"Zane, I don't know what to do," Riley sighed as Zane sipped his coffee. The two were seated at the Dot the next day after school. "My mom's in denial, pretending like nothing happened, and my dad…"

"…is homophobic?"

Riley nodded.

"Look, why don't you come over to my house for dinner tonight."

"That sounds great. Are you sure?"

"Definitely. My mom is dying to meet you anyways."

…

Riley could already feel his palms sweating as he and Zane approached the front door of Zane's apartment.

"Riley, calm down" Zane said, placing his hand on Riley's shoulder. The touch instantly relaxed his tense muscles.

Before Zane could even reach for the knob, the door flew open to reveal Ms. Park, a huge smile on her face.

"Oh Riley, it's so good to meet you!" she said, pulling him to a bear hug. "I'm so happy to finally meet Zane's boyfriend. I've heard so much about you!"

"All good things don't worry." Zane said.

Riley was in shock. He didn't expect Zane's mom to be so open and welcoming. But then again, she was Zane's mom, so maybe he shouldn't have been surprised.

"Come in, come in! Dinner is on the table," she smiled and bounced away.

Riley looked around as he made his way to the table. Zane was clearly upper middle-class borderline upper-class; the apartment was high-end and tasteful. A small chandelier hung over the glass dining table and the couch looked like it was made of black leather.

"Surprised?" Zane smirked, glancing at Riley's face. "My dad left us a bunch of money when he …passed away."

"I'm—," Riley started.

"Don't be sorry, things happen, life happens."

"You've never said anything…" Riley said lamely.

"Nothing needed to be said," he shrugged taking a seat.

"So Riley," Mrs. Park said, coming to the table with a pan of lasagna. "You're on the football team with Zane, am I right?"

"Yeah, I'm the quarterback. Zane's a great kicker."

"Oooh, Zane! You didn't tell me you were dating the quarterback!" she squealed, and Zane rolled his eyes.

"I'll be right back. I'm going to run to the bathroom." Zane said standing up. Once he was gone, Riley leaned across the table, "May I ask you a question?" Riley whispered.

"You just did sweetie, but go ahead."

"How are you so accepting about Zane?"

Ms. Park looked at him with sympathy, "Parent troubles?" He nodded.

"As a mother, it's my duty to be there for him whenever he needs me. He's my little baby boy and I love him. And that love should hold out no matter what. It shouldn't matter what race people are, what religion people practice, what a person's sexuality is…the point is, at the end of the day we are all people. And as long as Zane is happy and confident with whom he is I'm happy."

Riley then noticed Zane had returned to the table. How long he had been sitting there, he didn't know. Zane reached for Riley's hand and he accepted it.

"Thank you," he told Ms. Park as he slowly brought a bite of lasagna to his mouth. No one spoke since everyone knew Riley needed time to think. It would have been easier to think alone, but Riley was hesitant to leave.

Minutes ticked away and Riley noticed there was no more food on his plate. He must have absentmindedly eaten it all.

"Riley, would you like to stay for dessert?" Ms. Park asked.

"I would love to." He smiled, and for once he felt at home. He felt accepted.