Page 122 of Sweet T

“Forget the navy blazer. I have something better now that I see that tie.” Pedro crossed to the closet and rummaged a bit before locating a garment bag and unzipping it. “Aha. Here we go.”

He turned around and held up a purple blazer.

Barb brought a hand to her mouth. It was difficult to tell if she was happy or horrified. “Oh, my, P. Where on earth did you get that?”

“My mother made it for me. Senior prom. It hasn’t fit me for a while, but you’re a little smaller, Evan. What do you say? Want to give it a shot?”

“Uh, yes, please. It’s sickening.”

“That means fabulous,” said Shelly.

Barb laughed. “We know what it means, dear. We’re not that old. We both watch Drag Race and RuPaul has a good ten years on us, wouldn’t you say, P?”

But Pedro wasn’t listening. He was helping Evan into the crisp blazer. It was a little snug, but fit surprisingly well. Pedro turned Evan around to face him. He brushed off a shoulder and pushed a tuft of Evan’s hair back. “Ah, yes. Muy guapo.”

“The shoes have got to go.” Shelly said. “You need white. Pedro?”

“No. But Titus does. What size do you wear, Evan?”

“Ten and a half.”

Pedro smiled. “Come with me.” He put his arm around Evan, steered him out of the room.

They went down the hall to another guest bedroom closet. “Titus is a bit of a shoe queen. Not exactly Carrie Bradshaw, but enough that we need a spare closet.” He reached low and came up with a pair of white Kenneth Cole Oxfords, with a brushed-nickel buckle.

Evan took the shoes. “Oh, man. They look brand new.”

“He’s worn them maybe once or twice, on special occasions. Here, this too.”

Pedro handed Evan a white belt with a similar buckle. When Evan had everything on, he gave Pedro a twirl. “What do you think?”

“It’s perfect. A little springy, but it works for summer too. You’ll be the best-dressed attendee here. Boldest, without a doubt.”

“I can’t believe Titus and I wear the same size shoe.”

“He’s a big boy.” Pedro grinned. “But he has little feet.”

“I-I don’t–” Evan stammered. Pedro stood there before him, so generous. It was his special day, yet here he was going out of his way to make Evan feel special... wanted... welcome.

Suddenly, overcome with emotion, Evan’s eyes welled. Pedro saw it coming and quickly embraced him. “Don’t. Please. I’ve lost it three times already. I’m trying my best to hold it together and this has been a much appreciated distraction.”

They squeezed each other for support for a moment. When Evan released, he blew out a long breath.

“Better?” Pedro asked.

Evan nodded.

“Good. You belong here as much as anyone, Evan. You came here very much like me, out of the blue. I had no intention of falling in love, but I did, and I have no regrets. Titus is my best friend, lover, hero, husband, and so much more. I’m hoping Tucker will be the same for you.”

“Me too.”

“I saw you out there yesterday, wandering around the Barksdale seats.”

“Oh?” Evan said, trying his best to feign surprise.

Pedro chuckled. “It’s OK to be curious. I would be too. But you have nothing to worry about, I promise. Especially dressed like that. One look at you and Tucker might forget he’s at a wedding.”

“I think he wants Emmett to see me.”

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