Chapter 16: Chapter 16

Silence reigned for a few seconds, and then delighted laughter followed it. “Oh my God, Padraig, have you gone and fallen for a nonbinary person?” The laughing continued then, and Padraig sighed, waiting for it to abate.

“First of all, I’ve not fallen for anyone, Fran. And yes, I think he might be… that.”

“Well, the first step of facing your issue is fucking learning to use modern words, Paddy. Like nonbinary.” There was a snap in Fran’s tone, his heated spirit coming through loud and clear, and somehow it made Padraig smile.

“Yeah, I think you’re right with that. It’s… there’s a nonbinary child in town now. If you remember little Joie?”

“Oh, I do! Wow….”

“So it’s not actually new or anything. I just… I’ve never been attracted to anyone but….”

“But burly, manly men. Straight-acting bromosexuals?”

Padraig blinked. “Bro-what?”