He shrugs as if it’s no big deal. "Your brothers are dicks," he says simply. "No offence."
"None taken. It's a fact."
We find seats near the back of the room for my father's speech. It's the same one he's been giving for months, carefully worded to sound progressive to liberals and traditional to conservatives. The man could teach a master class in political doublespeak.
Tuning most of it out, I instead pay attention to James beside me. His profile in the dim light, the way he listens intently despite knowing it's all bullshit, the occasional glance he throws my way to check if I'm okay.
This isn't pretend anymore. Not for me, anyway.
After the speech and obligatory standing ovation, the formal part of the evening winds down. People begin to circulate again, now looser from the open bar and more generous after emotional appeals.
We're making our way toward the exit when my father intercepts us.
"Caleb," he says, all smiles for the donors still watching. "Leaving so soon?"
"Early classes tomorrow." It's a lie, but he wouldn't know anything about my schedule.
He nods, eyes moving to Gavin. "Mr. Robins, I wanted to thank you for coming. Several university supporters have noted your presence."
"Happy to be here, sir," Gavin says politely.
My father finally acknowledges James with the barest of nods before turning back to me. "You know, Caleb," he says in aquieter voice, "someone like Gavin here would make an excellent partner for public appearances. Athletic, well-spoken, from a good family."
I stare at him, torn between shock and fury. "James is standing right here." The words come out through clenched teeth.
My father has the audacity to look annoyed. "I'm simply making an observation. Appearance matters in politics."
James's expression doesn't change, but tension radiates from him. He's furious, but I don't think it's for himself.
It's for me.
"Well, I think James is pretty hot," Gavin interjects, stepping up beside me. "Don't you, pookie?"
My eyes blink rapidly. I'm momentarily confused by the nickname. "What?"
Gavin drapes an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close. "But, Pookie, I thought tonight you were going to introduce me to everyone? I thought the three of us were finally coming out?"
My father's face goes from confused to scandalized in the blink of an eye. "I beg your pardon?"
"The three of us," Gavin continues, his expression wounded. "Me, James, and Caleb. Our little... arrangement." He wiggles his eyebrows suggestively.
James catches on immediately and slides an arm around my waist from the other side. "We were waiting for the right moment," he says solemnly. "A throuple isn't something you spring on people."
My father looks like he might pass out. "A... what?"
"Throuple," Gavin says helpfully. "Three people, all dating each other. Very progressive. Very modern."
To drive his point home, Gavin plants a quick, chaste kiss on my lips that leaves me too stunned to react.
"I... need to speak with the governor," my father stammers, beating a hasty retreat.
As soon as he's out of earshot, the three of us break into laughter.
"Did you see his face?" Gavin wheezes. "I thought he was going to swallow his tongue!"
"That was brilliant." Wiping tears of laughter away. "Completely insane, but brilliant."
Fuck that's gonna come back and bite me in the ass, but father's face was absolutely perfect. I almost don't care about the fallout. That was so good, I want to kiss Gavin, maybe I should. No, that's not a good idea. Maybe on the cheek? No, I’ll just kiss James a bunch more.
