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I could hear laughter and music coming from inside. The front door was open, the screen door closed. It would be locked because people always locked their doors here, but I could see my brother Nick in the hallway. “Open up, butthead,” I said, and he looked over and smiled.
“Spence is here! Good thing I had to take a shit. Now I get to be the first one to meet your boyfriend!”
I rolled my eyes.
“Okay, I already like him,” Corbin said because of course he would.
Nick unlocked the screen and gave me a big hug. We were an affectionate family, which I figured Corb would love.
“Good to see you, dork,” Nick said, then gave Corbin his attention. “I’m Nick, Spencer’s younger, more attractive brother. I’m funnier too.”
“You wish,” I replied.
“I’m Corbin.” I could tell he was about to put his hand out for Nick to shake, but my brother spoke before he could.
“We like to hug. Are hugs okay with you?”
“Hugs are the best.” Corbin looked at me with smiling eyes.
“Well,” Nick said, “he’s won me over. He seems nicer than the last one. We didn’t like DJ.” Because of course Nick would mention the fact that my family had known DJ. “I still don’t get why you liked that guy so much.”
“Nick,” I said pointedly, and his eyes went wide as he realized that bringing up my ex in front of my boyfriend was a dick move.
“Did Spencer tell you I’m the idiot brother? Because I am. Clearly. I’m the baby of the family, so I basically just think about myself.”
“Well, I’m an idiot too, so we’ll get along great,” Corbin told him.
“See! I knew I liked you.” Nick put an arm around my boyfriend. “I wish Misty were here. She’s my wife. You’ll love her too. She’s a nurse and had to work, though. Come on. Let’s go out back and meet everyone so I can brag about how we’re already friends.”
Corbin started walking with Nick, the two of them chatting up a storm like long-lost friends. I fucking loved it. While I’d known it would all be okay, I still let out a relieved breath. I wanted today to be perfect for him.
A rock station played in the background, everyone outside because we always smoked a turkey on Christmas, and as I’d mentioned, the weather was great.
“Meet my new best friend, Corbin!” Nick said the second he went through the sliding door. They were immediately mobbed by the rest of my family, which included my other brother, Ken, his wife, both brothers’ kids, and my parents.
Introductions were made, and of course everyone was jealous that Nick got to meet Corbin first. My family gave him all the attention and started talking his ear off, which Corbin loved. It was perfect for him. I kept to the background and let him soak up the spotlight as he told them about what he did for a living, The Vers podcast, and his group of friends.
“Oh my goodness, you’re gorgeous,” Mom told him. “Isn’t he gorgeous, Layla?” she asked my sister-in-law.
“You really are,” Layla agreed.
“I think so,” Corbin teased, making everyone laugh.
“Um…I’m supposed to be the charming one around here. Stay in your lane, buddy.” Nick winked.
Ken smacked Nick on the back of his head. “Shut up, buttface.”
“That’s what we all call him,” I told Corbin, just as Dad said, “I promise, we’re a nice, normal family who despite the hitting and name-calling isn’t abusive at all.”
“You’re perfect,” Corbin said, and I could tell he meant it.
He was perfect, and I was determined to do everything in my power to make sure he knew it.
We spent the next couple of hours outside, talking and laughing. Mom would pop into the kitchen sometimes to check on the food, and usually one or two of us would go in and help.
When we ate, Corbin didn’t put much on his plate, his portions much smaller than I would have liked. He just had turkey, the sautéed carrots my family loved, and a small salad.
Like Corbin had been, I was the only one in my family who had a larger body, but our experiences were so different in every way. My family had never made me feel bad about it.
We all sat in chairs, plates on our laps. Corbin picked at his food from time to time, but mostly talked and laughed with the others.
“When Spencer was a kid,” Mom said, “he used to always do some kind of holiday dance number for us. I don’t know if he told you, but he took hip-hop and ballet classes.”
“I’ve seen him dance! There was a party at the LGBTQ center. I was a little sad he’s better than me, but mostly just impressed,” Corbin teased, earning a chuckle from the group. He turned to me. “Are you going to perform for us today?”
