Out of Character (True Colors 2)

“Sounds like a plan.” Conrad snagged an appetizer from a passing server. I grabbed one too, some sort of little toast thing that was prettier than it was tasty. Knowing the food was likely to be sparse, Conrad had promised us pizza after the event, he and Alden only too happy to show off their neighborhood spots.

“I’ve got another drawing to do on the train back too,” I said to Jasper. “Bruno emailed a little while ago.”

“Bruno wants a drawing?”

Things had been…interesting with Bruno since the homecoming party. Not strained exactly, but not entirely back to normal either. However, it seemed to have more to do with my decision to sell the car than with coming out, as in each message he made a point of asking about Jasper and he’d said he wanted to play a round of cards with us next visit.

“A buddy who has everything has a birthday apparently. Bruno thought he’d get a cartoon-style drawing done as a T-shirt—”

“Merchandise.” Jasper’s eyes went wide. “That’s it. That’s the next step to your empire.”

“He’s certainly your best hype man.” Conrad took a sip of something bubbly. There was an open bar, but I wasn’t tempted to join the line. I’d meant what I’d told Bruno. I liked myself more sober, and besides, this was the sort of night where I wanted to remember each moment.

“He is.” I tugged Jasper closer. The whole public boyfriends thing was easier now, and there were a ton of other same-sex couples at this thing, holding hands and dancing and hanging out in clumps with friends, exactly like us.

“Conrad. Your whole department is looking spiffy.” An elegant older woman flanked by several younger people strode toward us.

“Thanks.” Conrad tweaked his collar. The entourage made the woman look important, but the way Conrad, Alden, and Jasper straightened told me this was the Odyssey boss, the one who made gaming dreams come true. I let go of him so he could pay attention if destiny was calling.

“Excellent work on this set. I hear great things from your department head,” she enthused, making Conrad turn even more pink as he made introductions for the rest of us. She had a broad smile that seemed especially wide for Jasper. “So nice to meet you in person. Excellent costume choice.”

“It’s my favorite character.” Light danced in his eyes. He might be good at playing it cool during a game, but he was clearly starstruck with the Odyssey creator, and it was cute. This was the moment he’d been waiting for, and I was so happy for him that I had to resist the impulse to cheer.

“I saw the Gamer Grandpa episode with the diabolical gambit using quick change. It might be my favorite one yet, although I liked last week’s on defending against Reaper decks a great deal.” She spoke authoritatively, and it was entirely possible that she’d seen more episodes than I had. Which was funny because I got good boyfriend points every time I attended a taping or watched the finished product.

“Thanks. That gambit…it’s useful.” Jasper rubbed his neck as if he were remembering his match with George.

“Graduation must be approaching for you, right?” She had a thoughtful expression, and my pulse sped up for Jasper, who didn’t look nearly as eager as I felt.

“Yeah.”

“Excellent. Shall I have Marsha put you on my schedule for a call Monday morning? I want to discuss your future and how Odyssey might fit in it.”

Jasper shot me a quick look, face more tense than I expected considering that this was what he’d been both wanting and debating all year. He’d be a fool not to hear her out, and my guy was definitely not a fool. I nodded at him, and maybe that was he was waiting for because he exhaled. “That would be good. Thank you.”

“Fabulous. I see some more people I need to say hello to, so you all take care.”

Goodbyes were said all around, and then Conrad decided he wanted a drink refill.

“Come keep me company in line,” he said to Alden, casting a glance at Jasper and me. He was a perceptive guy, and undoubtedly he’d picked up on my burning need to get Jasper alone.

As soon as they were out of earshot, I turned toward him. “What was that hesitation? That was the connection you wanted to make, right? The whole point of this party?”

“Yeah. I guess it was. But I don’t want to leave—”

“Your family. I know. But trust me, they want this for you too. I bet April and your mom will visit, and you can take the train on weekends and—”

“You. I was going to say you. I don’t want to leave you.”

“Oh.” I took a step back, hitting a low bench facing the window. I sank down, and he followed, sitting close enough that our knees touched.