I hold his hand. “Yeah. It’s nice being here.”
My emotions nearly flood me. I wasn’t planning on initiating this conversation right now, but the moment feels right.
“I know this is early, but I think I’m falling in love with you, Hank.”
Hank’s grip on my hand tightens. “Elliot,” he says.
I expect him to caution against such a strong statement, to tell me it’s too soon to even consider that. But instead, Hank pulls me closer.
“I’m falling for you, too.”
I turn and meet him in a kiss, pleasure washing through me.
“We’ll take our time,” I assure him. “I don’t want to rush anything. But I’m not confused about how I feel.”
“You’re right,” Hank agrees. “I know what’s in my heart.”
We cling to each other. I think about everything we’ve been through, and how grateful I am for Hank. How lucky I am that I found him.
“I need to go back to my house soon and take care of some things.”
Hank nods. “It’s not the right time to go public. And your father seems to accept my work, but the office is tense. That means more sneaking around.”
“I agree.” I kiss the back of his hand. “I did decide to see my family for dinner in a couple days, as requested.”
“You’re ready?”
I nod. “I’m going to have a conversation with them that I should have had a long time ago. I’m going to tell them that we need to reset the terms of our relationship. I’m done accepting financial help, and I’m also done hearing their opinions about my life choices. We’ll start on a new path forward, hopefully one that can work better for all of us.”
Hank sits up, still holding me. “You’re taking control of the situation. I’m proud of you.”
“Hopefully, I end up with a family and financial independence, instead of destitute and needlessly alone,” I joke, although my stomach twists. “But if something goes wrong, I’ll have time to reset before we tell them about us.”
“Can I do anything to help?” Hank asks.
“You’re already doing everything.”
“And you’ll be okay turning down their financial assistance?” Hank asks. “You know if you’re in trouble, especially now, I can help you.”
I shake my head. “I’m going to do this for myself. But thank you for the offer.”
He nods, accepting that. We lie together on the couch a bit more and talk, then make our way to the leftovers for dinner. Tonight, we skip a movie and head straight to bed, where I fuck Hank long and hard before we pass out.
When I finally leave the condo the next day, it feels strange to have to sneak out, and stranger still to have to sneak back into my house. But after a few days at Hank’s, I’m refreshed and energized, and ready for the upcoming conversation with my family.
I need to draw some new boundaries, which means I’m going to have to put myself on the line, expose myself to potential rejection or worse. But I’m ready for this, ready for the change.
And I’m ready for a future with Hank, too. I never would have guessed when we were first castaway on the raft together, but he’s the man I love.
I manage to pay Taylor what I owe for utilities, even though it empties my bank account again. Some of my first-edition books sold online, too, which I package up before turning to my illustrations.
The next night, after another full day of work, I begrudgingly pick a suit that my family will approve of and arrive to dinner right on time.
After being greeted by employees at the door, I’m lead through the foyer and into the banquet room, where there’s seating sufficient for the entire family. Everyone mingles around a massive antique dining table, big enough for all unlucky thirteen of us, ages six to seventy-six.
No one turns my way, and after a moment, I raise my voice. “Hello?”
“Elliot,” my mother says, and she gets up to greet me.
