KEEPING SECRETS
They had been best friends for
almost twenty years., and that friendship was really the glue that kept them together. Even if they had not become lovers, they
would still be soul mates. It had been
that way, almost from the start.
It had been rough at first,
struggling with the uncertainties of a career in show business, chasing the
dream. They had both been in the same boat.
And yes, the boat had been leaky at times, and often threatened to capsize,
but they stuck together. The hardships
they survived forged a bond that had lasted through the worst that life could
give them. And now, success. Nice homes, nice cars, nice things – never
having to struggle again - they seemed to have it all. The best part was, it happened to both of
them. They had seen a lot of friendships
destroyed by the guilt and jealousy that came when only one made it. Luckily, theirs had not been one of them.
Then came time to start families,
and still, they were together. Even
though they were married to other people, there was a special love that was
reserved only for each other. Their
spouses were also particularly close, so that made it easier to spend time
together. The years went by, the
children came, and now they watched them grow up together, a kind of extended
family. The situation was especially
great for Luke, who was an only child.
Sam and Mackenzie were the closest thing to a brother and sister he
would ever have. They treated him like
he was just that, whether they were sharing secrets or fighting over whose turn
it was at the Playstation. They spent
every vacation together… summers at the ranch, trips to the beach, skiing in
the mountains. They shared all of the
moments usually reserved for only the family… first steps and first words,
first ride on a “big” bike, and the skinned knees that went along with it. Birthdays, anniversaries, joy and loss…
through it all, their love for each other grew and matured.
Because of the traveling that was
sometimes required as part of promoting “Whose Line”, they often spent a lot of
time away from their spouses. During
those long absences, they found solace in each other’s company, and their
relationship gradually evolved into something more. They shared a unique level
of closeness that came from being the
only ones to understand how unusual and demanding a life in show business could
be. Making love with each other had come
as naturally as their friendship, and this particular intimacy bound them
together even more deeply. They frequently wondered if their partners suspected
anything, but would then push the thought aside to concentrate on each other,
taking advantage of the few opportunities they had to be alone. As time went on, a kind of unspoken communication
developed between them, and often words were unnecessary.
However, now it was time to talk. They no longer wanted to keep their love a
secret. It meant risking everything…
their comfortable lifestyle, their marriages, the kids, as well as the approval
of society in general. While it was true
that homosexual relationships were becoming more accepted, there was still a
stigma attached, especially when children were involved. But they had come to a crossroads and could
not continue as they were. They had to
move forward, and the first step was honesty.
Lying in bed together, they discussed the issue and decided to bring
everything out into the open at dinner next week.
The dishes were cleared, and, as
usual, they all proceeded to the living room for coffee and conversation. There had been an uneasy tension in the air
all through dinner, and everyone felt it. It was time. They sat together on the couch, taking each
other’s hand for support. Taking a deep breath, Pat Stiles glanced at Deb
Mochrie, cleared her throat and spoke.
“Colin… Ryan… there’s something
we have to tell you.”