A New Day
Chapter 32
When AJ returned to the lounge, Howie hadn't moved from his spot on the sofa, and he had a faraway look on his face.
"Howie." AJ called to him, breaking him from his thoughts. He looked up at AJ and smiled, although the smile didn't quite reach his eyes.
"You okay?" AJ asked him.
"Yeah, I'm fine." He replied, sounding a little strange.
"Mom's right you know." AJ reassured him, "They're not going to hate you, just because you are with me."
"How can you be so sure they won't?" He asked.
"How can you be so sure they will?" AJ countered.
"Look Howie, I've known your family for almost as long as I've known you, and they've never, ever said or done anything that makes me think they will disown you because of this."
Howie sighed heavily. "I know, but... I'm just scared." He admitted.
"I know, and you have every right. Telling your family is a big thing. But just think, at least it will be better than how my Mom found out."
With that Howie laughed. "Oh God, that's true. I can't imagine what Mama D would do if she walked in on the two of us kissing!"
"Knowing your Mom, she'd probably do exactly the same thing as my Mom. Accept it and move on. But at least telling them will be a hell of a lot less embarrassing than having them walk in on it." AJ told him.
Both of them laughed now, knowing just how true that was.
Howie took AJ's hand in his own. "I'll tell them tomorrow morning." He told him.
"Are you sure?" AJ asked frowning. "If you're not ready..."
"Alex." Howie interrupted him. "As long as you come with me."
"As if I'd be anywhere else." AJ replied, leaning in to give Howie a sweet kiss.