He frowns as we step into the elevator. “Disturbingly accurate. Except I have several sides of greens.”
“Should we check our vibes before we appear in public?”
“Our vibes?” He turns to face me. “Honestly, I’m a bit concerned that I’ll look like an awkward doofus across from a man known for his impeccable charm. But I’ve been in front of crowds my entire life, so although I might be a little wooden, I’ll be fine.”
“Hopefully nottoowooden, at least not in public.”
His cheeks warm. It’s deeply satisfying.
The door dings open before he can respond, and we walk across the lobby. I quicken our pace, hoping we aren’t recognized, and the car is thankfully waiting outside.
On the way to the restaurant, Spencer takes a call from his agent, and I check in with my lawyers.
We pull up to the quiet brunch spot as Spencer pockets his phone. “Mind if I put my arm around your shoulders?” I ask.
He blinks at me. “Right now?”
I laugh. “I mean, if you need a cuddle, just ask.” His mouth makes a perfect O, and I keep talking before he can say anything. “When we walk in. Arm over shoulders good?”
“Right. Sure.” Spencer gives me a confident nod. “Let’s get this over with.”
When we step out into the chilly morning, a couple reporters are already waiting for us. Their cameras flash, and I quickly throw my arm over Spencer’s shoulder. He tenses slightly, but stays close.
Honestly, it’s nice to have him there. He feels good against my body. Sturdy and warm.
“Spencer! Gabriel!” a woman calls out, stepping forward. “How long have you two been together?”
I hold a hand out. “A couple months. But we’ll answer questions like that all in due time,” I say casually. “My man is hungry.”
A man in a pink stocking cap raises his voice. “Gabriel, we thought you didn’t believe in romance. What happened?”
“This guy happened,” I answer confidently, leading Spencer toward the restaurant. “And unlike me, he likes to keep his business private.” I flash a smile to the press. “It’s a nice change of pace.”
They chuckle as a few passersby stop, whispering to each other as they realize who we are.
“Spencer,” the man continues, “what do you have to say? Is this your first gay relationship?”
Spencer tenses against me, his eyes on the reporter. I see him drawing a blank, although I’m sure everyone else just sees the strength etched in his expression, his thoughtful eyes.
I pull him closer and flash another smile as they continue taking our photos. “We have a press release coming. In the meanwhile, how about a little privacy for our honeymoon, huh?”
Before they can toss another question our way, I manage to guide us inside. I pull my arm off Spencer’s shoulder as the waiter walks us to a private table in the back, positioned away from the other diners but still in view.
We take our seats as people crowd at the window.
“Damn,” Spencer says under his breath and takes a gulp of water.
“What? It wasn’t that bad, was it?”
He shakes his head. “No. It’s just… you’re awfully good at that.”
I smile. “Thanks.”
“Thank you,” he says. “I didn’t even consider they’d ask if I’d had gay relationships before, although it seems so obvious. And they could have asked me absolutely anything about you, but I wouldn’t have likely known the answer.” He tilts his eyes up to me. “At least with Alyssa, I was more familiar with her life.”
I nod, leaning back with my mug of coffee. The music is loud enough that I’m comfortable no one will overhear us, although I still keep my voice low. “Unfortunately, being gay results in some people thinking they have a special right to ask your intrusive questions. It’s a common experience for marginalized people. You’ll hear questions no one would have ever asked you when you were a straight man. But you can handle it. You just have to learn to deflect and shut the bullshit down.”
“Intrusive questions. Great. So begins my crash course in being an out gay person.”
