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He cocked his head. “Why would I change my mind?”

“Because, well, you’re you…” I gestured up and down.

“What are you talking about?”

“You might get a better offer. There are other single folks in Mission City.” I eyed him. “Oh God, I assumed you were asking me out on adate—”

“I was.”

“—but I thought you were straight.”

“Bi. Pan.” He offered a broad grin. “People know I’m a widower and that she was the kids’ mom, and they make the leap I’m straight.”

“And I, of all people, should know about making assumptions.”

He cocked his head.

I waved my hand to encompass the space. “Pride Camp.”

“Well, I was taking a bit of a leap inviting you. Because you might be straight as well. I do my best not to assume. I thought, if you weren’t inclined my way, that we could still have a night out.”

I held his gaze. “One hundred percent gay.”

Slowly, he nodded. “Do the campers know?”

“Parvan asked me. Super casual. Well, he made a comment about me being like his Uncle Arnav. I didn’t contradict him.”

“He might’ve meant you were both Indian.”

“He might have…but he didn’t. He was making the connection. I love that Arnav is part of his life—he’s an uncle by marriage. When his sister realized her nephew was gay, she made that connection. All the family members involved are really supportive.”

“Helps to have a gay uncle.”

“A really cool gay uncle. Arnav has always been so sure of who he was and what he wanted.”

“You think Foster was always part of that plan?”

I considered. “I know Arnav wanted to be seen as a competent lawyer, not a gay lawyer. But he’s done some advocacy work as well as defense counsel and suing a couple of people. I hope people in town don’t see him as thegaylawyer. Of course, he isn’t the only one.”

Demetrius arched an eyebrow.

“Alessandra hired Gil Herrington to do the foundation paperwork. He and his law partner Everett Williams are both gay. And Black.”

“Oh.”

“And married.”

“Ah. Good to know. I’m finding more gay men—and more gay Black men—than I thought I would. Since Keegan started talking about moving here—”

“What?” My heart stuttered.

“Oh, right. Maybe you didn’t know. Keegan really likes it here. I mean, he hasn’t even been in Mission City proper, but everyone here he’s met have him wanting to come here.”

“There’s still prejudice.”

“I know that. I’ve been doing some investigation. Asking around. What I’m finding is that many people are accepting while some aren’t. Some of those people are bible thumpers and some are just prejudiced. I also worry about Keegan having a Black stepfather.”

“Those are valid concerns.”