That evening when Ace arrived home, Leland said he wanted to talk to him about something.
“Ace… Could I talk to you for a minute, before you start dinner?”
“I was just going to order out, you want sushi?”
“Could you just sit down for a minute. I really need to ask you something.” Ace sat down, realizing this must be something important. He still wasn’t used to being a parent.
"Today Lance was talking about Prom, and he asked if I thought it was a good idea if he brought a guy to prom. I asked him was there a guy he had in mind that was gay. He shut down and said he just wouldn't go. Then he said... I LOVE YOU, Dude."
Ace exhaled sharply through his nose, "You know he meant platonically."
"I don't think so. I felt bad, but at the same time, I realized I loved him too, or something... for some reason. So, I asked him if we should go to prom together as friends."
"He said sure, if that's what I wanted to do. I told him yes. Ace, I think I like him more than just a friend... I also well... think I may be into guys too. I don't want to hurt our friendship, so before I say ANYTHING to him, I want to be sure."
Ace leaned forward, his eyes softer than Leland had ever seen them. "Lee," he said quietly, "There's no surefire way to know. When he walks into the room, do you feel your heart maybe beat a little faster."
Leland swallowed hard. "Yeah." The word came out barely audible. "But what if—what if I'm wrong? What if I lose him?"
"You know what? Lance is a very smart guy. I think if you shared these things you are saying to me, he would understand that you are trying to find out who you are, you are not going to lose him. Tell him how you feel but also tell him you are trying to figure things out. Be honest. That's the best answer I can give, bud."
"Just... what if I tell him and he thinks I’m just saying it because he’s my best friend? Or worse—what if he thinks I’m mocking him?"
Ace snorted, leaning back until the chair creaked dangerously. "Kid, have you met Lance? That boy’s got a sixth sense for bullshit. He’d sniff out insincerity faster than you can say ‘bad prom photo.’" He paused, "But here’s the thing—if you’re this twisted up over it, that’s your answer right there. Straight guys don’t lose sleep over their bros like this."
"What do I even say? ‘Hey Lance, turns out I might wanna hold your hand during the slow dances?’" His voice cracked on the last word.
Ace grinned, tapping his fingernail against his own beer bottle. "That’d work. Or go classic—‘Don't say anything, just take his hand and go to the dance floor. That would say it all. Leland the point is—you don’t need some grand speech. Just do what you are feeling. Follow your heart, Lee."
"What if... what if I really want to kiss him?"
"I think there is your answer to your questions, Leland."
Ace held up a hand. "No buts. If you’re imagining locking lips with the kid while you’re supposed to be paying attention in trig, that’s your body telling you something." He smirked, "Hell, I spent my sophomore year mentally undressing the captain of the debate team during chemistry. Trust me, denial’s a shitty cologne."
"This is so fucking hard."
"What's harder is hiding it, if that is how you really feel."
"First time I told Beck I loved him; I tripped over a damn fire hydrant and spilled my Slurpee all over his shoes. Romantic as hell."
"Okay... I will just follow my heart. If it's meant to be it will be. If not, then I will worry about that when it happens. Thanks Uncle Ace." He hugs Ace and just smiles.
