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I was expecting a small gathering of maybe twenty people. Just a few editors and publishers I’d met before at other functions. Lisa really hit me from behind with the size of this event.
Along with every top publisher in the city there are others from private houses that are interested in my work. Photographers and models are literally crawling out of the woodwork to get in on the new magazine and all the related publications.
I know that Lisa is using this launch for her own publicity and to improve her own magazine, but the fact that I produced something good enough to do that still has me reeling.
My work isn’t just good. It’s fucking fantastic. I’ve had enough people tell me that, so I had better start believing it.
As Roxy and I step down from the stage I kiss her deeply and I think that I could ask the world for nothing. Not anymore. I’ve become someone I never knew I could be, transformed my life from a boring routine into an explosion of excitement that gets bigger every day.
Right at the heart of it all, Roxy. Roxy and me.
As I lift my head from her lips, I get a clear line of sight over her shoulder and that’s when I see them.
My family.
Father steps towards us first and mother follows a step behind. My brother and sister, Mark and Lily, follow behind mother.
They are still in school and they have to live by his rule. Both of them keep their eyes down. Mother looks positively severe and I can’t make out fathers’ expression at all.
This is it. He’s going to disown me. You know what? I’ve been afraid of it for years. I’m not afraid anymore. Let him do his worst.
I could sit here and talk about how the Pink Kink section is all about artistic expression, that it’s just a job, but I’m not going to. I’m doing this because I believe in it, because I honestly hold to the truth that kink is an expression that allows human beings to explore their most base natures in a safe place. I think that greater intimacy and trauma healing can come from it.
And if he wants to argue with me, then by damn get us a bottle of whisky and I’ll go shot for shot with him all ni
ght.
I stand up straight and stride towards them. I hold Roxy’s hand too tight, but she doesn’t mind. She can feel how cold and clammy my skin is and she knows how important this is to me.
“Mother, father. This is my fiancée, Roxy.”
They knew I was gay, so this isn’t so much of a big deal. I’m sure they were expecting me to find a nice boy some day… Or at least a woman in a collared blouse instead of thigh high punk boots.
Dad smiles. It’s such a rare sight I can’t look away. He holds out a gentle hand to Roxy.
“Pleased to meet you, sir.” She mutters.
“Nonsense my dear. You must call me Robert.”
My blood is pounding so hard in my temples I think I’m going to faint. I can barely see. What the fuck is going on here?
“I’m Mary.” Mother steps past father and takes Roxy’s hand. “Welcome to the family, dear.”
Roxy crumples a little bit and Mom hugs her. I think I’m actually going to melt like the wicked witch. This is too much stress.
Lily grins and rolls her eyes at me, coming around to introduce herself to Roxy. Mark quickly takes her other arm and my siblings lean into her, whispering furiously. I’m worried they might be freaking her out but when she gives her big Roxy sized laugh, I know she’s okay. I can’t imagine what they have to talk about, though.
“Darling.” Mother presses her cheek to mine. Father comes and hugs me, just gently putting a kiss on my cheek.
“What are you guys doing here? I sent you an invite, but you never replied.”
“That lovely woman who runs your show—Lisa, is it? She called and got us a limo and rooms in the hotel. Very nice of her.”
“Okay.” I still can’t breathe.
“She sent us advance copies of your new magazine, too dear.” Mother winks. She actually winks and tilts her head at me.
“Digital and print.” Father affirms.
