章 12: Chapter 12

“What stuff?”

“Derogatory stuff. Mean stuff. And it wasn’t the first time either.” He exhaled. “And this guy caught me doing it.”

“Oh, my God.”

“It was right by his brother’s boyfriend’s place. And a florist shop. ‘Cause I know they are both gay.”

“Nolan.”

He clenched his eyes shut at the censure and disappointment he heard in Carrie’s voice. He swallowed the lump in his throat.

“Do you hate me?” he whispered.

“No, of course not. But you can’t do shit like that, Nolan. It’s not right. I know your father fills your head with all kinds of crap, but you can’t be hateful like that. You don’t want to be him, do you?”

“No.”

“What did this guy say when he caught you?”

“I ran. I think I surprised the hell out of him, though.”

“I bet. You should go tell him you’re sorry. And promise not to do it again. You’re lucky he didn’t call the cops or something.”

Nolan didn’t think Leo would have. “I know. But they probably wouldn’t do much anyway with Dad being the mayor.”