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“Your parents would die if they saw you with that. Tristan, you can only escape your future for so long. Your family and mine have to merge soon. My father’s company needs it.”
Merge, family, what is she talking about?
What does Thea have to do with the business transaction? I’m intrigued enough that I don’t say a word and wait for Tristan to clue me in.
“Yes, Victoria, she’s my girlfriend. If you’ll excuse us, we have things to do. As I said when you arrived, I’m not interested.” His menacing voice doesn’t go unnoticed. “I can’t believe my mother gave you my address. Look, my life is here in Seattle, Victoria.”
Yes, listen to him, woman. He has a life here. I try to kill the smirk on my face, but his words make my chest swell.
It’d be cool if he said, “Meet my boyfriend, Matt, and this is our beautiful girlfriend, Thea,” but I’m thinking we are a long way off from that.
“I thought you lived in L.A.” That whiny screech deafens me for a few seconds.
“If that’s all, Victoria, I think you need to leave,” he dismisses her without acknowledging the last thing she said.
“This can’t be the end of it.” She stomps her foot. “I sacrificed a lot already.”
I walk to the door, open it for her, and say, “As he said, we have things to do. You either leave now or I’ll call security.”
She lifts her chin and walks out without a word. I slam the door once she’s on the other side of it.
“You okay, Butterfly?” Coop holds her tighter, kissing her. “You look weary.”
“Who is she?” Thea doesn’t respond to his question. I take her hand and kiss it in case she isn’t okay.
“Victoria. My parents want me to marry her.”
“Are you going to?” Thea’s voice shakes.
“No, Thea, I’m not. If I ever get married, it’d be to you—or Matt.” His head drops on her shoulder, and he closes his eyes. “Fuck. Did I just say that?”
“Yes, because you’re letting yourself be happy,” Thea answers. “We’re all doing our best to understand our relationship. Enjoy it.”
This is a different version of Thea—a woman who believes in herself and us. If I could, I’d take them to bed and love them for the rest of the day. Fuck knows I’m horny.
My hand has been getting a workout as of late. But neither one of them is ready, and I respect that. For now, I want to enjoy Thea. She moves into the old building where I used to stay during our freshman year of college. I’m curious about the magic of that place, as we’ve all ended up there in one way or another.
It gives me hope. Chris married Gabe, Jacob is with Pria, and maybe… I look at Tristan and Thea and dare to hope that maybe someday we’ll marry. Of course, it wouldn’t be legal because that’s not allowed yet. But, like my fathers, we can make something of our own and wait for years until one day society catches up and understands that we all have the right to love who we want, regardless of the popular consensus.
ChapterTen
Tristan
The late Octobersun peeks through the clouds, illuminating the window in the meeting room of Cooperson’s Corporation. This isn’t how I planned to spend my Wednesday, but my father needed me.
One day, I’ll be strong enough and I’ll say no, fuck you. That day is not today though. I lift my gaze from my table, scanning the conference room. Everyone is half asleep. Why do we have to be here?
It’s yet another board meeting, more decisions to make, signatures to collect, and a round ofwhen are you taking your father’s position?is in order. I hold my words the same way I hold my breath. Staying present but regretting my visit. Things don’t look good, but I prefer not to give any input on how they could improve.
One thing would lead to another, and like the stupid, obedient son that I am sometimes, I’ll be taking over out of guilt.
Butterfly: Hey Mr. Cooperson, are you busy, or can I be your ten o’clock? :wink: emoji
Coop: Are you flirting?
Butterfly: Nah, just checking on you. You were stressed out during our morning call. Mattie’s worried too.
My woman just erased the tension and relaxed my lungs so I can breathe again. Since I met her, my life has changed. I’m happy. Thea and Matt make me happy. If I could, I’d fly to Seattle tonight.
