During the winter break, we spent the holidays with Oliver’s family. His paternal grandparents stayed at a nearby hotel for a few days. Like the rest of the Hammond family, they are friendly, welcoming, and kind. I’ve been touched by how easily they picked up on my pronouns, despite their age and their upbringing in the South. It really shows that even a little respect for another person goes a long way.
After Christmas, Taylor and Danny set up a video call so we could go over finances together. Remarkably, they still insisted on helping me with tuition, and I cried a few more times during the call. I’m so lucky to have so many supportive, generous people around me. I often can’t wrap my head around it.
“Five minutes ‘til the ball drops!”
Soon after Wren caught us making out, other partygoers joined us on the porch. After a night of dancing, the crisp late-December air is incredibly refreshing. Eventually, most of our crew had made it out here, but now it seems the numbers are waning again.
“Are y’all coming in to watch the ball drop?” Theo asks, hesitating with Caleb by the door.
Oliver holds me snuggly from behind, his arms wrapped around my waist, his chin resting on the top of my head. We sway together to the muffled music, enjoying the chilly air, our friends' company, and the pleasant, warm buzz of the champagne.
“Hmm…” Oliver’s humming vibrates against my head, and I find it far more erotic than I should. “I don’t know, what do you think, Bug?”
I sigh. “I suppose we should.”
“Bug?”Max echoes, scrunching his nose. “Seriously?”
Oliver grins. “Yeah, we’re playing around with pet names. That one comes from Jude-bug—you know, like Junebug—then it’s shortened to Bug. Plus, they love The Beatles, who are also bug-adjacent. It makes perfect sense if you think about it.”
“And you’re okay with that, Jude?” Celeste asks incredulously.
“It’s not the worst he’s come up with,” I admit, unable to wipe the lovesick grin off my face.
“God, were Caleb and I ever this gross?” Theo asks with a chuckle.
There’s a resounding “yes” from Oliver, Wren, and Elise.
“Aww, I’d like to think we still are that gross,” Caleb adds, wrapping his arms around Theo’s waist and kissing Theo’s forehead. Theo’s eyes flutter shut, and he smiles.
“Gaaaaay,” Oliver calls out teasingly.
Theo playfully flicks him off before leaning up to kiss Caleb.
“Newsflash, Oliver,” Elise interjects. “You’re pretty gay, too.”
“I know. It’s the best,” Oliver replies, leaning down to kiss my temple. “I’m so gay for you, baby.”
I laugh. “You’re such a loser.”
“Yeah, but I’m your loser,” Oliver whispers, his breath tickling the shell of my ear and sending a shiver down my spine.
“All mine,” I agree.
“Y’all are disgusting,” Elise exclaims. “But in a cute way.” She looks between the two of us and smiles. “You know, I have to say, I never imagined Oliver could land someone as cool as you, Jude.”
“Wow,” Oliver grumbles. “Rude.”
“Thank you?” I say skeptically.
Elise snickers. “It’s a compliment, I swear. I’m glad y’all found each other. Oliver’s a good kid.”
I squeeze Oliver’s arm at my waist. “He is.”
Oliver kisses my cheek.
“Ugh, I have to walk away. You’re too cute.” With that, Elise heads back into the house.
As more people trickle back into the house, I turn to face my boyfriend and wrap my arms around his neck. “So, what would you like to do?”
