Page 77 of The Star in Room 7

Melanie cuts in. “I advised him to wait until⁠—”

“Hold,” Bruce says. A beep tells me he’s put himself on mute.

Melanie mutters softly down the phone, her voice too quiet for me to tell what she’s saying. I imagine she’s fretting. If this role gets taken away from me, she won’t get her ten percent cut. Will she drop me if that happens? I press my fist against my thigh. I don’t care if she does. I don’t care if no one wants to work with me again. I can’t hide anymore. I won’t.

Beep.

“Not a problem, Zach,” Bruce says cheerfully.

I blink. “What?”

“I said it’s not a problem. So you’re gay? So what? We love you. Your chemistry tests were perfect, and you’ve got a tribe of teenage fans from that cute indie movie you did. If we spin this right, it’ll help us promote the movie. Get that contract signed, Zach.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Looking forward to working with you.” He hangs up, leaving me and Melanie on the line.

“Are you going to sign now?” she asks.

“Yes!” I can’t stop grinning. I’m full of energy and need to move. I wish Nate were here. He’d hold me and ground me. Although maybe even he won’t be able to pin my feet to the ground. I feel like I have wings!

“Can you get here this evening?”

“Yes. Yes. I’ll grab a taxi… Uh… A cab. See you soon.”

She laughs. “See you soon.”

I end the call and text Nate while I run about the apartment, grabbing my trainers, keys—Nate gave me a spare set to his apartment in case I need to go out while he’s not here—and wallet.

Me: I got the role! I need to go downtown to sign the contract. I’ll text you the address. Meet me there?

By the time I’ve got my trainers on, Nate is calling me.

“Hey, Daddy, I thought you were busy?”

“I’ve just got in the car to come home. You got the role?”

“Yes! Can you believe it?”

He laughs softly. “Of course I can believe it, sweet boy. You’re amazing.”

“I’m going to get a taxi to my agent’s office. Will you meet me there? Can you? I… I want you to meet her.”

“As your security?”

“No.” I’m breathless and giddy. “As my boyfriend. I… I told her and the studio that I’m gay. I told them I’m not going to hide anymore. Can we go out on a date tonight? To celebrate? Oh, fuck, I’m rambling, aren’t I?”

“Baby.”

I pause, breathing hard. “Yes, Daddy?”

“Are you sure?”

“I’ve never been more sure about anything in my life. I love you. I’m done hiding. I’m done being scared.”

“I am so proud of you, sweet boy. I’ll meet you there. I’d love to meet your agent. You know what this means?”

“What?”