A week later..
Kade walks in on his dad cleaning the grill, methodically, like it's a lifeline.
"Dad sorry about shit,I didn't think you'd find out like that" Kade says.
"I was angry you know".
He didn't turn around. "Not just because of Jesse. But because you didn't trust me enough to say it.I had asked you when y'all both came visiting,You denied,Your mom had insisted I confront Jesse but I wanted to hear it directly from any of you two".
The old man turned finally, sighing. "I was mad, not just at him. But at you. Thought we talked about everything."
Kade lowers his head. "I was scared you'd hate me and thought this would break you."
"I hate being lied to. Or left out." wipes his hands, studies his son.
"I watched you grow up. Thought I'd prepared myself for everything. But nothing prepares a father for realizing his best friend has been looking at his son like... that."
Kade winces.
"But."
His father sighs. "I saw how you looked at him too. And you weren't scared. You were just... there. In it. Honest. And maybe that's what got me."
Kade's eyes are glassy. "So what now?"
He walks over, sets down a pair of beers.
"One condition."
Kade raises a brow.
"Tell your mother before she finds out from Diane at the salon."
Kade lets out a short laugh, tears threatening.
"Deal."
Jesse steps into the yard cautiously.
The father eyes him for a long second. Then hands him a beer without a word.
"You break his heart," he muttered, "I'll break your legs."
Jesse nodded, solemn. "Fair enough."
It's not forgiveness.
But it's something.