Page 59 of Pining for You

“Oh, yes,” Johnna says. “That is good.”

Cash’s eyes go wide again, and I can tell he’s trying to decide if she’s serious. Johnna rubs her hands together and turns to Izaac. “So, did you come to see your sister?” she asks.

“We did,” he says.

“Ehh,” Audra says. “Let’s not pretend this is all family reunion. You guys had ulterior motives.”

“True.” Izaac nods and looks at me.

“We’re here in the pursuit of love,” Cash says, settling into a seat beside Izaac.

“Ohhh.” Johnna raises her perfectly painted eyebrows and coos, just as a short human in a driver’s cap climbs behind the wheel.

“Gus, these are our guests,” Johnna announces. “Guests, this is Gus, who will be piloting the vehicle this evening to where the rest of the band is waiting. They are also our illustrious manager, and my best friend.”

“Pleasure,” Gus says, tipping their cap in our direction. “Did I hear something about a love story?”

“You did!” Johnna replies, then leans forward with her chin on her fist. “Please, regale us with the romantic tales of youth. We’re starved for romance.”

“And youth,” Gus adds.

“Well, Bennie here is on a mission to find and secure the love of one mysterious and beguiling girl named Eve, who works at a bakery in the magical land of Cobble Hill,” Cash says, taking the lead.

“Beguiling?” I give him a look, and he takes a small bow.

“The rest of us are here to help shepherd her through the process,” Izaac adds.

“And provide comic relief,” Audra says.

“Plus, manage some of the logistics of the aforementioned mission.” Diya crosses her arms, as if this is a greatly underappreciated role.

“But most importantly, to make sure she gets a kiss!” Cash adds. “Her first.”

I shoot him a look. Not daggers, exactly—more butter knives—because now they’re all looking in my direction and a flush creeps into my cheeks. I can’t imagine Johnna won’t find this whole first kiss quest kind of lame.

“Searching for Eve on Christmas Eve Eve?” Gus says, navigating slowly through traffic on the Brooklyn–Queens Expressway. “That’s too good.”

“I love this for you!” Johnna slaps my knee and a flicker of excitement runs through me. “And no better place for a big gay Christmas love story than New York City, is there?”

“That’s what we’ve been saying all day!” Cash says, and squeezes Izaac’s hand.

“And no one knows romance better than Bennie Bosley,” Izaac adds.

“Well, that’s a bit of a stretch,” I mutter.

Johnna waits, looking at me. “Why do you say that, gorgeous?”

The gorgeous part makes me all toasty and awkward.

“I just mean, my lack of… experience.”

My friends have been so invested in a happy ending, but I’m terrified I have no way to guarantee that for them. I don’t know the first thing about real romance and I’m not sure I have the star power for this leading role.

“Ah. Experience. Capital E,” Johnna says, nodding. “I can understand why it might be nerve-racking.”

I grimace. Cash reaches over and squeezes my hand now.

“You know, people don’t realize sometimes that the smallest gestures are often the most lovely forms of romance. Some of my favorite moments with my partner are the things I almost don’t notice sometimes. She remembers to set out my coffee mug when we’re getting ready for a travel gig. Or notices when I’m almost out of toothpaste and replaces it. Not all romance has to be the grand gesture kind,” she says. “Sometimes, just seeing someone is the most romantic thing of all.”