I lift his hand to my mouth and press a quick kiss against his skin. “Boyfriend benefits.”
Isaac chuckles. “Come on. Let me introduce you to my intended future spouse and in-laws.”
At my raised eyebrow, he laughs, giving my hand a firm tug. The youngest of the occupants at the table quickly shifts over a seat as we approach. I notice a beer in front of her, whereas most everyone else is sipping champagne.
“I assume you’re Isaac’s boyfriend,” she says in greeting, a wide smile on her face. “He mentioned you were running late.”
“Unfortunately, I was,” I reply, holding my hand out her way. “Trevor.”
“Angela,” she responds, clasping my palm.
“And this is Selena and Reuben Howard,” Isaac says, finishing our introductions as he takes his seat.
I sit in the chair Angela vacated, nodding politely in the direction of the couple I assume are her parents. “Nice to meet you.”
They both nod, but neither seems inclined to engage in small talk. Angela, however, pipes up. “So what do you do, Trevor? Are you a student like Isaac?”
“For a short while longer,” I reply. “After that, I’ll be going into the business of…inspirational video storytelling.”
Isaac chokes on air.
Angela hums. “An inspirational speaker. That’s admirable. What subject matter?”
Isaac’s, “Oh dear God,” is barely audible.
I offer Angela a smile. “Being confident in one’s skin.”
Her head lifts in a nod, but neither of us has a chance to say anything more before a speaker crackles to life. The room quiets, those standing and sitting aiming their gazes toward the stage. Isaac sucks in a small breath, making me wonder if the man on stage is his father.
“Welcome, everyone, and thank you for being here,” the speaker begins, his smile dazzling as he stands in front of the microphone. He looks like Isaac, I realize. Except his hair is a darker auburn, and he doesn’t have the same prevalent freckles. “In ten minutes, we’ll share a short presentation on the new virtual assistant device you’ve all been integral in bringing to life. In the meantime, please grab yourselves some refreshments and find a seat wherever you’d like.”
With that, he walks off the stage. People in the room start gravitating toward empty chairs, chatter increasing again.
I find Isaac’s gaze.
Without a word, he nods, confirming my suspicions about the man being his father. He squeezes my arm. “I’m just going to use the bathroom real quick.”
“Want me to come?”
He huffs gently, his smile genuine, albeit small. “No. I really do have to pee. Be right back.”
Isaac stands, leaving me alone with the Howards and another few individuals who’ve joined our table.
Angela leans closer, her voice a loud whisper meant to be heard. “If you need a beer, they have them at the hotel bar.”
I chuckle. “I’m fine, but thanks for the tip.”
“Don’t tell my parents I said so, but these soirees are always so boring,” she laments, leaning back with a sigh, one hand twirling her glass. “I hope you don’t mind me admitting it, but I was glad when Isaac showed up. He’s quite pretty, even if he is taken.”
“Should I worry you have intentions of stealing him away?” I ask, matching her teasing tone.
Her grin is amiable. “No, no. I promise I’ll be good. Besides, after seeing you, I heavily doubt I’m his type.”
She’s right, but I don’t confirm it.
“I think my parents were hoping we’d fall madly in love and pop out a baby,” she goes on, voice wistful. “Ah, well.”
“Maybe next time,” I offer, catching sight of Isaac at the edge of the room. He’s standing beside his father, looking decidedly uncomfortable. “Excuse me.”
