Page 69 of I Think They Love You

Two more clicks. A curious hum.

Denz stops breathing.

“‘A visually stunning atmosphere, from the custom Love Potion martini to the ballroom showered in glitter following inspiring speeches in support of local charities,’” Kenneth reads from his monitor, pushing his glasses up. “‘Mayor Reynolds’s annual Valentine’s Day gala was a dazzling, not-to-be-missed celebration. On a holiday soaked in over-the-top commercialism, the gala managed to impress its hundreds of guests with the right hint of magic thanks to Denzel Carter, from premier event-planning company 24 Carter Gold. Reynolds eagerly credits Mr. Carter for delivering the electric pulse to a night meant for hearts of all kinds.’”

Denz rubs his knees anxiously.

“A review from Malcolm Givhan,” Kenneth says, pointing at the screen, “in By Invitation Only.”

By Invitation Only is thePeopleto The Final Word’sUS Weekly. Equally reputable, depending on the kind of content you’re looking for. Personally, Denz is way more into “Who Wore It Worse?” than “The 40 Most Beautiful Atlantans Under 40,” but whatever.

A smile pokes at the corners of Kenneth’s mouth. “They haven’t reviewed one of our events inthree years.”

Denz knows. Getting Malcolm to even glance at one of his emails was a week’s worth of work.

“Nice job, son.”

The knot between Denz’s shoulder blades begins to fade. It’s been nonstop around the office for almost two months. The beginning of the year is always busy for them—everyone needing to celebrate something after coming off several of the biggest holidays for proposals. He hasn’t had a moment all week to recap the mayor’s party with his dad.

“Thanks,” Denz says, sitting taller.

“The numbers on socials look good too.” Kenneth rocks back in his chair, tugging off his glasses. “I’ve been waiting for things to slow down so we can talk.”

“Dad, are things ever slow?”

“Never.” Kenneth rests his glasses on the desk. Folds his hands. “Your boyfriend made quite the impression on your aunts.”

Another thing Denz knows. Auntie Cheryl didn’t even wait until Sunday morning to spam the group chat with her review of Braylon.

Tall! Handsome! Intelligent!she wrote.Works at a nonprofit forLGBTQ teens. Perfect for the family image. Better than the other sketchy guys Denzel’s been seen with.

“Eva didn’t hate what he was wearing,” Kenneth jokes.

“And… you—?”

Denz leaves room for his dad’s thoughts. The sudden tension in his jaw is the only answer Denz needs.

“I didn’t call you in here to talk about him,” Kenneth says. “The gala was one of our best showings in a long time.”

Denz nods. He hasn’t given himself a minute to take in the success. His first major solo event. “A dazzling, not-to-be-missed celebration,” apparently. Hearing the review read by his dad, in the office where all his dreams began, where his next dreams are forming, is a euphoric kind of high he never imagined reaching this young.

“And yet it was almost a complete disaster,” Kenneth goes on with a deep frown. “You failed to read the email about the mayor’s husband’s dietary restrictions.”

Oh, hello Other Shoe. Thanks for finally dropping.

“About that,” Denz attempts. “I—”

Kenneth cuts in. “You clearly weren’t the one who handled the issue. Thankfully, nothing awful came of your mistake.”

“Did Kami tell you?”

She’s the only one who knew,he thinks.

“What? No.” Kenneth scowls. “You thought I didn’t catch on at the party? That I’m unaware of what’s happening at my own company? Out of everyone here, Kami would be thelastperson to sell you out.”

Denz bites the inside of his lip. He’s an asshole for assuming his sister would do that. Even though shedidgo behind his back to fix things.

“What had you so distracted?” Kenneth asks, sighing. “Your relationship?”

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