Benson’s stomach tightened. He took a sip of water, trying to wash down the lump forming in his throat.
“I don’t have a cousin. I made him up, like most of my past.”
He knew Kyle’s story was incomplete, but how many more lies were between them?
He wanted to tell Kyle California wasn’t the only place dreams could happen. That Michigan had lakes and quiet mornings and a version of life that could be just as good if not better with the right person beside you.
But he didn’t say any of that. Not yet.
Instead, he leaned back and smiled. “We’ll figure it out. No pressure.”
Kyle smiled back, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Yeah. We’ve got time.”
“I want you, Kyle, regardless of what decisions need to be made. We’ll work it all out together. But you needed to know where I come from.”
Benson wasn’t so sure. But he’d feel it out. See if Kyle could picture a future that didn’t involve palm trees and Pacific breezes. Maybe, just maybe, he could bring Kyle home.
And if not…well, Benson would have to decide whether home was still Michigan, or wherever Kyle ended up.
They lingered over their fancy chocolate mousse both agreed tasted like heaven. The restaurant had thinned out, with just a few couples left murmuring over wine. Benson watched Kyle scoop the last bite, his brow relaxed, his shoulders less tense than they’d been all week.
Now felt like the moment.
“So,” Benson said, swirling the last of his coffee, “if you did stay in California…what would that look like?”
Kyle glanced up, spoon paused midair. “You mean like, job-wise?”
“Yeah. Job, life, all of it. Just curious.”
Kyle leaned back, eyes drifting toward the window like he could already see the skyline of a city they hadn’t reached yet. “I don’t know. Maybe finish college and dance at night.”
Benson nodded slowly, heart doing that annoying thud thing it did when he was trying to act chill but wasn’t. “Sounds exciting.”
“It is,” Kyle said, then added, “but also kinda terrifying.”
Benson smiled. “That’s how you know it’s real.”
Kyle laughed softly, and Benson felt the warmth of it settle in his chest. He wanted to bottle that sound. Keep it close.
He hesitated, then went for it. “Would you ever think about what it’d be like…if you came back to Michigan with me instead?”
Kyle blinked, caught off guard. “Back?”
“Yeah. I mean, you’ve got roots nearby in New York too. And I’ve got space in Michigan. Hell, I’ve got extra rooms Idon’t use. Could turn them into a dance studio or anything you’d want.”
Kyle didn’t answer right away. He looked down at his empty plate, then back at Benson. “Do you really want me there?”
Benson met his eyes. “I would. I know this conversation didn’t start off right, but I want you with me. The reality of where I live hit me, and I know you wanted to live in California.”
There it was. No games, no dodging. Just truth.
Kyle leaned forward, elbows on the table. “I didn’t think you’d want me to go back with you.”
“I want you,” Benson said. “I just…I guess I hoped your dream could include me.”
Kyle didn’t speak for a long moment. The silence stretched, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It was heavy, sure—but honest.
“I don’t know what I want yet,” Kyle said finally. “But I’m not ruling anything out.”
