Jen was gone for the night, and the front office was dark as Lip and I made our way back to my private office. “What’s up?” I asked as the door closed behind us.
“I told Bre that I needed two chairs.”
“Okay.”
“I’d like Chris to be there with me. He’s been my rock.”
“Okay.” A genuine smile curled my lips. “Were you expecting me to say no?”
Tears filled his eyes. “I was hoping you’d talk me out of it. Tomorrow will be a lot. I’m not sure it’s the right time to make another announcement like that.”
“Like you have someone special in your life?”
Lip nodded.
“I think it’s a perfect time. No one should be alone. I’ve debated, but I’m going to ask Fin to sit with me. We’ve already made headlines. Lip, fuck anyone who judges us.”
“You don’t think it will hurt the Coopers in any way?”
I shrugged. “I don’t know and don’t care. Lexington is a progressive community despite thoughts of the state in general. The Coopers will survive this.”
“I kind of wish…” He rubbed his nose with the back of his hand.
“What?” I asked.
“I wish I’d have brought Chris to the family suite, so he could have met Uncle Reid.”
“I have the same regret about Fin. The morning Dad died, I was on my way to tell him about Fin. I wish they’d gotten to know one another.” I tilted my head. “Leigh and Hayden know Chris. Have Uncle Darin and Aunt Rachel met him?”
He nodded. “Yeah.” He feigned a grin. “Mom said she’s working on Dad. Grant knows I’m gay. He doesn’t know there’s anyone in my life—anyone special.”
“Maybe Grant should find his own special person.” I arched my eyebrow. “It wouldn’t hurt the chip on his shoulder to get laid.”
“Daphne’s available,” Lip said with a scoff.
“Oh,” I said, making a gagging face. “What was with the two of them on the plane?”
“I don’t even want to guess.” Lip smiled. Leaning closer, he hugged me. “Chris and I will be at the funeral home tomorrow morning.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing Chris again.”
“Have you really made a decision regarding CEO?”
I nodded. “I have. It feels right.”
“Do I get any more information?”
I shook my head.
“See you tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow.”
After Lip left, I checked Fin’s text. There was a recent text message, the one I saw during our last meeting.
* * *
“DID YOU GET MY VOICEMAIL?”
