Page 11 of Band of Brothers - MFMM Menage Romance (Sweet Treats 8)

His expression is tortured, and his facial features contort in a confused scowl.

“I don’t know, June. Maybe I had an episode of momentary psychosis. A spell of sorts. All I know is that you didn’t seem to be developing like the other truckers’ daughters. You wear purple lipstick and black fishnet tights. You and your friends are always holed up in your rooms doing who knows what.”

“We were studying,” I interrupt.

Owen nods his head slowly, his expression still conflicted.

“I know, but what about cheerleading? Sports? French club? You don’t do any of those things, Junie. You’re always with your bizarre friends, and for all I know, they’re lesbians.”

I squint at him, realization dawning in my mind.

“Is that what you’re afraid of? That Coke and Danger are lesbians?”

Owen shrugs.

“I don’t know, okay? I mean, don’t lesbians have names like Coke and Danger? I had no idea what you were doing with them behind closed doors.”

I stare at my dad again.

“But what if I am a lesbian? What would be the purpose of this initiation? I mean, after what happened, I would be scarred for life if I actually prefer women.”

My dad scrubs his face again, looking even more defeated and bewildered.

“I know, June. I’ve completely screwed up.”

I nod vehemently.

“You have, Owen, because it doesn’t matter if Coke and Danger are LGBTQ. Maybe they are, maybe they aren’t. I wouldn’t choose my friends based on sexual orientation, and if anything, being lesbians would only make them cooler in my estimation. I love queer people, and I can’t believe you tried to get into my head using this bizarre Dads and Daughters initiation rite.”

Owen merely stares at his bronzed hands, unable to meet my gaze.

“I know, June. I have nothing against the LGBT population, and it’s my fault. I just didn’t know what to do,” he says in a choked voice. “I didn’t know how to talk to you about your sexual orientation, and honey, if you are lesbian, it’s fine. I know you were scared by that man in the ring and that’s natural for anyone who prefers women–”

I stop him there.

“I’m not lesbian, Dad. I was scared because of his size, not because I like women.”

But Owen doesn’t hear me. His face crumples a bit, and his eyes begin to shine with tears.

“It’s okay, Junie. I love you no matter what. If you like women, men, queer people, foreign people, even people from outerspace, it’s all okay with me. You’re my daughter, June, and I accept you for who you are. I’ve fucked up,” he adds again in a choked voice. “And I hope you can forgive me.”

I inhale deeply.

“Owen,” I say in what I hope is a calm voice. “I’m not a lesbian. Do you hear me? Besides, that’s not what I’m angry with you about. I’m angry because you told me nothing about Dads and Daughters. Instead, you left it to that nincompoop Alizeh, who has bird food for brains. And instead of talking to me like an adult about sex and sexual orientation, you masterminded a weird initiation in front of all your friends! You can rest assured that I’m not joining Dads and Daughters. Not after everything that’s happened.”

My father is openly crying now, and my heart breaks for how devastated he must feel.

“I’m sorry, June,” he apologizes. “I’ve been so stressed out about being a good parent, and now I’ve only gone and fucked it up more. I’ve made an unholy mess of things.”

“You have,” I manage in a calm voice. “But let’s try to re-group okay? I’m not LGBTQ. I love you, even though this situation is twisted beyond all control. Let’s just take a deep breath, and try and keep things sane for now, okay? Dad, I’m going to leave you now, but let’s regroup in a few days and try to figure things out. I’m not going to join Dads and Daughters, but it’s fine. I don’t need to be part of any group to know myself.”

Owen nods tearfully.

“I’m sorry I didn’t believe in you, June. You’re much more mature than I initially believed,” he adds in a choked voice. “It’s just another thing I didn’t understand about you.”

I get up and gingerly pat his broad shoulder.

“It’s fine, Dad. A lot of times, kids grow up a lot sooner than you realize. I know the divorce was hard, and you were worried about me, but you know what? I turned out okay,” I say with a wry smile. “Things are going great in my life, and you don’t need to worry.”

My dad smiles ruefully and gets up. He looms over me, but somehow, I feel like I’m the parent and he’s the child. I smile encouragingly at him, and hand him a tissue.

“You’re going to be fine, Owen,” I say reassuringly. “Take some time to get yourself together, and remember to relax. Breathe. Do you do yoga? Meditate?”