Page 88 of Advanced Chemistry

“Let’s call Pop,” Amos said, putting his phone on the table.

“He’s at work,” Hutch said.

“It’s his lunch break.” Amos dialed, and two rings later, Pop picked up.

“Amos! What’s going on? To what do I owe this midday call?” Hutch’s dad was always in the best spirits. Even last year, as he dealt with one health issue after another, he would greet us with warm smiles. It was as if he’d known all of us for years, and not a few months.

“Hey, Pop. Question: can we squeeze one more guest into the wedding? Chase needs an extra invite.” Amos looked at me, silently asking for permission to bring up my boyfriend situation.

“HI, Pop. This is Chase. I’m dating two men.”

“Do they know about each other?” Pop asked.

“They do. We’re all together. One cohesive unit.” I hunched over the phone, biting my lip, wondering if Pop was hip enough to understand.

“Oh, like those polyurethane relationships?” he asked, after a pause.

“Polyamorous,” I clarified. “And yes.”

“Pop, I know things are tight, but it would mean a lot to Chase to be able to bring both of his boyfriends,” Amos said. “It’d mean a lot to Hutch and me to support our friend.”

Hutch’s eyes popped open at being roped into this. I understood his main concern was making sure Pop’s wedding went off without a hitch.

“Uh, yeah, Pop,” Hutch said. “Is this cool?”

“Absolutely! If Chase has two boyfriends, he will need two invites. I’m with it, boys. And as luck would have it, your uncle Milton has gallstones, so he won’t be able to come.”

“Shucks,” Hutch said, then wiped his brow with relief for our eyes only. “Thanks for being cool about this, Pop.”

“Of course! And if worst case scenario, we’re a little tight in the reception, we’ll survive. I’m still getting married. I’ll be eating the first slice of cake. If you boys have to fight for scraps, that’s your problem.”

Amos put the phone on mute. “He’s kidding. There will be plenty of food and cake.” He took us off mute. “Thanks, Pop!”

“Thank you, Pop. I really appreciate it. I can’t wait for you to meet Anton and Sebastian!” I sat back and let good vibes wash over me. If a sixty-something guy could be cool with my relationship, then there was hope that other people would be accepting.

And as a bonus, I’d get to see Anton and Sebastian in suits. Delightful.

* * *

It usually tookme a few weeks to fully shake off the school year and start enjoying my summer. Fourth of July was the turning point, a big holiday to usher us into the heart of the season.

Anton invited us over to his parents’ house for a barbecue. They weren’t fazed in the slightest over the fact his son was dating two guys. It helped that they worked on a college campus where many of their students were in unique relationships, and also that they really, really liked Sebastian and me.

I helped Anton on the grill, making sure he was hitting the right temperature to get the burgers cooked without getting dry.

“How are you such a good cook?” Anton asked, slipping his hands around my waist and kissing my neck.

“It’s science. Knowing which ingredients complement each other, the ideal temperature to cook meat. All of it.”

“I don’t think so. I just think you’re a genius.” Anton continued kissing my neck, sending goosebumps up my head. I’d gone through most of my life sure that I was better off alone. I almost missed out on these moments, on the touch of another person.

Or people.

Sebastian was an excellent cuddler, too. Sometimes, I wondered if he and Anton were in competition with each other about who could be the better boyfriend. Too bad for them, there would always be a tie.

Sebastian emerged from the pool like a model, water rivulets traveling down his abs, his wet bathing suit clinging to his tree trunk thighs. It was hard not to stare. Seb planted a kiss on Anton, then on me.

“Seb, Chase is changing the game on these burgers,” Anton said, giving my ass a light tap.

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