the LGBTQ Association?”

“I’ve had a rich, fulfilling experience there. It’s been an honor serving as president this year.

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