"A throuple reveal," James smirks. "Not how I expected the evening to end."
"Sorry about the kiss," Gavin says, looking between us. "Just wanted to see your dad's face implode. No offence, James, but he's all yours."
All his. Yeah. That works.
James rolls his eyes and mock punches Gavin's shoulder. "Keep your lips off my boyfriend, Robins."
The casual claim sends a thrill through me that I try not to examine too closely.
"Ready to get out of here?"
"God, yes," James says.
We're halfway to the exit when my mother appears in front of me, perfectly timed as always.
"Caleb, before you go, the Jeffersons were asking about you. They have a daughter at Pacific Coast who's pre-law. Could you spare five minutes?"
I stroke the arm of James’ jacket. "You mind?"
"Go ahead," he says. "We'll wait by the door."
As my mother steers me toward an elderly couple, I glance back to see my father approaching the guys. Something cold settles in my stomach, but before I can excuse myself, my mother's grip on my arm tightens.
"The Jeffersons donate very generously to the campaign," she murmurs, her smile never faltering.
Five minutes turn into fifteen as I'm introduced not only to the Jeffersons but also to three other couples with university-aged children. By the time I extract myself, Gavin is talking to a short man who is gesturing wildly like he is throwing a football, and James is nowhere to be seen.
Scanning the room anxiously for James, I spot him near a large potted plant, his expression unreadable as he stares at nothing in particular. Whatever my father said to him… it wasn't good.
"James?" I approach cautiously. What the hell happened?.
He blinks, focusing on me. "Yeah. Fine." He tries to but it doesn't reach his eyes. "Ready when you are."
Making eye contact with Gavin, I see him glance at James and quickly excuse himself. Gavin's hand lands on James's shoulder while I continue to search his face for damage.
"Ready to bounce?" Gavin asks, already steering us toward the exit.
James nods, but the tension in his jaw hasn't eased.
"I'm okay," he says quietly, meant for me more than Gavin.
"Didn't ask." But my hand finds the small of his back anyway.
We're almost to the door when an elegant woman in a navy dress intercepts Gavin.
"Mr. Robins? Jennifer Baker, University Alumni Association. Could I have a word?"
Gavin glances at us with a small sigh. "Go ahead," he says. "I'll catch up."
James and I step outside into the cool night air. The contrast between the stuffy ballroom and the open sky makes me take a deep breath.
"Thank you. For tonight. For all of it."
James turns to me, his expression softening. "You don't need to thank me."
"Yes, I do. You were amazing in there. With my family, with the donors, with everything." A pause. "Especially after what I learned about your past."
His eyes search mine. "Does it bother you? That I was homeless?"
