Page 66 of I Think They Love You

“It’s not a trick question,” Denz grunts. “I’m not going to trip you or anything.”

“I know.”

“Then what?”

The edge to Braylon’s face softens. “I’m thinking about what I want to say to her.”

Denz recognizes all the little tics. Like that night in Braylon’s car, right before he met Denz’s parents. He considers offering a suggestion, maybe an opening line, but decides on a different tack.

He threads his fingers through Braylon’s. Refuses to acknowledge howeffortlessthe movement is.

“Come on. I’ll do the talking.”

Soon, they’re in the mix of Mayor Reynolds and her team. Denz turns on the Carter charm before introducing Braylon. He talks up all the work the nonprofit’s doing for Atlanta’s queer youth. Some of the goals Braylon mentioned at the center. The mayor listens intently, and Denz doesn’t release Braylon’s hand until he knows he has her.

He steps back.

“Mayor—I mean, Tiffany,” Denz says with a practiced laugh, “could we get a photo?” His phone’s already in hand as her assistant begins to protest. He pleads, “For the teens?”

The start of a dimple appears in Mayor Reynolds’s cheek as she sidles up to Braylon, shooing the anxious assistant back.

“You know I love the kids.”

Nervously, Braylon rests an arm around her waist.

It’s the perfect shot. The popping red of the mayor’s gown with the sleek black of Braylon’s tux. Her tiara glimmers. Braylon’s smile glows, his attention fully focused on the camera.

Denz sends the image to their text thread. He watches Braylontalk animatedly with his hands. Mayor Reynolds nods, beaming. A warm feeling spreads in Denz’s chest that he tries to blame on the alcohol. Except, he hasn’t had any.

Maybe it’s how successful the party is. Or that intense sensation of accomplishing more than one goal. Knowing he did something good for someone.

He doesn’t want to dwell too much on it.

When the mayor’s impatient staffers give the universalwrap it upsignal, she graciously waves at Braylon. “I’ll be expecting an email with details about that event soon!” she yells while being escorted away.

Braylon stumbles over to him, eyes glassy.

“That… just happened?”

“It did,” Denz confirms.

“You don’t understand,” Braylon says. “I’ve been chasing her formonths. No response to emails or phone calls. Total silence. But we just spoke for five minutes.” An indecipherable glint flashes across his eyes. “Denz,you…”

Denz waits. Again, Braylon leaves his last sentence unfinished. But he squeezes Denz’s hand firmly.

Denz isnotblushing at the touch.

“Big deal,” he says. “I made an intro. It’s nothing.”

Braylon’s gaze catches on something behind Denz. “Your dad,” he whispers, ducking his head, “is watching us.”

“Ah.” Denz could tell that Kenneth still wasn’t convinced by their act. He says dismissively, “You know how he is. Not as easy to win over as the others. Kind of stubborn.”

“Like his son.”

“Don’t make me regret what I just did for you.”

“No, no. I wouldn’t dare.” Braylon chews the inside of his cheek. “Should we, um, give him more proof?”

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