“Typical Brad, he ‘accidentally’ asked in front of my parents if I was bringing my boyfriend to my family’s annual holiday party.” I shook my head. “Needless to say it did not go over well with my dad. He acted like it was no big deal and then as soon as everyone left, my dad iced me out and didn’t talk to me for months. When I confronted Brad he just said he didn’t realize it was a big deal. He’s always been like that. A vicious little prick.”

“Your dad didn’t speak to you for months?” He shook his head, confused. “I can’t say things were perfect for me coming out, but I at least was able to tell my mother on my own terms. That motherfucker, no wonder you can’t stand him.”

I lifted a shoulder, surprised at how little I felt about Brad. “My mom was better about it. It’s hard for her to go against my dad, but she did her best to be supportive. Brad’s like that. Sneaky and mean. That’s why I was worried about that meeting with your chair. I would not be surprised if he’s behind it.”

He sucked his teeth and looked out the window at that. “I’ll be fine. I figured it was because I’ve been making noise with all the stuff I’m doing in town.”

I almost didn’t say anything to that, but then I figured fuck it. “I hope they don’t interfere with that. What you’re doing with Justice Center is great.”

He eyes softened at my words and something in my chest cracked just a little. “I’ll be fine. I also won’t put up with bullshit. They knew exactly who I was when they hired me. If they thought they were going to do a ‘diversity hire’ and then make me invisible they have another thing coming. And Brad better not try me. I didn’t like him before, but after hearing what he did to you, I don’t give a fuck if he was fifteen, that shit’s just evil. Why are you grinning?”

“You’re really pissed,” I said in an amused voice.

He just shook his head and grabbed the hand I had resting on my thigh and kissed it. He didn’t say anything, but he didn’t have to.

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Sixteen

Patrice