I feel like I should be insulted by his tone. “Yes.”
“Oh,” Frankie says, waving her hand dismissively. “You’ll be fine. No one here knows the words anyway.”
“That’s not true.” I can’t be the only queer person who loves country music.
As the time to perform gets closer and closer, confetti bombs go off in my chest, and the pieces flutter down to pile in my stomach. I put my hand over my mouth. “I can’t do this.”
“Yes, you can,” Vivian says, cradling my face. “You’ve got this, babe. Just imagine you’re singing to me.”
I nod. I can do that. “You’ll stand in the front?” I’m not sure if they’ll let him, but I also know that if Vivian is determined, nothing will stop him.
When they announce me, I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. The sound tech has my music. Carolynda and Maisy wave from the back. I don’t see Dad, but I don’t focus on it either. Vivian is right up front, getting glares from a few twinks behind him. And Frankie is by his side. Frankie gives me a thumbs-up.
Roz is the emcee. I should have remembered that sooner. When I take the stage, Roz throws an arm around my shoulder.“Jonah is one of the sweetest guys I know. I’m so excited to share a stage with him, even if it’s only to introduce him. He works at one of my favorite event places ever. We did a charity gala there. If you need a wedding and happen to be in the Kansas City area, check out Bishop Fields.”
Levor groans from the far side of the stage. And when Roz opens their mouth to say more, he shakes his head.
“Thank you, Roz. Everyone.” I clear my throat and wipe my hands on my jeans. “I’m a little nervous.” That gets cheers and a few suggestions about helping me with my nerves, and Vivian shoots them a glare. My boyfriend—that’s what he is—is fierce. “This is for my boyfriend Vivian.” I say the words with confidence and then, staring only at the man I love, I sing my heart out, remembering every word to my song, “Guilty as Sin” by Chris Housman.
What? The lyrics are perfect for Vivian and me. Don’t believe me? Look them up.
When the last note dies, everyone cheers. Vivian is crying his eyes out. Oops. He’s going to have to redo his makeup. But he’s grinning at me, and I grin back. In my peripheral vision, I see a man glaring at me. I was hoping my dad would see me sing. And maybe he did.
But the last person I expect to see is Renato Beauchesne.
Vivian’s father.
