Run for It All Read online

  Run for It All

  By Carolyn LeVine Topol

  When fifteen-year-old David Martin is forced to go live with his dad and his dad’s partner in Connecticut, he dreads leaving his comfortable New York City life with his two moms, especially because his dad hasn’t exactly been there for him over the years.

  But with both of his moms off on a year-long job in Europe, he’s got no choice. Another thing he doesn’t have a choice about? His growing attraction to other boys. To help him deal with it all, David takes up running, first with his dad’s partner, and then with his new crush and captain of the track team, the openly gay Kevin Ringer.

  After David and Kevin are attacked in the locker room following a meet, David must come to terms with his own insecurities as he navigates the ups and downs of first love, gets to know his dad in a whole new light, and tries to create a life for himself far from the world he once knew.

  Table of Contents

  Blurb

  Dedication

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  About the Author

  By Carolyn LeVine Topol

  Visit Harmony Ink Press

  Copyright Page

  With gratitude and love to my family, David, Jenn, Rick, and Adam.

  Thank you to Lyn Lucas for her dedication and support.

  For all those LGBT athletes willing to come out despite the challenges.

  Chapter 1

  THE AMTRAK Northeast Regional train slowed to a halt as it pulled into Hartford, Connecticut’s Union Station, with a squeal of metal on metal as the brakes were applied. Despite his objections to heading in this direction in the first place, David was looking forward to stretching his long legs. After sitting on a train for over two hours, he felt like his thin, six-foot-tall body was stiffening far beyond his years. Fifteen-year-olds shouldn’t have backaches.

  David looked out the window, noting the dreary sky and even drearier-looking station. Unlike Penn Station in New York City, this was obviously a station meant for only one train at a time as it only housed one track. In addition, as he stepped down from his car, David noticed the shabby-looking benches placed randomly along the drab outdoor cement platform. Walking into the station’s pathetic excuse for a lobby, David sighed. The space didn’t deserve to be called a room, let alone a lobby. Since it was so small, it could barely house the two food stands and ticket windows along the perimeter—one window for Amtrak and one for long-distance bus transportation. David wished he were heading home but sadly looked at the stub from the one-way ticket he still gripped in his hand, along with the handle of his suitcase.

  David was doomed to a life in central Connecticut for the entire school year. He wished his mothers would reconsider, but he knew they had important work to do for gay rights. He was proud of his mothers. One worked for Lambda Legal and the other was an active member of the Board of Directors of the Human Rights Campaign. How could he argue with them sharing the mission they had been recruited for? With their combined expertise, the two had agreed to take part in a multicountry trip to promote gay rights in countries still fighting for the right for people to express themselves publicly without legal retribution. The only problem was, their decisions screwed David. He wanted to go with them, but his mothers both felt it was more important for David to stay in school and continue with a consistent education. There was no budget for a tutor to accompany the mission, so David was stuck in the United States. Worse yet, rather than spending the year with one of his friends in New York, and having no relatives in the area, his moms insisted he spend their long-term absence with his biological father—in a central Connecticut suburb! David could only envision the boredom he would experience during an entire year with a man he only saw sporadically, when he visited New York City to take his son out for a random day every month.

  Biting his lip, David knew he wasn’t being completely fair. All his parents had agreed his biological father, Robert Martin, who donated sperm for the cause of gay parenthood, would take a back seat to his mothers. They wanted to be full-time parents. While Robert was always attentive and showed up at all of David’s birthdays, school programs, and assorted events throughout the years, his role was more that of a distant uncle rather than a parent. Everyone liked it that way, and it worked for David. Having two moms had never been a hindrance. He had plenty of male friends and teachers in his life. David had no need, desire, or interest in being immersed in his father’s world. David cared for his father, and had met his father’s partner, Steve, a few times, but living with them was an entirely different deal.

  Being a sophomore in a high school in some snobby New England town was akin to a punishment as far as David was concerned. The worst part, David wasn’t sure where his own life was heading.

  He had felt lost for two years. It had begun the moment his friends had started talking about the tits on all the girls in their classes and David knew he wasn’t nearly as interested in the growing tops of the girls as he was in glancing at some of the guys in the locker room after gym. He found showering with jocks much more appealing, although he wasn’t comfortable letting any of his friends in on his secret.

  David’s fear and anxiety of the unknown made his thoughts turn to seriously considering the purchase of a return ticket and not telling his mothers. David would simply move in with one of his closest friends and fill his moms in after the plan was complete. Knowing the idea was absurd, he shook his head and moved forward, dragging his suitcase along as if bricks filled it.

  Before he could give any more thought to putting his crazy notion into action, David heard someone calling. “David, hey, David. Over here.” Waving vigorously, from the opposite side of the station’s lobby, was Steve.

  David and Steve made eye contact. David’s plans were frozen in place, removing all hope of a hasty retreat to New York City. David stared as Steve jogged toward him.

  “I expected you to have a lot more luggage than this. You pack a heck of a lot better than either your dad or I can ever seem to manage.” David didn’t want to smile, although Steve was a pretty nice guy. His father could have done a whole lot worse when picking a partner. Looking down to avoid making eye contact, David released his large suitcase into Steve’s grasp.

  For a guy who spent his days in front of a computer, typing articles for magazines, newspapers, even writing copy for travel brochures, Steve looked pretty damn fit. He and David were practically the same height, but Steve’s arms were much more muscular and he had a visible six-pack under his fitted T-shirt.

  “This is packed pretty solidly. You really did fit a lot into a small space.” Steve continued to talk, despite David’s lack of response. “We may have to ask you to help get some of our closets organized. Ever since we moved into the new condo, we’ve been fighting, and losing, the battle of finding a place for everything. It’s a good thing they have a sto
rage unit associated with each apartment.”

  Nodding, David finally decided it was time to stop being rude and at least say something to give the illusion Steve wasn’t having a one-sided conversation with a robot. “I heard the new place actually has more room than the house. That seems pretty weird.”

  Steve stopped when they reached the car and looked at David. “It does seem weird, but we had a very small two-bedroom house and now we have a spacious three-bedroom condo. It was one of the perks we allowed ourselves as the town grew, adding a new central dining and shopping area along with a couple of high-rise buildings, although high rise in West Hartford translates to only six stories. The lure of all the new shops drew us into an unplanned shopping spree and found us searching for space to fit all our new purchases.” Steve chuckled, and after hearing the height of the building, David couldn’t help joining in.

  “In the city, that size building would be more closely associated with a downtown brownstone or older apartment.”

  “I hear you.” Steve lifted David’s suitcase into the trunk of the car and then took his overstuffed backpack and placed it in as well, along with his computer bag. “Let’s face it, compared to where you live, we’re in the boonies. I hope you won’t get too bored living with us.”

  David couldn’t have said it better himself, but he decided to nod, rather than give his true opinion of the entire situation.

  After unlocking the car doors, Steve gestured for David to go to the passenger side and take a seat. After checking the trunk to make sure it sealed securely, Steve quickly took his place in the driver’s seat. Steve fastened his seat belt, turned on the car, and started the air-conditioning. It was pretty hot for a late August day.

  Before putting the car into gear, Steve turned to look directly at David. “David, your dad and I both understand you weren’t thrilled about this new arrangement.”

  David looked down at his lap, embarrassed at his mothers’ obvious candor with his father.

  “It’s okay. I know it must be rough going to a whole new town and new school when you’re a teen.”

  Steve sounded like he understood, but David remained silent, not willing to give away any personal feelings.

  “Your dad loves you, in case you have any doubts. I know that for a fact.” Steve paused. “And I really want to get to know you better. I plan to be in your dad’s life for a long time, and I’d like you to remain a part of our lives whether you’re living with us or in New York City with your mothers.”

  Although Steve seemed to be waiting for a response or reaction, David remained still and quiet.

  “It’ll take some getting used to, but I hope you’ll give us, and this town, a chance. We want to make it work, and even though this probably isn’t fair to say, your moms want this arrangement to work while they’re away. I probably shouldn’t tell you this, but your dad is desperate to get your approval and have a real relationship with you.”

  David furrowed his brow and lifted his head. “If it’s not fair to tell me, then why did you?”

  “Because you’re not a baby or a little boy. I’m giving you credit for being mature and letting you know everything from all sides.”

  Nodding, David bit the edge of his thumbnail as he allowed Steve’s honesty to sink in. “Thank you. I appreciate that.”

  “Okay. Now you can sit back and enjoy the short drive out of Hartford and into its neighboring suburb, which, by the way, is nearly big enough to qualify for a small city on its own—at least by New England standards.”

  David turned to look out the window and continued absentmindedly to gnaw at the edge of his thumbnail. He didn’t know what to expect, but he could feel the tension in his neck spreading down his back. This time the uncomfortable seat didn’t cause his backache, but rather the stress and anxiety building with every passing minute as they drove toward his temporary home.

  Chapter 2

  “WELCOME HOME.” Steve smiled at David as they walked into the foyer of the apartment. “I know this is all new for you, but Rob and I hope you’ll feel comfortable soon.”

  David was grateful to Steve for not being overly cheery or pushy. He seemed to know just what to say without going overboard.

  “You can hang your sweatshirt in the front hall closet along with any other jackets. That’ll free up more space for the rest of your clothing in your bedroom closet.”

  Nodding, David opened the first door on his right as they stepped farther into the apartment. There were several empty hangers. He grabbed one, hung up his zip-front hoodie, and followed Steve into his new temporary home.

  “The condo has a great layout.” Steve pointed toward the left. “If you head straight and then off to the left you’ll find the living room. It’s big enough also to fit our dining table and chairs, although we’re not too big on inviting friends for dinner. When we get together with people, we usually go out. Cooking’s not a problem for us, but we hate the thought of cleaning up after a fun evening.” He then pointed toward the right. “Follow me. If you head down this hallway, you’ll find the study and exercise room, then your bedroom. On the opposite side is your dad’s and my bedroom.”

  “What’s the door next to your bedroom door?”

  “That’s a combination linen closet and washer/dryer station. It’s pretty small, but it serves its purpose.”

  Steve opened the door to the bedroom designated for David. He wasn’t sure what he was expecting to see when he crossed the threshold, but he was shocked when he saw the space and its furnishings.

  After placing David’s suitcase in the middle of the room, taking the backpack from David, and placing it adjacent to the larger piece of luggage, Steve rested a hand on David’s shoulder and gently turned him toward a series of closed doors along one entire wall of the biggest bedroom David could imagine. “The large sliding doors are your closet. It’s not a walk-in, but I think you’ll have plenty of space for your clothes.” Steve crossed to another wall of the room and opened the door it held. “This is your bathroom. The towels are all clean and ready for you. Rob and I wanted to have everything set when you arrived.”

  “This room is huge.” David’s eyes widened. “Your room must be enormous.”

  Steve remained silent. It gave David the time to look at his new surroundings.

  “The bed.” David walked to the foot of the large bed. It was the size of his mothers’. “I would have been okay with a single; that’s what I sleep on at home.”

  “I know, but since you’re getting older, and taller, we figured it was time for you to have a more adult space. Besides, we’re lucky enough to be able to fit this in here, so why not?”

  “But you’ll be stuck with this monstrosity when I leave, when my moms come back.” As soon as the words spilled out of his mouth, David wanted to take them back. He liked Steve, even though they only saw each other on special occasions, and he didn’t want to hurt his feelings by talking about leaving when he had just arrived. “Sorry.” David bit his lip.

  “It’s okay. Your dad and I both know you’ll miss your moms.” Steve took a deep breath. “We also know you were less than enthusiastic about leaving everything you’ve always known to come stay with us. Rob and I just want you to know how happy we are to have you for however long the stay may be.” Steve sat on the bed and gestured for David to sit down next to him. “Even if the time you’re with us is shorter than your father and I hope it will be, you’ll know you always have a place here with us whenever you come to visit.”

  “You and Dad seem pretty settled. Let’s face it; you’ve been together for half my life.”

  Steve looked up as if thinking about something. “Yes, I think you’re right. We’ve been together for over seven years.”

  “Well, I was wondering… I mean I didn’t understand why… I guess I didn’t understand.” David felt tongue-tied. He wanted to ask a question that had been on his mind since his mothers married the year before and his dad and Steve attended the wedding seeming equally sett
led and happy.

  “It’s okay.” Steve looked at David. “Whatever your question, feel free to ask. If I don’t think I want to answer, I won’t.”

  David appreciated Steve’s honest, upfront attitude. It was refreshing. Most adults didn’t seem comfortable having such an open dialogue with a teen, whether they claimed to be willing or not. “It’s just, well, Connecticut has had legalized same-sex marriage longer than New York. You guys have had a house and now this incredible condo, bigger than any I’ve ever seen in the city, and you still aren’t married. What’s the deal with that?”

  Now it was Steve’s turn to nod. “Good question. First of all, we can afford this terrific place partly because it’s not in New York City and partly because while I make a decent living, your father has become an alternate anchor on the evening news, as well as a lead reporter. Second, and probably more important to you, we’re not married because we haven’t decided to get married yet. In some ways, Rob and I have grown so close over the years I guess we don’t think about it much, especially since neither of us ever thought we’d have the chance to marry until just a few years ago.”

  “I guess that makes sense.” David let Steve’s words sink in. “I’m glad my dad and you are happy.”

  “We hope you’ll be happy with us, even if it’s only temporary.”

  David gazed around the room once more. Even if it wasn’t his first choice of a place to live, it would sure as hell be comfortable for the time being.

  It was nice spending a little time alone with Steve. They had never had the opportunity. Whenever David’s father visited, on the occasions Steve accompanied him, it was generally for only a day, so his dad wanted to spend every minute he could with David. Although this was their first time having an uninterrupted conversation and it was only his first day in West Hartford, David was beginning to understand why his dad loved Steve. He seemed genuine and open.

  Steve stood from the bed, bringing David out of his thoughts. “I’ll let you unpack and get everything put where you’d like it. We have Wi-Fi so you can put your computer anywhere and I’ll give you the password when you’re ready to get online. Gail told me you spend a lot of time on your computer when you’re home.”