Page 100 of I Think They Love You

Braylon chugs the vodka, nodding.

“Here they are.”

Kenneth strides forward in a navy velvet Giorgio Armani tuxedo jacket. An Auntie Eva pick from New York Fashion Week. “Son, I was just having the mostfascinatingconversation with Nora Bridger,” he says, too boisterous. “Who just happens to be your boyfriend’s boss.”

Denz grins tightly.

Up close, Nora resembles a young Helen Mirren. Short, elegant yet not impersonable. Her wrinkles somehow elevate her beauty. The black gown she’s wearing has understated lace details. Her warm smile is inviting in a way Denz appreciates.

“I wasn’t expecting to see you tonight, Braylon,” she says.

Braylon tugs at his collar.

“He’s here with my son, Denzel,” Kenneth jumps in.

“Oh, I know you very well,” Nora says a little too cryptically for Denz’s liking.

“You do?”

“You’re the one all the teens at the center adore.” Nora turns to Braylon, ecstatic. “He’s @notthatdenzel, right?”

“The one and only.”

A wave of unexpected endorphins from Braylon’s endearing tone assaults Denz.

“I invited him to help out with our socials, remember?” Braylon says.

Nora nods like it’s gradually coming together. Her eyes lower to where Denz is still holding Braylon’s hand. “I didn’t know you two knew each other… in that way.”

Kenneth’s mouth puckers.

Blush reddens Braylon’s face. “Well, yes,” he stammers. “Thing is—”

Denz clears his throat. “Nice to meet you, Nora. I’m Denzel Carter,” he says smoothly, extending his other hand. “Event coordinator and social media director for 24 Carter Gold.” He swallows. “Also, Braylon’s boyfriend.”

Braylon squeezes his hand three times.

“Oh. Boyfriend?” Nora blinks.

“Yes.”

In his periphery, Denz can see his dad carefully observing their interaction.

“He never mentioned dating anyone. Not that I’m privy to that kind of information about my staff. I figured with the kind of attention your family gets…” Nora’s voice drifts off.

Braylon coughs hard.

“We’ve kept it low-profile,” Denz explains. “For our careers. Braylon talks nonstop about his goals for Skye’s the Limit.”

Nora smiles proudly.

“And Denz is vying for CEO after I retire this month,” Kenneth adds. His suspicious eyes continue to roam over them.

“Wonderful!” Nora claps. “The company’s in great hands. Braylon’s also up for a promotion. Lots of responsibility. Abig movetoo.”

Denz squints when Braylon laughs sharply. Whatever questions he has about Braylon’s reaction are derailed by Nora asking, “How long have you two been together?”

“October,” Braylon mumbles just as Denz reflexively says, “Early January.”

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