Page 117 of I Think They Love You

“Whatever your face is doing right now is gross,” Jamie says. “I can’t handle how cute you two are.”

“It’sfake,asshole.”

“Oh. Okay.” Jamie stares at him, eyebrows lowered like he’s unsure if they’re speaking the same language. “Of course. Totally fake.”

Denz is about to ask what’s happening with Jamie’s tone when a throat clears. A short, stout woman with stringy red hair stands over them, her deadly glare directed at Jamie.

“Jamie Peters,” she hisses. “You’re on the clock.”

“Um, hi, Georgina.” Jamie winces.

“What’re you doing out here for an hour and ten minutes?”

“Bussing tables?”

“While sitting down?”

“Yes.” Jamie does his best to sit taller, but it’s more of a raised slouch. “The lower elevation helps me focus?”

Georgina rolls her eyes. “Get your ass back to the bar. Amber’s drowning. A party of twelve ordered Long Islands and appetizers. Go before I fire you and rehire you next weekend for the St. Paddy’s Day crowd!”

Jamie scurries away from the table.

Before Georgina joins him, she points a stern finger at Denz, cheeks burgundy. “Don’t think your food’s on the house either. I expect a big tip. Tell your mom I said hello. And let your dad know we’re serving those tomato and goat cheese quiches he loves again.”

Denz smirks. He tugs out his wallet, forgetting all about Jamie’s cryptic expression or replying to Braylon’s last text.

It’s time to go home.

-17-

Five Years Ago

Senior Year—Fall Semester

Kenneth Carter loves a themed party.

This year’s annual New Year’s Eve bash is Cinematic Beginnings.

The Belvedere Ballroom, inside a downtown Atlanta hotel, is decked out glamorously: soft gold lighting and champagne-colored decorations. Professional hair and makeup stations in the corners. Black-linen-covered tables with mini Oscar statues holding peonies and popcorn-filled film canisters and Polaroid instant cameras. Marquees hang over the bars advertising theme-appropriate cocktails. A red carpet leads to the dance floor.

It’s so corny and extra.

Denz’s thoughts are confirmed by the movieNew Year’s Eveprojected on one of the far walls. Tonight’s also very on brand for one of his dad’s events.

After an hour of mingling, Denz escapes the main floor. Fuck, he hasn’t missed this. The life he has to lead as the son of Kenneth Carter. All the endless smiling and handshakes and boring conversations with VIP influencers. College has spoiled him.

At the bar, he procures a tray of drinks and a slice of silky chocolate espresso cake. Then, he’s on an elevator to the private second floor. Away from the noise.

Closer to therealreason he’s here.

“This is… bananas.”

Leaning over the half wall to watch the socializing below, Bray looks equally awed and terrified. He doesn’t fit in with this crowd. Not in a suit borrowed from his dad, his fresh buzz cut barely hiding how soft and boyish his face is. But Denz loves how out of place his boyfriend is. An old pair of Jordans in a closet full of glass slippers.

He loves that Bray’shere. In his world. For the first time.

To Bray’s left, Nic smirks. “This isaverage,” she says over OutKast’s “Hey Ya!”

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