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He glanced up at me. “Do I?”
“You’re like a different person.”
“I’m guessing you like this one better.”
I couldn’t help laughing. “Yeah, I’m not complaining or anything. Just wondering if you’re saving up comments and off-color jokes so you can hit me all at once or something.”
“Nah.”
“What brought on this new you?”
His face reddened and he shrugged. “I sort of . . . met someone. Someone who makes me want to be a better person.”
“You did? That’s great.”
His eyes twinkled as he looked at me and smiled like I’d never seen him smile. “It is. I’m really happy.”
“Tell me all about it. What’s her name?”
His blush deepened. “It’s actually . . . Brian.”
“Brian?” I tried not to look too shocked.
“Yeah.” He shrugged again. “Turns out I’m gay. I’ve always been drawn to men, but I never realized that was why. I just tried my whole life to find the right woman, and nothing ever fit. I felt like I was wrong in every way. And then I met Brian and it was like a light bulb went off. He loves who he is and makes me kind of love who I am, too. I don’t even have to try. We just . . . work, you know?”
“Oh, James. This is incredible. I’m so proud of you.”
“Yeah?”
“Yes. You’ve shown a lot of courage. I’ve never seen you happier.”
He nodded. “Thanks. I’m meeting his family this afternoon. I’m nervous.”
“Just be yourself. Don’t try to be funny.”
Our eyes met and we both laughed at that.
“Got it,” he said. “And hey, wanted to ask you . . . would you meet Brian? Maybe we could all have dinner here one night soon?”
“Sure.”
He sighed, looking relieved. “Thanks. My family will be shocked by this, to say the least. I was hoping you could meet him for a dry run to help my nerves a little.”
“I’d love to. Maybe Bennett can come, too.”
“You mean Christopher?”
I buried my face in my hands. “I know. Ugh. I know.”
“What’s up with that?”
“Well, Bennett and I didn’t realize this the night we met and got it on, but he and my brother are teammates and roommates.”
“Oh, fuck.” James’s eyes bulged. “He didn’t say he was a hockey player?”
“It didn’t come up.”
He blew out a breath. “So now what?”
