Arms of a Man Ch. 04

"I believe I am going to like you, Zachary."

We were nervous as hell when the girls came home to the house. The two parental couples we ready to tackle the task of telling the girls and Helen's parents at the same time. The girls could listen and make their own guesses and ask the questions if they have them. When the girls came in like a tornado, I saw the biggest change in Zach. I knew he loved me, he couldn't hide it, but he worshiped his girls. They had been his sole joy in life for nearly a decade. Seeing him get the biggest hugs from them said they loved him even more. When they saw Helen they stopped. "Mommy you look different," said Lisa.

"I feel a lot better honey." The girls gave her a huge hug too.

The folks came in and immediately knew Helen was sober. "There's my girl," said her dad. He was a robust man, probably former military himself, with a booming voice and merry twinkle in his eye. Even at fifty his hair was pure white and if he grew out his beard he could play one convincing Santa.

"Hi, Daddy," She gave him a big hug.

Her mother, on the other hand, was thin like she was and at least a foot shorter than her husband. Her hair was that nondescript shade of blah, but she was a dynamite looking woman. Sam was going to be happy with a gorgeous wife if her mother was any indication. "Well, looks like you've been feeling better. Zachary, give me a hug." He grinned and did just that. There was something in her voice that would brook no nonsense. Not commanding, just strong willed.

"Have the girls been good, Patty Mae?"

"They've been angels," said Patty Mae. I had to fight back a snicker. Dear god, was there a worst name for a woman from the South? "Looks like you enjoyed some time to yourself."

"Much needed, thanks. Patty Mae, Henry, this is Leo."

Henry looked me over and nodded. "I like you. You're a serviceman." He shook my hand like a man should.

"Aye, sir. Eight years, US Navy."

"At least you weren't Air Force." I had to laugh.

Patty Mae looked me over like she was judging me for breeding stock. It was almost eerie and intrusive. Then she nodded. "Good. So, we can't stay long, Helen." I must have passed some sort of test because Helen and Zach grinned. "What's up?"

We all looked at Zach. "I'm gay. Leo is my boyfriend." He just put it out there like it was him saying he would like fries with that. I could never say it that bluntly.

They just stared at him like he had spoken Swahili. Then Henry nodded. "Okay."

"And Sam is my boyfriend." That threw the parents for a loop. It was an immediate jaw drop. They were utterly shocked now.

Henry looked at Zach. "This is a little much, son. All of a sudden."

"We thought it better to do it all at one time. Helen has been sober for three days and we've doing a lot of talking. Once everything is calmed down, we're getting a divorce for obvious reasons. Joint custody and the rest will happen as it happens." I took Zach's hand and he smiled over at me.

Patty Mae gave me another look. "Never saw that one in you and I'm good. You're happy?" We both nodded. "All of you?" Sam and Helen nodded too. "Then Leo, welcome to the family. Zachary is still our son and will be even after the divorce, which makes you part of the family." I smiled broadly. "Have you told your parents yet, Zachary?"

He paled."Not yet. I'm kind of getting all the support I can find to do that. Now that you've said I'm not getting disowned, it makes me feel better."

Henry boomed a laugh. "Son, you ain't going anywhere. You're family, even if Helen changes her name again." Something tells me that Patty Mae was the deciding factor. Henry may be the loud one, but she was the one who decided things. "If you want us there when you tell your folks, we will be."

"We've already decided that I'll take the blame for the divorce," said Helen. "Infidelity makes divorce legal in most religions." A lot had been decided. "The rest, well, no one can blame Zach for being gay. Except his folks." They were fairly religious people.

Zoe looked at me and Zach. Then she looked at Helen and Sam. "So Mommy and Daddy each have a boyfriend?" We all looked at her and nodded. We hadn't told them anything, just let them listen in on the conversation. "And Daddy likes boys like Uncle Benji likes boys?" Again we nodded. Zoe hit the nail on the head. "So I'll have three Daddies?" The simple statement, said with such a monumental smile, was something only a child could do. It didn't matter to her that her dad liked guys, only that she was getting more dads.

"That is something for the grownups to talk about, pumpkin," Helen said.

"Grown stuff is boooooring," she drawled.

We all nodded. "Sam," said Henry and he looked over. "I've known you for a few years, boy. You've never once said anything about any of this."

"Until recently it was all unofficially official." Sam told them about the unsaid deal between the three and Patty Mae shook her head.

"Could have saved a lot of grief had you come out sooner, Zachary."

"I know, but I had little reason to do so until Leo came home." He told them the PG version of our relationship and Helen never once disagreed with anything Zach said about her behavior. She knew she was a raging bitch when she was drunk. "But now that I have him, I'm not going back."

"You're just like Elsa, Daddy, only you would look silly in a dress." Zoe's dimple grin was the same as her dad's and it was so cute when she started singing. Apparently the grandparents had taken them to see Frozen.

"Yes, I would look silly in a dress. I'll leave that to your mommy."

"So where will you be living?" Zach was asked.

Before he could answer, I spoke up. "Here or my place some nights. And the girls can have a slumber party and watch Disney films all night until bed time whenever they want." That seemed to win over the girls. All night? Until bed time? Whenever they wanted?

Zach looked at me questioningly. I nodded. "Yeah, what he said. That will give Sam and Helen some time for peace and quiet and vice verse. When I'm here I'll be in the couch." Helen looked at him oddly. "You snore," he said and she snickered. Easier than saying Zach expected Sam would be here more often. "I'll leave some clothes at Leo's. Which reminds me. I need some new jeans and shirts. Mine are getting too big."

"I thought you looked fitter. Leo making you PT?" asked Henry, although I picked up the subtle entendre.

"Every day. Jogging in the morning, work out after work. Healthy eating. Less stress now. Now if only he could get my hair to grow back." That had us men nodding and commiserating with his loss. Henry still had a full head and Sam and I didn't have early baldness.

"We have to go, honey," Patty Mae said and they stood up. She gave Zach a big hug. "You're loved, Zachary, no matter what happens. You done so much for this family that it's time you did something for you."

Henry gave me a firm handshake. "You treat that man well."

"I will, sir, or I'll have to answer to a higher authority than you."

"Never pegged you for a God-fearing man."

"Not devout, but I was speaking of Patty Mae." Henry laughed and gave me a huge hug instead.

"Welcome to the family."

Next task was to tell the guys. I doubt very much they would flip out too much, but one never knows. I mean, half the group would be gay, which wasn't bad, but it would be a lot for them to take it to have people they've known for twelve years come out and come out as a couple. I knew it could be difficult. We met up that Friday and I was glad the bar wasn't very packed right now.

Calvin and Phil were completely clueless as we all sat around and bullshitting like we always did. Tyler was looking at us. Zach, Derek and I were almost in a formation of support. Greg was out with his brother for his birthday, so there would be no interpreting needed. Greg told Derek he had to come with us tonight. Tyler waited until the current topic had died off and then he said, "You three look like you got something on your mind."

We shared a glance. "Well, yeah," Derek said.

"The thing is, guys, I'm getting a divorce from Helen." The guys' faces dropped. "It's mutual and actually on good terms. She's been sober now for about a week. The family knows and are supportive."

"That's a good thing, right?" Phil asked. All of them knew of the problems he had with his wife.

"Yeah. We've both found someone we actually love." I couldn't help it but turn a bit pink, but the lighting in the bar hid it. He looked over at me and we took each others hand.

They stared at our hands like they were the most shocking thing ever. Like a train had run over a herd of cattle, struck a car and then just kept going like nothing had happened. Calvin looked up at us. "You're joking right?"

"Good one guys!" Phil said and laughed. "Now, are you really getting a divorce?"

Tyler, the one who was usually a bit doped up even here, shook his head. "They ain't lying or joking." Calvin and Phil looked at him. "Even I can see it. They're head over heels for each other." When he looked at us I could see a bit of the old smartass behind the meds. "Makes me wonder how many times you guys checked out my ass in the locker room."

I chuckled. "Not often, buddy. You didn't have enough of an ass for me," I joked. I was glad to see Tyler wasn't freaking out. Could have been the meds.

Zach turned red. "More than I care to admit." Tyler just died. He thought that was the funniest thing in the world. Calvin and Phil still hadn't said a thing.

"Glad you got someone, Zach. Truth is you've been happier since frog man over here got back. Now I see why."

Calvin got up and left. I felt my heart get heavy. Shock I can understand, but I didn't think any one of them would have just walked out. It actually hurt a bit...no, it hurt a lot more than I wanted to admit. Phil just stared after him. "He'll come around. I guess it's just a huge shocker. Of all the people, never pegged either of you guys."

"No one has. That's been the biggest lie we've ever told. Not telling anyone. You seem really okay with this Ty." He did too. I was a bit shocked.

"I seen everything from biggest men crying like babies to the smallest men lifting a car off a comrade. I know what troubling times can do to a man. You find whatever peace you can to get through the day. For me it's Kenna. She's my saving grace after all the shit I seen. I seen two guys just cuddle after a fire fight to chase away the bad. Both straight, both just needing to feel something other than sick. Zach's had his own problems. Now he has you, Leo. Ain't too much of a shock why he likes ya." That was a lot of insight from a guy who was really doped up on meds.

Conversation returned to safer topics but it was awkward. Derek and Tyler were yacking it up like always and Phil would chime in when his snark would be of use, but Zach and I were quiet. That is until Calvin came back in twenty minutes later and without a word dumped a card and a large bag on the table. We looked at it and I grabbed the card. On the front was some really muscular guy with a censored bar across his crotch and the caption "Want to see me without the bar?" I opened it up and just laughed. The bar had been cut out of the card. Calvin didn't write anything, just grinned like a fool. Zach chuckled at the card and then opened the bag. We looked inside and just died. I almost spilled my Pepsi.

Derek was getting annoyed. "Well, share!"

We pulled out "HIS" and "HIS" towels and a box of condoms and lube. Phil was then crying and Tyler had to step out for fresh air he was laughing so hard. "Thought you could use them."

"You scared the crap outta me, dick," I said and gave him a huge hug.

"Hey, have to set up the joke for best result. So you guys are actually dating?" We nodded. "Cool. Just let me get use to the idea before you start sucking face." Of course we had to start right then. It was all show and Phil shot some beer through his nose when Calvin started covering his eyes like he was seeing the most horrid thing alive.

My friends are great. "So...we're cool?" I asked. All of them nodded. I looked at Zach with a smile. "This has gone better than we thought." He returned the smile and my heart melted. Did I ever mention how much I loved his smile? A few times? Just making sure.

The smile fell from his face though. "Still have to tell my parents." That would be the real test and I knew he was ready for the worst.

We had no illusions that his parents would be as understanding as the others. Zach said they had a right to know about the divorce if nothing else. He debated on what to tell them and settled on the half truth he and Helen came up with. He also debated on whether I should come over or not. "If it will help you, then I'll come. If it will make it awkward, I'll stay here."

"I...want you to come." I nodded. It was his decision to tell them, not mine, but I was glad he asked me to come along. "My dad will blow up, my mom will cry and run from the room, and you will have to run interference while I escape." I laughed but wondered how much of this was actually going to happen. He grabbed the phone and took a deep breath. "Hey, Mom," he said after dialing. "No, I'm not alright. Are you and dad at home? Okay, I'm coming over. I have something important to tell you guys. I'm also bringing some moral support." I took his hand and he smiled. He was trembling. "Yeah. I doubt you remember him, but it's Leo from the team in high...yeah, the little blonde Italian boy." I grinned and chuckled. "He's not so little anymore. I'll tell you about it when we get there. I love you to Mom." He hung up and I pulled him into a hug. He mumbled something against my shoulder and I let him up. "Kill me now."

"C'mon, drama queen. Let's go start Armageddon."

His parents still lived in the same three bed two bath. It was still the same light blue color. He took a deep breath and we went to the door. He knocked, showing how nervous he was to not just walk in. That or he was not as close to his parents as he use to be.

His mom answered with a smile. "Come in! Honey you don't come over often enough." She gave him a big hug. "And Leo. He was right, you're not Little Leo anymore."

I laughed. "No, ma'am. The military trains that out of you." We walked into the dining room and were met by his dad. There was something between them, the men of the family. Something that she either didn't know about or chose to leave between them. Automatically Zach's dad was not happy.

"Son," he said gesturing to the table, "you said something was wrong." We all sat and Zach took a moment to gather his thoughts.

"I'm divorcing Helen." Both of his parents went wide eyed and gasped. "Before you bring up divorce being religiously wrong, she's been cheating on me." That made his dad shut his mouth. He had been about to say that too. "She's been drinking a lot less and has been sober, so we talked it all out and this is for the best." He took a few more breaths as his mom took his hand. "We're going to share custody with the understanding that as long as she stays sober."

"That's very nice of you, honey, isn't it, Carl?" His mom was obviously still the peacemaker in the family.

"Yes. Very. So long as she is a fit mother." I think I found the huge bone of contention. His dad did not like Helen one bit. She was an unfit parent, a drunk who could endanger his grandkids. "While I am very unhappy you are getting a divorce, infidelity is solid grounds for it. And while I know you do not need it, you have my blessings."

Zach smiled a bit. "Thanks, Dad. Patty Mae and Henry also think it's a good idea we separate. Makes the girls' home life more peaceful." That seemed to make his mom happy, but his dad was once again looking like he did not approve.

"Where are you staying?"

"With Leo, Mom. While we sort this out he's offered his spare room. I'm paying rent," he said and I had to stifle a smile as his idea of rent was to share grocery cost and to snuggle me at night, "and sharing food cost, so it's not charity per se."

His mom beamed a huge smile at me. "You are still such a nice boy, Leo. Thank you."

"He's been a good room mate. My last one was...rowdy." To say the least, but I was not going to explain Alex to them. They would have heart attacks. "Thank you for raising a calm son." Zach laughed and once again is smile made my heart soar.

"Our pleasure. Now, what else is on your mind, son?" his father asked. Shrewd of him to notice.

"A lot. Some of it I still have to sort out before I can talk about it." He wasn't going to tell them. It might be for the best with the way his father was acting right now. "But I can say I'm happier and in a better frame of mind."

"Good." His father got up. "I'll fire up the grill and the two of you can stay for a few burgers." It wasn't a request either. We looked at each other and nodded.

"I can't stay too long, Dad. I have to get to work in a few hours."

"That's fine. A quick late lunch and then off you go." He went out back.

"I'll whip up some salad," his mom said.

"Did you need help, ma'am?" I asked.

"No, no. you and Zach go sit in the living room and relax." We did as politely ordered.

He sighed. "Sorry."

"Don't worry, there is plenty of time to tell them, if ever. We both knew this would be hard." He nodded. This was hard and I didn't blame him for not bringing it up.

"I feel like I let you down." I took his hand briefly, not wanting to risk getting caught.

"You didn't. It's your choice, and judging by the way they were about the divorce, the rest can wait."

He smiled at me. "You are way too understanding."

"I know. It's why you love me." He laughed and we almost got caught as his mother came in to make small talk.

She looked at him and the got back up to check on something before returning. "Your father is busy. What is it you didn't want to say in front of him?"

I just marveled. Zach turned all shades of pink. "Sometimes, Mom, I hate when you do that." She smiled. "It's...I'm...in a relationship. I was seeing someone other than Helen, too." She gasped only the slightest of bits.

"Before or after you found out she was unfaithful?"

"After." For some reason that seemed very important to her because she smiled.

"At least she did it first. While I know your father would not approve, you had to protect your heart. When will we get to meet her?"

This time Zach paled and he looked to me as if begging me to kill him. I looked back and sighed. "You already have, ma'am," I said softly.

Her smile froze and then faltered and then was gone altogether. She looked from me to Zach as if asking him to make this one big prank. "I've been dating Leo for the past couple of weeks," he whispered. Then he closed his eyes to wait for the worst.

"Well," she said after a moment. "I must admit I am very shocked. I can see why you didn't want to tell your father. He would...be very upset. I'm...I will need time to come to terms, but know that I still love you." Zach opened his eyes. I could see she was more than shocked. She was disappointed, but she wasn't yelling and screaming. She said she loved him. "You're my baby. You gave us grandchildren bef...bef...is this a phase?" she asked, hoping.

"No, Mom, I'm sure this is not a phase." I could see the tears that both had welling in their eyes. He excused himself and went into the rest room.

She looked at me and I could see she was not happy I was there, but she would not upset her son even more by asking me to leave. "Why did you come?" she did ask. It was a mix of curiosity and bitterness.

"He asked me to, ma'am. For support. He knew this would not be easy on any of you. It was his decision and I supported it."

Then she fixed me with a glare so stern and borderline evil that I swallowed hard. "If you ever hurt my baby, they will never find your remains. I may burn in hell for the things I will do to you, but know this. You will suffer if you hurt him."