19. Denny

19

DENNY

" Y ou were fierce back there." MK linked her arm through mine as we strolled away from the ice cream shop. "It sounds like you've given the issue with the mill some thought."

"Not really. I just know that Hank isn't a bad guy."

She pursed her lips, slowing her steps in front of the fountain. "No, he's not."

I watched her through hooded lashes, tuning out the kids splashing in the fountain.

The square in front of Town Hall was a summertime hangout spot where young parents let their offspring run wild and couples canoodled on benches. It wasn't private or quiet, but no one cared. It was just nice to cool off outside after a scorching day.

I chuckled at a toddler with popsicle juice dripping from his chin and glanced over at MK to point him out. But she seemed suddenly tense and the faraway look in her eyes freaked me out.

"You okay?" I ventured.

She perched on the edge of a bench and patted the space next to her. "Yeah, yeah, I was thinking about…us. I'm kind of mad at you."

"What did I do?"

Mary-Kate chewed on her bottom lip and fussed with the hem of her sundress. "I just thought that when we said we'd be honest and still be best friends, you'd still talk to me and?—"

"Hey, hey, hey." I reached for MK, unthinking, and squished her to my chest. I was aware of a few curious stares and a cell phone or two aimed in our direction, but I blocked them out. "We are best friends, and I talk to you all the time."

She pushed out of my arms and glared. "You didn't tell me about New York. Vinnie did."

Oh. True. Her uncle had beat me to it. My mind had been elsewhere.

"It's not a done deal," I hedged.

"I know that. It's something you'd usually tell me first, and I hate that I sound like a jilted ex. I just—I wish you'd talk to me."

"Sorry. I've had a lot going on and I'm…"

"Seeing someone new?" she finished softly.

I could lie. I could totally lie again. I had no intention of coming out now. I was ten to fifteen years away from any big sexuality reveal.

Or I could claim it was nothing—fun but not a big deal.

I was the quiet guy. I was the gifted hockey player. My peace had always been more important than my voice, my thoughts.

The truth was…my whole world had been shaken like a snow globe with pieces falling into new, interesting places. Lately, I felt like an updated version of myself, one who was willing to give an unpopular opinion regarding local politics. I also felt more confident about dealing with the pressure and stress waiting for me the moment I left Elmwood.

And this updated version of me knew my best friend deserved my truth.

"Yes," I admitted, my eyes trained on hers.

"Not a woman."

I shook my head, then rubbed my neck feeling suddenly itchy and uncomfortable. "Not a woman."

"Hank," she guessed.

"Yeah."

"You're bi?"

I cleared my throat. "I am."

MK nodded. "Okay. That's cool."

"I…I'm sorry." My voice cracked. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. I needed time to figure it out and I just?—"

"Shh." She laced our fingers. "Shh. It's okay."

I raked my free hand through my hair and let out a ragged breath. "I don't know how to do this. I can't come out. I just…not for a long time. But you're my best friend and I?—"

"And I always will be," she intercepted. "You don't have to explain. I knew something was different. You seem so happy and you have all this goofy energy, and I figured it was someone new. He's the only new person I've seen you with, so…I wondered. And I'm here for you…no matter what."

"Thank you."

She sidled close and dropped her head on my shoulder. "I like him."

"Me too." I kissed the top of her head. "I don't think he's as popular with the guys."

"Yeah, that's complicated. Will you tell them?"

"No," I replied quickly. "Hank and I—this isn't…possible. Not really."

"Oh, Den. Anything is possible. You should know that by now. Anything at all." She squeezed my arm. "By the way, I love you to pieces, but I think it's time we officially broke up. You don't need me anymore. Not like that."

I bit the inside of my cheek. "Thank you for looking out for me. You're pretty fucking amazing."

"I am, aren't I?" Mary-Kate tickled my side till I squirmed and put her in a headlock.

She wriggled away and changed the subject to fuck knew what as I melted into the bench beside her.

I just came out.

Okay, it was to one person, and she happened to be someone I trusted emphatically. And yes, it was as weird as I'd thought it would be, but it was freeing too, as if a heavy weight had shifted, cracked, and fallen from my shoulders. Mary-Kate was right…I was happy.

Happier than I'd allowed myself to be in ten long years.