Colton stood taller, rolled his shoulders back and lifted his chin. “Totally certain. I want to tell them tonight. I want to walk out and kiss you on that stage.”
Dean grinned and stroked his cheek. “Okay, there’s about thirty minutes left in the show. Stay here, I’ll come get you.”
The next thirty minutes dragged on, feeling more like three hours. Colton sat in a chair, his knee bouncing rapidly. His phone buzzed, and he pulled it out of his pocket to find a message from Dean…
Dean: You still want to do this?
Although he was nervous, he knew, without a doubt, that he was ready. He quickly shot off his response…
Colton: FUCK YES!
Dean: OK, I’m gonna say a few words, then I’ll come get you.
The dancers gathered near Colton, ready to take the stage for their final bow.
The music stopped, the final beats bringing an end to the show, and the crowd cheered. The dancers walked out to the front of the stage, took a bow, smiled, and waved to the crowd. After a few seconds, they returned backstage. Colton high fived them as they passed and took a deep, unsteady breath.
Here we go. Everything is about to change.
***
Dean
Dean stepped to the front of the stage with a handheld microphone as the crowd cheered in appreciation.
He took a bow, flashing the audience a big smile and looked up to the suite where Colton’s family watched. Sophie gave him a timid wave. He managed to withhold a scowl as he lifted the microphone to speak, motioning to quiet the crowd with his other hand.
“Thank you all for coming tonight. This is the halfway point of our world tour, and I’ve got to say…It’s fucking good to be home!”
The crowd roared and cheered.
Dean sported a sly grin and continued. “And, I have a special announcement for you.”
The crowd grew quiet.
“Anyone following me on social media knows I’ve been seeing someone for a while now. We’ve kept it secret, but…well, it’s getting pretty serious.”
The crowd applauded.
“He’s here tonight, and I want you to meet him.”
The crowd screamed.
Dean cracked a huge smile, held up a finger, and walked to the back of the stage to collect Colton.
Dean took Colton’s hand and raised an eyebrow. “Still want to do this?”
“Absolutely.” Colton smiled. “Let’s fucking go.”
They walked to center stage hand in hand. There were gasps and murmurs in the audience with a smattering of applause.
“Everyone, this is Colton.” Dean turned to Colton. “Colton, this is everyone.” He swept his arm across the crowd.
The crowd laughed.
Colton faced Dean with a nervous grin. Then, right there, in front of a stadium full of people, Colton placed his hands on Dean’s hips and quickly pulled him into a kiss.
The crowd erupted in a roar so loud, they must’ve heard it in Oakland.
