“What is it?” he asks, sounding as if he’s picking up a set of keys.
With a start, I pull my phone away to look at the time. “Oh, shit,” I mutter, bringing the device back to my ear. “You have work tonight, don’t you? Never mind. It’s nothing.”
“Red,” Trevor says calmly. “What’s going on?”
I groan, shutting my eyes tight so I can imagine him here with me. “My dad… He’s homophobic. He’s not outwardly mean about it. He doesn’t call me names or anything like that. But he doesn’t want a gay son. He’s made that perfectly clear. And I guess…”
“You guess what?” Trevor prompts, the soothing tone of his voice causing my eyes to prickle.
“I guess I’m done hiding just to preserve the peace. I want him to see me, Trevor. I want…” With an exhale, I goon. “You. I want you here. But I know that’s not possible. It’s okay. I promise.”
“Red. Where are you at?”
My laugh sounds more like a sob. “You’re not coming.”
“I am. One of the bartenders can cover the front door for me tonight. Where are you?”
“God, Trevor. It can’t be that simple.”
He’s quiet for only a beat. “Some decisions are that simple, Isaac. You make it simple.”
Fuck.
How do you respond to someone telling you you’re worth it?
I blow out a quiet breath. “Make sure it’s okay with your boss first. Don’t lose your job over me.”
Trevor simply hums. “Tell me where you’re at. What do I need to know?”
Opening my eyes, I let myself feel hope for the first time since donning my emerald green penguin suit. “Do you happen to own anything black-tie?”
Chapter 28
Trevor
I arrive at the hotel within a half hour of getting Isaac’s call. After passing off my keys to the valet, I smooth down my suit jacket and head inside.
Following the instructions Isaac gave me, I end up inside a fancy ballroom elaborately decorated and bursting with people. I spot my boyfriend quickly.
Isaac visibly sags when he sees me approaching, relief stark on his face before his eyes trail slowly down my form. He swallows heavily and stands from his chair. The woman next to him follows Isaac’s line of sight, her eyebrow popping up and a small smile on her face.
Isaac intercepts me several paces away from the table. “Oh God, you’re really here.”
“Doing all right?” I ask, reaching for him before thinking better of it. I’m not sure if he wants our relationship to be readily apparent to the people here.
But Isaac grabs my hand before it can fall back to my side, his fingers tangling tightly with mine. “Yeah,” he says, even as his voice shakes. “Just, uh, freaking out a little?”
I rub the back of his hand with my free one. “Whatever you need from me.”
He nods several times, his eyes shifting up and down my body again. “Jesus, you look hot.”
I huff a small laugh. My outfit is a simple black-and-white combo: black suit, white button-down, black tie. But based on the way Isaac’s gaze is raking over me, I must pass muster. “Green suits you.”
His mouth twists into the tiniest of smiles. It falls away after a second. “I should warn you. My dad won’t be happy once he finds out you’re here. But he’ll pretend to be unaffected just to save face.”
“I’ll follow your lead. If you want me to come out swinging, metaphorically or otherwise, just let me know.”
Isaac’s smile this time is bright. “I don’t think that’ll be necessary, Bruiser. But I feel strangely honored you’re willing to throw punches at my dad, of all people.”
