A few people pass me and enter The Scoop, and someone calls Nicholas’s name from down the street. The energy of the gayborhood begins to sweep us all up again.
Kavya shrugs. “Dinner soon to catch up? Mohammed called. He told me that a representative from an arts org confirmed he’ll be attending the exhibition to consider us for future funding.”
“Amazing!” Nicholas says.
“Yeah, no pressure,” Kavya replies dryly. “Just the financial health of the gayborhood riding on it.”
“Let us know how we can help,” I say.
A twink flies by on a pink skateboard, followed by two bears on a tandem bicycle.
Clay gestures after them. “I think that’s a good omen.”
“As good as any,” Kavya agrees as Nicholas and I laugh, and we all part ways with a promise to meet up again soon.
Before I head back inside, I glance across the street once more. Two of the protesters toss their signs in a trashcan before taking off. I’m glad to see them disperse, but I can’t help but notice the glare they each shoot my way before departing.
