Family Ties Read Online Free PDF Page A

asked.
     
    “Honestly? I thought it might be weird, talking to you about stuff like this—you know, dating a man… but it doesn’t feel any different than when you and I talk about my love life.”
     
    “Except that people won’t treat you any differently because of your dating choices.  I can’t afford to lose my job, my friends—”
     
    “Paul, first of all it’s illegal for them to fire you because you’re gay.”
     
    “What planet have you been living on?” Paul asked incredulously. “They won’t come right out and say, ‘Hey queer, you’re fired!’ but they can make my life a living hell, deny promotions and raises, and cut me out of important assignments. The hard part is proving that you’re being fucked over because you’re gay.”
     
    I had never seen Paul so passionate. He was afraid, and I realized that he had every right to be. My romantic problems would never be so serious as to threaten my livelihood or the way people looked at me. I suddenly felt foolish for even comparing the two.
     
    Paul continued, “And you know… I think about why I’m so afraid to get to know Derrick and it pisses me off.  Why should I miss out on a relationship because I work around ignorance? I’ve heard a few people make stupid comments about him once they find out he’s gay. I guess I was afraid that one day they’d be making those comments about me.”
     
    I blew in my hands to warm them.  “Sounds like you’ve already made up your mind.”
     
    “Yeah, I suppose I just needed to say it all out loud. Derrick may not even be the one, but I’m missing out on finding him if I live my life this way. I deserve better than that.”  Paul glanced over at me. “Thanks for letting me vent.”
     
    “Aw come on man, you don’t have to thank me.  I’m sure you’ll be returning the favor soon enough.”
     
    “Why? Have you met someone?”
     
    I started to answer when I noticed Max climbing up the bleachers to where we sat.
     
    “What are you two homos up to?”
     
    Without looking at Paul I replied, “Max, shut up, alright?”
     
    Max looked at Paul innocently. “What’s his problem?”
     
    “Nothing. We can talk later.”
     
    “Cool. Listen, I just came up to tell you guys we’re almost done here.  Don’t my boys look fan-fucking-tastic? Anyway, why don’t we all meet at McDoo’s in about an hour?  Give me time to shower and change.”
     
    “Sounds like a plan,” I said.
    ***
    McDoo’s, our college hangout, was packed every Saturday night. A circular bar was the centerpiece of the restaurant and it was flanked by wooden tables and plush booths.  There were pool tables in the back and live music on the weekends. Paul and I arrived first and waited at the bar for fifteen minutes before a booth opened up. Our waitress transferred our tab from the bar to her station and we decided to wait for Max before ordering any food.
     
    “You come home for the weekend and you’re out eating McDoo’s and not your Mom’s home cooking?  She’s gonna kill you,” Paul said.
     
    “I know,” I replied. “But I had to get away. This whole business with Charlotte is taking a toll.  My father and I talked about it this afternoon.  He wants to drag Charlotte home by her hair and my Mom is worrying herself sick over her. It’s a mess.”
     
    I shook my head and tossed a few pretzels in my mouth.  While in college, McDoo’s—affectionately shortened from McDougal’s—provided a much-needed escape from our day-to-day woes. We could always go there to unwind after finals or pig out on hot wings and beer while studying for exams. I was hoping our college hangout could now take my mind off the situation at home. 
     
    Max finally showed up about thirty minutes later, took one look at the table, and started complaining.  “What?  You guys didn’t order anything?”
     
    “We were waiting for you, Your Holiness,” Paul replied.
     
    “You guys know what I eat by now.” Max