“Ree,” John-Henry says.
“I’m just pointing out that the boy has a certain appeal.”
“The boy?”I say.
“What would you say,” Emery asks Sam, “if I told you that you could do better?”
Sam looks at him.And then he says, “I’d say don’t talk about my boyfriend that way.”
It’s hard to read Emery’s face sometimes.Mostly because I’m not entirely sure he’s a human being.But something relaxes, and he settles back in his seat as he says, “Good thing it was a hypothetical question, then.”
Theo clears his throat and says, “Auggie made a video that kind of plays around with that premise.”
It’s a transition, and it’s meant to ease the tension, and it works.We watch Auggie’s video, and it’s cute, and he manages to get his shirt off twice in it.The little fucker has abs, and he’s clearly a show-off.After that, the rest of the night flows smoothly.
As the dinner begins to wrap up, people stop at our table to say goodbye.There are some congratulations, and a few people who say they’re sorry I’ll be leaving WISP.Not Robin, of course.Foley hands me an envelope full of cash and says it’s from Norman and Gross, for WISP.And Chief Peterson shakes my hand.
I’m caught up in the flow, so I’m only partially listening when I hear John-Henry say, “Why don’t you guys come over?We’ll play some games, hang out.It’ll be fun.”
There’s this little pang inside me, because I know Sammy’s going to say yes.John-Henry inviting him to hang out—it’s basically his wet dream.And it’s fine.I’m past the jitters.I love Sam.I know how much he wants this.
I don’t even mean to catch his eye.
Sam smiles at me.Just at me.
And he says, “Thanks, John-Henry.But I’ve got plans with my boyfriend.”
