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I wag my finger at her. “I will not be sharing secrets about your boss.”
“But it’s going well?” Erik is the one who asks, but all three focus on me, their expressions ranging from Astrid’s curious leer, to Jules’ quiet hopefulness, to Erik’s protective concern. I’d wondered how long it would take them to start the grilling.
“Yes. It is.” I lean back in my chair, my project all but forgotten as my focus turns to Blake. “You know, I never imagined things working out long-term with anyone.”
Jules tries to protest, but I wave him off. “Sweetie, of anyone here, surely you know what I’m talking about. It’s hard enough being gay and trying to find a decent,outguy who’s capable of handling my fabulousness. Throw transgender into the mix and it’s even worse. The added bonus of gender fluidity is all but the kiss of death. It’s looking for the king of the unicorns, and I knew it. But it was, and still is, a price I’m willing to pay to be my authentic self.”
Astrid puts down her brush and squeezes my hand. “You’re perfect just as you are.”
“I know.” I turn my hand over in hers, squeezing her back.
Erik snorts. “And modest.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Honey, know your worth.”
Before I finish my thought, Jules pipes in. “Then add tax.”
I throw my head back and laugh. “Exactly.” I let the warmth of my friends’—no, my family’s—love wash over me. “But then there’s Blake. He sees me. From the first moment we met, he’s accepted me exactly as I am. And that’s some pretty heady stuff right there.” My stomach swoops because Blake might actually bethe one.
I wiggle happily and pick up my paintbrush again. “He’s been amazing, asking questions, respecting my pronouns, always asking which he should use. And he’s so smart! I swear the man knows something about everything, but he never pretends to know more than he does. And he’s funny, and kind, and you’ve all seen him. He’s gorgeous.”
Erik nudges my leg under the table. “Sounds like you’re in love.”
I sigh and close my eyes, basking in the warmth of my happiness. “Probably. I’m definitely on my way there. But I haven’t said that to him yet.”
Jules stops painting, his eyes scanning my face. “Does he feel the same? He’s an idiot if he doesn’t.”
I blow kisses at him. “You are the best brother, sweetie. I adore you. Erik, you’re an incredibly lucky man.”
He nods in agreement. “I am. The luckiest.”
Astrid points at me with the tip of her paintbrush. “You didn’t answer Jules’ question.”
I shrug. “I think so? We’ve talked about feelings, about how quickly they’ve developed, how strong they are. And oddly, neither of us is worried about that. This just feels right.”
“Well, I’m thrilled for you.” Astrid raises her glass, toasting me with her wine.
Jules shoves his chair back and jumps up, running around to my side, squeezing me tightly. “Blake seems nice, and it sounds like he cares about you and makes you happy, and that’s all that matters to me.”
“But if he hurts you…” Erik scowls, and Astrid swats him.
“Don’t go all caveman-best-friend on them. You wouldn’t do anything to him. It’d be for Stef and Blake to work out.”
Erik grins wickedly. “Who said anything about me going after him? I’m going to sic you on him.”
Jules nods, face completely serious. “That’s definitely worse.”
I toast with my sparkling water. “Thank you, my lovelies. Your support really means a lot.” I take a sip and count myself incredibly lucky to have these wonderful people in my life.
Not to be the only one in the hot-seat, I throw a pointed look at Astrid. “So, what’s up with you and Gary? You’ve been dating for over a year. Is he gonna put a ring on it?”
She looks down at her dog bowl, focusing as though it’s the most important piece of artwork she’s ever created. “Who says he has to put a ring on it? MaybeIwant to put a ring on it. Maybe I don’t need a ring at all.”
I hum thoughtfully. “All valid points. I’m just curious. Our brothers wasted no time.”
“Not true.” I glance at Jules. His cheeks are pink and he’s diligently focused on his project. “Erik and I—well, I wouldn’t say wasted—we took a long time to get to this point. But it was worth it.” He glances at Erik, and they exchange the sweetest look, so full of love it makes my heart full and my eyes prickle.
I blink away tears. “If you make me cry…”
