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away from Jessie’s words. Would her sister just shut up so she could think? Robin did spend hours online playing his games. During the school year she monitored the times closer than in the summer. He didn’t ask for much, stayed home most of the time or practiced sports. It never occurred to her he did more online than played games. The pain at the base of her neck intensified.
    Kelly glanced at her sister; the seriousness in her gaze squeezed her heart. “You really believe he’s gay?” Her voice a ragged whisper. She wouldn’t accept this, not until Robin confirmed his preferences.
    “Yeah, Kell. Look, all I’m suggesting is that you have a talk with him, be prepared. You’re the only parent he has, so you need to do it right.”
    The implication she would mess up irritated her. She stood and walked toward the kitchen, the need for privacy with her thoughts pushed her into the other room. A few minutes later, she found no peace and had no answers. Pain had latched onto her with a parasitic grip. “I’ve got access to resources, but I refuse to deal with this now. It’s spring break. We’re here to relax and have fun as a family. If Robin is what you think he is, then a talk can wait until I’m ready to deal with his answers.” She eyed Jessie until she nodded. It bothered her how confident her sister seemed. “What makes you so sure he’s gay?”
    “I heard him tell BJ he missed him and wished he was here.”
    “BJ? Who’s BJ?” She knew all of her son’s friends, but never heard that name.
    “BJ is the guy on the picture Robin brought with him.”
    “What picture?” She frowned trying to remember.
    “I told you, a poster and a picture. I saw the picture and asked who it was, he said his friend BJ. Later, I was coming around the corner and overheard his phone conversation when he told BJ he missed him.”
    “Well that doesn’t mean… it could be a good friend or something.” Her rationale sounded lame and desperate.
    “I know. But it was the way he said it, Kell. The sound of his voice when he told his friend he missed him. I’ve heard it before from Christian. That’s when I knew for sure my nephew, who I love with all my heart, is gay.”

Chapter 6
     
    Five days had passed since Jessie sprung the news that Robin might be gay. To her eternal shame, Kelly spent those days watching him, seeking signs and trying to see what her sister saw. She didn’t call Grant or return his phone calls. Instead she sent random texts that said nothing much other than hello. Her appetite waned and she couldn’t focus. Damn Jessie for ruining her vacation.
    On more than one occasion, Robin caught her gaze and asked what was wrong. No way could she mention her conversation with his aunt. Instead, she either smiled or walked off, or kissed his cheek and told him she loved him. She hated the doubts drilling relentlessly in her mind. At dinner three nights ago Jessie asked Robin how was BJ. Her son’s face lit up like Christmas even though he responded with a simple, 'okay.'
    Jessie gave her a meaningful I-told-you look. Robin missed the glare she sent Jessie. Instead of paying them attention, he stared at the wall wearing a soft smile before putting the piece of meat that hung on the tip of the fork in his mouth. She had spent the past two days researching her notes just in case BJ wasn’t a girl.
    Her sister had backed off, and for the most part their time together in the Florida Keys was quiet. The trip dwindled to the final day. She wanted the conversation with Robin while the three of them were together. If Robin was gay, they would need Jessie’s support.
    “Mom, I’m gonna hang outside with Micah and them for a bit. I’ll be back later,” Robin said as he passed her on his way to the door.
    “Hold on a sec.”
    He stopped and looked back at her. Their gazes met. His held a question. She cleared her throat and waved to the dining room table.
    “I need to talk to you a minute.”
    He nodded and