Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 42491 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 170(@250wpm)___ 142(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 42491 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 170(@250wpm)___ 142(@300wpm)
"Did you grow up around here?"
He nodded, appearing relieved. "I grew up with my dad across town in Bristol Village."
"It was just the two of you?"
"Yeah. I don't have any siblings, and my mom left when I was just a baby."
"I'm so sorry."
"It's okay," he shrugged. "I don't even remember her. Besides, my dad's the best and he gave me a good life." I doubted Henley's heart was even capable of holding a grudge. "What about you? Have you always lived around here?"
"No, I grew up on the east coast. I didn't move here until I was starting my police career."
"DId you move here alone?”
I nodded. “I left behind my parents, two brothers, and a sister.”
“That had to be hard.”
“It was, especially since I was always very close to my family, but I didn’t have much of a choice.” When Henley tipped his head, I explained, “My parents are very dedicated to their religion and culture, and there are certain things they just cannot accept."
His expression fell. "You mean…?" Henley didn't finish his question, but he didn't have to.
"They couldn't accept my sexuality," I replied with a nod. "It was a strike against everything they held dear. Growing up as the oldest child, my parents always told me that I would be the first to marry a woman and provide them with grandchildren; to pass on the family name. But I knew that wasn't an option for me. I avoided telling them about myself for as long as possible, because I knew how it would end. But when I came of age, they tried to work as matchmakers between me and young women who shared our religion and cultural views. I couldn't live a lie, or potentially ruin the life of a woman I could never have feelings for. I eventually had to tell my family that I was gay, and I couldn't fulfill their wishes."
"What happened?" Henley asked quietly, squeezing my hand beneath the table.
"My parents were furious that I would choose a life of immorality over the great plans they had for me. I tried to explain that it wasn't a choice; just who I was, and that I still wanted to accomplish great things in life, but they didn't want to hear it. They cast me out and forbade any contact with them or my siblings.”
“I’m so, so sorry,” Henley offered sadly. “I can’t imagine how hard that was for you.”
“It was; especially leaving my sister Zara. She was only eight at the time, and I looked after her a lot. I just hope she remembers me and knows that I’ll always love her.”
“Can you reach out to her? She would be an adult now; she can make her own decisions. If my mom ever reached out to me, I would at least listen to what she had to say. I don’t know that anything would come of it, or if I’d even want anything to come of it. But I would at least give it a chance.”
“That’s because you have a sweet heart and a beautiful soul.” Henley’s cheeks reddened as he ducked his head once more. “And honestly, I’ve considered it, but I can’t put her at risk.”
“What do you mean?”
I didn’t want to pile too much on sweet Henley, but I wouldn’t hide anything from him, either. “My parents immigrated to America long before I was born, but they carried over many of their traditions and beliefs. In the homeland, if someone was guilty of homosexuality, they could be put to death.”
Henley gasped, and listened with wide eyes as I continued, “Of course, that’s not the case in America, but my parents want nothing to do with me. They’ve disowned and exiled me, and would do the same to any of my family who would have contact with me. As much as I miss Zara and my brothers, I wouldn’t put them in that position. I would never make them choose.”
“That’s because you have a beautiful soul, too,” he whispered, and I smiled back at him. His sweetness helped ease the ache of my past.
My focus shifted to the plates of food arriving at our table. Lilly delivered our dinner and a bottle of ketchup before scurrying off to wait on her other patrons.
“Allow me,” I requested as I unwrapped a knife from my napkin. Henley watched curiously as I cut each of our sandwiches in half and divided them on our plates. Even split in two, they were still large, so I cut Henley’s into four smaller pieces. “That will be easier for you to eat.”
He beamed and replied, “Thank you.” He didn’t find my actions odd or get offended by them; he easily let me take the lead and care for him as I saw fit. And I wasn’t finished yet; I divided up our fries and onion rings before pouring a dollop of ketchup onto his plate, making sure he was all set up for his meal.