Our friends reacted exactly how I hoped they would, no awkwardness, just warmth. They’ve got his back.
Still, telling Maddie? His parents? That’ll be different.
From what he’s told me, they’ve never made him feel like he was enough.
Which floors me.
He’s exceptional, kind, talented, and driven.
Any parent should be bursting with pride.
When he decides to tell them, I’ll be there. No matter what.
Anne strokes his cheek again. It stings, but I get it. She’s his rock.
Dinner rolls on. Laughter, the usual pub fare.
Ian plays it smooth, but it’s obvious who he’s really here for.
And Seb? He’s kind, maybe even flattered, but he keeps a polite distance.
Or maybe I just want to believe that.
Now that he’s out, it’s only a matter of time before someone makes a move. And the idea of anyone touching him, of anyone else getting that close, it makes me see red.
But I have no right. None at all.
Francis elbows me. “Hey, man. Be At One after this. You in?”
The club. Hell no.
Not with the call to Maddie looming over me and Ian still hovering around. Definitely not ideal.
“Dunno,” I mutter. “I’m pretty wiped.”
Francis doesn’t buy it. I feel his eyes on me, waiting.
So I turn to Seb.
“Hey… want to head home? I’m not really feeling the club tonight.”
Seb frowns, concern flickering across his face. “You okay?”
“Yeah, just tired.”
He softens instantly. “If it’s alright… I think I’ll go with the others. I can Uber back later.”
Francis jumps in before I can say anything.
“We’ve got a car. Anne and I can take you.”
I’m just about to bow out, already halfway out the door in my mind, when I catch sight of Ian’s smug little grin.
No way.
“I’ll come,” I blurt out. “It’s Saturday. I can sleep in tomorrow. Might do me good.”
Everyone exchanges a look. Francis shrugs, amused. “Alright. Let’s roll.”
