Auggie: Let’s talk about why you’re both here. From the picture and the headlines, it’s like you’re living out the plot of a book. Thequestion is: Is the book non-fiction, a psychological thriller, or a romance?
Theo turns bright red, and everyone will notice when the episode’s video is released.
Me: That’s a nice way to ask. One of the things we’ve talked about since seeing the picture is that everyone will form their opinions, and it’s up to you to decide what kind of story it is, but we can tell you the truth from our perspective.
Brad: Hit us with the facts.
Theo: That picture was taken after a home game, and we were exhausted.
Me: I made the mistake of lying on the bed for a second. No joke, that mattress is fire.
Theo: I’d been staying with my stepfather, aka Jamal’s bio-father, in his apartment on Park Ave. Once we figured out all the lies I’d been told, I didn’t want to stay there anymore despite the security and amenities available to me. Jamal was helping me pack up my things.
Auggie: How did someone get past security to take the picture?
Theo reaches for my hand under the table, and I squeeze it.
Me: The father, who has never been a part of my life, and never gave me any financial assistance, took the picture. It’s his way of spiting us or trying to regain control over Theo.
Brad: What the fuck?! Damn. That’s some fucked-up shit right there.
Auggie: To steer us back on track, what do you want to tell our listeners about your relationship?
Me: Theo is an amazing person. I’m so lucky to have him in my life.
Theo: Same.
We make eye contact, and our hands are threaded together, white knuckles from the bone-crushing grip.
Theo: Things have progressed beyond the friendship stage. Since it’s new, we’d appreciate privacy to figure out the ending. Ya know, if it’ll be a psycho-thriller or a romance.
Brad: To clarify, you’re coming out on our show?
Brad’s face is comically confused, and I lift my and Theo’s conjoined hands onto the table.
Me: Yes. We’re together.
Auggie says a bunch of things, and Theo says some other things back, but I can’t take my attention off Theo. The bravery he’s showing in the face of guaranteed backlash is amazing. His hair has fallen over one eye, and I sweep it back. Finn clears his throat and brings me back to reality.
I manage to thank them and leave, planning all the things I’ll do to Theo when we get home.
“Okay, sweet treats, great job. Sorry, not great news. Jamal, your apartment is surrounded by media. Let’s find you another place to stay.” Finn ushers us into a waiting car.
“My parents’ house,” I say at the same time Theo says, “A hotel.”
My brain catches up, and being at my parents’ house might be safe, but it’s not ideal for the things I’m going to do to him. “A hotel would be better.”
“No, we can go to your parents’.” Theo leans into me, and I realize he thinks I’m going to have a panic attack.
“Look at the cute couple already arguing as if they’re married.” Finn searches for something on his phone.
“They might know where my parents live. Then we’ll all be stuck,” I rationalize.
The driver pulls into a well-known hotel. “Cameras,” he says, and exits the hotel’s circular driveway. He tries a couple more, but it’s like the media has organized a stakeout at the hotels.
Finn clucks his tongue. “There are people outside of Liska’s place and Drake and Lucky’s. Looks like they think the baby gays are going to the experienced gays to hide out.”
“How do you know?” Theo asks.
