“Oh shit.” I shuffle to the center of the room and announce to the crowd that we have about ten minutes before Joey arrives.
Without hesitation, every person here gets to work with the final tasks we need to complete. The blinds are closed, which means that she won’t be able to see us from the sidewalk. The barista, Iris, fiddles with the music on the speakers, Aunt Elin straightens the food platters, and Peg and Fran pass out Sharpies and copies of my cousin’s book. Cam’s family and Joey’s writing buddies are here too. I can’t wait to see the look on her face when she walks through the door. She’ll appear mortified, though secretly, she’ll be ecstatic.
I stand guard, watching for them, and when I spot them at the end of the block, I wave my hands in the air. “Shh. Shh. Everyone, it’s go time.”
Legs crossed, I will my bladder to get her shit together. Anticipation always makes me have to pee. As a kid, the only way I could play hide-and-seek was if I hid in the bathroom.
When Cam swings the door open and we all shout “surprise!” Joey’s instinct is to spin around and bury her head in his chest. After a moment, though, he twists her around, and we all take turns hugging her.
I couldn’t be prouder of my best friend. She did the damn thing. She wrote a motherfucking book.
The party is off to a great start, and when it looks like all the guests are enjoying themselves, I grab myself another mocktail and take a moment to breathe. From my spot against the wall, I survey the crowd, taking it all in.
Cam’s sister, Claire, is deep in conversation with Ezra, their familiarity making me wonder if they’re an item. When he shoves her in the shoulder in the playful way my brother does to me, I decide that’s probably not the case. Though I can’t help butwonder if they’ve ever hooked up. Not that it’s any of my business.
Several folks give speeches, including me, each of us gushing about how proud we are of Joey for going after her dreams. And when Aunt Elin dotes on her only child, there’s not a dry eye in the room.
I’m moderating Peg and Fran’s heated debate over their favorite Campbell’s soup flavor when I spot my aunt tearing up halfway across the room. Concerned, I follow her line of sight and—“Oh my god.”
“What?” Ezra sidles up next to me. “What’s wrong?”
Heart pounding, I turn to him, then back again. “Did you—did you know?”
“Know what?” he asks, searching for what I’m homing in on.
“Did he just—ahh!” I rush over to Joey, who’s wrapped up tight in her mom’s arms, and Cam, who’s hovering a step away. I punch him in the bicep. “Jerk. Why didn’t you tell me?”
With a squeal, Joey embraces me.
As she breaks away, I snag her left hand and bring it up to my face.
“Holy shit.”
Resting on my cousin’s hand is the most stunning engagement ring.
I can barely see her through the tears in my eyes as I enthusiastically yank her in for another hug.
She’s speechless and sobbing into my neck.
No words are needed between us. I know her as well as I know myself. For her, the emotions of this moment are overpowering in all the best ways.
Stepping away so others can offer their congratulations, I help Mark switch out the appetizers for dessert. I’m reeling as I work. My cousin isengaged. She has never been one to dream about marriage the way little girls stereotypically do, but by herendearing smile and the elation radiating off her, it’s clear that she’s thrilled.
A double surprise party. Wow, what a night it’s turning out to be.
I’m grabbing a black-and-white cookie from the spread on the table when I overhear my aunt speaking to Ezra. “Are you seeing anyone?”
Intrigued, I pretend to be engrossed in the desserts and keep my ear open for his response.
“I am,” he replies.
“Is she here?”
“No,” he says. “She thought it would be awkward since she hasn’t met my friends yet.” In my periphery, he pauses to look at his watch. “But she’s meeting me here in a bit before we head out for the night.”
“Oh, Millie, there you are.” My aunt waves me over to join them as I move down the dessert table. “What about you, hun? Are you still seeing that young lady? Joey mentioned she’s dying to meet her.”
Ezra’s eyes go wide. I’m not sure whether it’s because he’s surprised I’m seeing someone or because that person is awoman. It’s possible he doesn’t know I’m bi. My sexuality hasn’t been a secret for about a decade, but I’m not in the habit of introducing myself as bi. Straight people don’t have to “come out” every time they date someone new, so why do queer people?
