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“That it is. Where are your men anyway?”
I spotted Corbin and Val with Dexen and JJ. Greer was a table down from us. We were sitting near each other tonight. Junior, Dominic, and Peyton were supposed to be here too.
“You’re happy,” my dad murmured.
My eyes latched on to Corbin’s first, then Val’s. “I am. More than I thought possible.”
“I’m glad.” I heard the catch in his throat and turned to see my dad duck his head. I clasped him on the shoulder. “I’m sorry.” He discreetly wiped his eyes. “It’s been a long time.”
“I hope you never have to see me like that again.”
He lifted his gaze to mine. “I will be there for you as long as I live, Xaiden. For you, your brother, your partners. Your mom will be too. We love you.”
“I love you too. Now, no more of this. We haven’t had our pictures taken yet. You need to look your best when you introduce me and my partners.”
My dad smoothed his hand down his jacket and tugged on the lapels to straighten them, even though they already were. “Everyone is going to know you’re dating. You remember the hatred your brother got in the beginning.”
“Yeah, but like Dex, I don’t give a shit what people say about me on social media. Never have. He didn’t read that stuff, and neither will I. Besides, the good and supportive far outweighed the bad for him.”
“It did.” My dad found Dexen in the crowd again, a smile gracing his lips as he watched him laugh.
“I want the world to know how much I love them, Dad.”
“Then let’s go before your mom starts talking to Corbin about a mole she found on her neck the other day.”
“Seriously?” I asked.
“God forbid she go to the doctor.” That was my mom. If Dexen or I could fix something in the house, she called us. She’d rather we do it than pay someone, even though she had more than enough money to hire a professional. I guess the same rang true with Corbin and his medical degree.
“He’s not a dermatologist, Barb,” my dad said as we approached where my mom stood, pointing to her neck. Corbin lifted his glasses to get a better look.
I laughed. The night was off to a great start with my family, friends, and the two men I loved beyond reason.
25
CORBIN
Xaiden picked up the box truck this morning and brought it back to his house where Val and I piled onto the front bench seat and started our journey into East Dremest. I couldn’t believe I was moving in with them. It was surreal and perfect at the same time.
Looking back to when everything fell apart with Pia, I felt like I wasn’t worthy of love. Like even if I did find someone, I would worry I couldn’t pleasure them or make them happy. Every one of Pia’s comments had burned into my brain, staying there until these two men pushed them out.
I knew I was worthy. That I was good in bed. I knew I was loved and cared for. And as I watched the two men beside me, I knew I was put on the path I was for a reason. If I had met Xaiden earlier, he wouldn’t have been ready. And hell, Val would have been too young. As it was, there were comments about his age.
This morning after we traded blow jobs in the shower, we got dressed and Dexen had texted Xaiden to tell him not to look at the comments posted online. Xaiden didn’t care about what others said. I wished I could be the same way. While he was getting the truck, I went online and searched his name. Article after article popped up about the foundation, the money they raised, but there were also links to social media posts where people were speculating how much younger Val was than Xaiden and me. It was human nature to feel things and react a certain way when people were presented with an article or photo. What I couldn’t understand was why they had to comment negatively about it. Why was there a need to throw so much hate out into the world? What were their personal lives like that they lashed out this way online?
Every slur was thrown our way. We were called names for being in a relationship with three of us instead of two. There was Val’s age. Because we were gay and bi. They attacked Val saying he was only with Xaiden and me because of our money. Just because I had Dr. in front of my name didn’t mean I was rolling in it. I had to give a huge chunk of my money to Pia when we divorced so I wouldn’t have to pay alimony. I had to pay rent when I moved here. Had to buy furniture because she kept the house. But the public didn’t know what I’d been through.
Then, because I didn’t torture myself enough, I searched Val’s name and found more posts about him than originally popped up. After everything happened with his uncle, we knew it would get out that we were dating, and Xaiden stood up for Val. It was obvious in the photos of us, in the video, but they glossed over us and went right to Val saying what he did to his uncle. To Xaiden threatening him. Sure, there were a lot who loved how Xaiden and Val stood up to that asshole, but there were others who said Val’s uncle was right and men being with men was unnatural. Fuck, why did anyone care?
I didn’t think I’d ever fully understand why it had to be everyone’s business. Yes, we were standing on the sidewalk and had a very public confrontation. Did people need to record it? Did they need to post it for others to criticize us?
Val eventually ripped my phone out of my hand this morning and didn’t give it back. In fact, he still had it as we drove into the city. I hurt for what they said about the men I loved. I didn’t want that for any of us. Yet, there we were, being judged. I didn’t go into other’s homes and judge them for the shit they did.
There was no point in dwelling on it. I couldn’t change the way people thought. Instead, I’d focus on the good. On the amazing trip Xaiden won at the auction for us. On the life we were starting together. Today was a big step.
We were stopped at a light, and I was people watching when I felt a hand on mine where it rested on my lap. I glanced to my left and saw Val looking at me. He was fierce and steadfast. He didn’t give a shit if the entire world hated him as long as he had us and our friends.
I leaned over and kissed him, letting my tongue tease along his lips until he granted me entrance. “Thank you,” I whispered when I broke the kiss and dropped my forehead to his. “Thank you for loving me and taking care of me.”
