I wiggled my hand into his. “That’s shit. I’m sorry. Did you change your mind about the fundraiser idea?”
Even with Trent’s savings, his job contract wouldn’t be enough to convince the bank, so I was expecting the rejection and had been researching opportunities.
“Maybe. It feels weird.” He brought my palm to his lips, and I cupped his smooth cheek.
“I’ll need a video of you telling me about your dream gym and I’ll take it from there if you’d let me.” I pulled out my phone and pushed Trent into the corner of the booth for some nice fifties-style background. “Remember when you told me about the perfect gym? Do that again.”
“Sure. I have nothing to lose now and everything to gain.” He squeezed my hand one last time and straightened his back.
“That’s my positive Cupcake.” I patted his thigh. His unusually serious expression worried me, but showed his resolve about the endeavor.
Holding my phone, my throat constricted as I tried not to get too emotional as he outlined his idea. The hope for the betterment of society and helping queer people find a safe space to work on their bodies and minds were more punk than the Sex Pistols t-shirt I was wearing. My heart swelled at the purity of Trent’s intentions and his determination.
He deserved the joy and happiness from something he would create, and our community sure as fuck needed the place he was attempting to build. He’d need help, and I was ready to move mountains for this man.
No matter the cost.
Once he was done, I wiped a tear from the corner of my eye, but kept the smile on my face. “That was fantastic.”
“You think so?” He poked the menu with a finger.
“Of course. I’ll let you know if I’ll need more once I have something solid in place.” I glanced at my phone. “We don’t have much time left, so let’s get some lunch packed to go.”
Back at my cubicle in the Boston Hill Mail, I reread the piece for my column for this week about a major music store chain buying out the oldest still open family-owned store in the area. Then I watched Trent’s video and the article about Trent’s gym poured out of me in a wave of emotion.
Both pieces were important, but one would have to wait.
Over the last two days, I worked with Sabrina to help Trent set up a snazzy social media channel that looked professional and used the branding of pink and black Trent wanted.
I uploaded Trent’s video, cheekily tagging local organizations and queer influencers I’ve been researching with Sabrina and Trixie.
I had a plan. Granted, it was a risky one, but for Trent, I was ready to risk a lot.
The editor-in-chief was on vacation until Friday and the dude in charge only skimmed articles, so I was hoping for him toapprove my piece without reading. At the end, I included a CTA with a link to the fundraiser and Trent’s video for the online version.
The approval came within an hour, but I wouldn’t know how people would react to it until it went live.
Crossing my fingers, I walked home and talked on the phone with Trent about a movie we should watch the next time we met. The previous planned movie night we’d fucked instead of chilling with some popcorn, so we owed ourselves that.
“If we watch a horror, you’ll hug me tighter.” Trent’s voice was full of amusement.
I rolled over in my bed. “But if we pick a romantic one, we can kiss and not miss anything important.”
“Okay, how about a blast from the past? Remember when we watchedEternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind?” I put the phone on the pillow next to my head and closed my eyes.
“That movie broke, but I can’t recall the details anymore. I’m game for a rewatch.” Trent grunted, rustling his sheets.
“I’ll see where we can stream it.” I snuggled myself in my duvet too, wishing it was Trent I was hugging.
I fell asleep listening to Trent’s even breathing on the other line as he dozed off mid-conversation.
I woke up to Blitzkrieg Bop close to my face and sat up abruptly. The ringtone kept playing as I wiped the sleepiness from my eyes and saw it was Sabrina calling.
“What is it?” I croaked when I picked up.
“You did it. You mad genius!” Sabrina’s voice pierced my ear.
“What did I do now?”
