Page 101 of By Rude Strength

“Thanks, Cassie.” LA grinned at Cass and urged him down for a sweet kiss.

Brandon and Kevin came up to him, and Kevin cleared his throat loudly. “Ahem! Hello! Get your tongue out of there!”

LA smirked. “Hi, guys. Hey, seriously. Thank you again so much.” He started to try and stand so he could hug them, but Kevin pushed him back into his seat.

“You. Stay.” Kevin grinned and then leaned down to hug LA. He didn’t completely crush all the air out of his lungs this time at least. “Congratulations, sweetie!”

Brandon was next for a hug, giving LA’s shoulder a little rub. “Congrats, man. I’m so fuckin’ happy for you. A museum! Your work is going into a fucking museum!”

“Yeah! Wow!” LA laughed. “I don’t think it’s fully sunk in.”

“Don’t forget about us little guys when you’re a rich and famous artist, painting things for Madonna and Gaga,” Kevin teased.

“Ha ha.” LA scanned the crowd. “Hey, Brandon, where is your mom?”

“Oh, uh…” Brandon followed his gaze. “Oh! There she is!” He waved to get Penny’s attention.

Penny hurried back over with a grin. “Hey! Sorry! I was saying goodbye to Anna. She wanted me to tell everyone bye and all that.” She hugged Brandon and smooched his cheek, and then she turned to smooch and hug Kevin. “Sorry, but I’m right behind her! It’s been so much fun though!” She grinned at LA. “And you! Monday work for an interview?”

“Wow, yes! Thank you!” LA laughed as Penny stooped down to give him a big hug, “You just tell me what time and I’ll be there.”

“Probably ten, but I’ll text you, okay?”

“Sounds great!”

Cass waved excitedly. “Bye! It was so nice to meet you!”

“Aw, you too!” Penny laughed and reached out for a hug. “Here, you can have a hug too!”

Cass squeaked and his eyes looked damp. “Oh! Thank you so much!”

Penny smiled warmly. “You boys all have a good night and get home safe! Love you!”

“Here, we’ll walk you out, Mom.” Brandon waved at LA. “Hey, we’ll be right back!”

LA waved and stifled a yawn, leaning back in his chair. “Damn.”

“Tired, sweetheart?” Cass stepped behind him and gently rubbed his shoulders.

“Exhausted.” LA laughed. “I need a horizontal surface and a fucking muscle relaxer.”

“It’s been quite the night.”

“That it has.” LA smiled, his chest light and bubbly. “It’s been amazing. I, I can’t believe it. Everything’s happened so fast, and wow. It’s been like a fuckin’ dream or something. It definitely hasn’t hit me yet. Not really.”

“Take all the time you need so that you can fully appreciate the many wonderful things.” Cass purred. “You deserve each and every one.”

“Thank you.” LA sighed and then yawned again. “Ugh, I’m ready for bed. Can I just go to sleep now? Do you think anyone will notice?”

Cass gave LA’s shoulders a firm squeeze. “Try to stay awake just a little longer. Georgina is coming over!”

“Oh shit!” LA jerked forward so he was sitting up straight.

Georgina was indeed approaching, grinning from ear to ear as she gushed, “Darling! Hi!”

“Georgina! Wow. Thank you. Thank you so much!” LA fought to stand, though his back complained miserably. He offered his hand and instead got a warm hug.

“Thank you!” Georgina sighed happily. “I am so excited! Oh, I am going to redecorate my entire living room. You’ll have to come by! It’s going to be very Edgar Allan Poe meets Bohemian. I can’t wait.”