Chapter 62

In some ways it paralleled his own struggle—Erik’s wanting to be a dad and yet being gay and Ted’s wanting to have one special man in his life, yet needing to have sex with anyone who would pay just to have the money for school.

Erik looked down at his hands on the table. Ted could see he was working up the courage to say something more. Something that was hard for him.

Finally, Erik asked, “Remember back in high school when I started to ask you to jerk off with me and stuff?”

Ted nodded. “Uh huh.”

“I’m really sorry. But I just couldn’t help myself. You were so hot, and I…well, I cared about you…a lot. You must have thought I was awful.” Erik’s eyes were still cast down.

“I didn’t complain though, did I?” Ted asked, seeing an opportunity for him to come clean.

“No, you didn’t,” Erik said, looking up at his friend.

“Why do you think that was?”

“I don’t know. I guess you were just horny and…” Erik’s eyes widened.

Ted smiled when he saw comprehension setting in.