Okay, a lot intimidating.
The Gala was a formal event, but Branson disliked tuxedos, so he and Tarius coordinated black slacks with button-down shirts and matching ties. Branson had chosen emerald green to match his eyes and a simple black tie. When Tarius rang his apartment’s doorbell to pick him up, his unzipped his winter coat showed off a dark purple shirt and tie with multiple shimmering colors. It was a bolder look than he was used to seeing on Tarius, and he liked it.
A lot.
He greeted his boyfriend with a long kiss. “You look amazing.”
Tarius gave him an obvious once-over. “You look pretty amazing yourself.”
“Thank you.” Branson slipped his hand into Tarius’s and squeezed. “Is it weird that I’m nervous?”
“Not at all. This is a big step for us both. But I am very proud to walk into the hotel with you on my arm.”
“Me too.”
Which is exactly what they did twenty minutes later.
The Winter Solstice Gala was held every year at the Hotel De Fontaine, the oldest and most elegant hotel in Sansbury. They strode inside together, Branson’s arm looped through Tarius’s, and the first familiar faces he saw outside the main ballroom were Branson’s parents. Dad’s eyes lit up immediately, while Papa simply stared, which surprised Branson. That was the exact opposite of the reactions he’d expected.
“You both look handsome this evening,” Dad said. “Tarius, it’s wonderful to see you, and to see you so close to our son.”
“Your son is very important to me, Mr. Kell,” Tarius replied.
“And you must be to him. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Branson show up to an event with a date. You make a very handsome couple.” Dad’s final comment was almost a question.
“I think so, too,” Branson said. “It’s been a slow thing, but we’re very happy together.”
“Good. I’m thrilled for you.” Dad gave Branson a firm hug.
After releasing his omegin, Branson turned a curious smile to Papa, who very calmly said, “He’s a lot older than you.”
For some reason, Papa’s delivery made Branson laugh. “Yeah, but I like him anyway. He gets me, Papa, in ways no one else ever has.”
Papa’s warm smile said everything. “Then I’m thrilled for you, son. For both of you.”
Over the course of the evening, Branson and Tarius found their various siblings, mates, husbands, and friends, and everyone was a sweet combination of surprised and delighted that they were dating. Caden, with his infamous lack of filter, blurted out, “But he’s so old.” His mate Zaq smacked the back of his head.
Dancing with Tarius was a new adventure. Alphas and omegas had a natural rhythm with the typically larger alpha leading the smaller omega. Betas had to figure it out. Branson and Tarius were similar in height and build, with Tarius slightly taller. In the end, Branson gave up and let Tarius lead him to the slow, subdued music. Fancy people music, not the club stuff Branson’s friends used to prefer—until they all started growing up and mellowing out.
At one point, Miko and Linus stepped up to the edge of the ballroom’s dance floor, and the young couple began moving together. Linus’s first dance on his prosthetic leg. Tarius’s eyes gleamed, and Branson hoped he didn’t start to cry.
Time inched closer to midnight; he didn’t want this magical evening to end.
Branson excused himself for a bathroom break, and then he tracked down Tarius by one of the mobile bars. “Cola?” Tarius asked. “Or are you feeling something stronger?”
Branson wasn’t much of a drinker, but this was a special occasion, and he’d stuck to plain cola all evening. “Rum and cola.”
“Okay.” Tarius joined the line for drinks.
“Branson Cross?”
Branson turned, slightly irritated that someone was approaching him at a public event. Yes, his family was somewhat famous, but Branson himself hadn’t been interesting since he was a toddler. The person who spoke was beta, older, but at least he didn’t have a recorder or camera in his hand like most reporters.
“Yes?” Branson replied.
The beta man thrust a manila envelope at Branson. “You’ve been served.”
“Served?” Branson clutched the envelope as the man walked away, stunned and confused. He turned to Tarius, who’d returned from the drink line. “What just happened?”
