Page 76 of Mr. Frosty Pants

“I don’t need money, Joel.”

“I don’t want to feel like a charity case.”

“You’re not, you’re doing me a—”

“I know.” Joel cut him off and leaned against him. “Thank you.”

Casey put his arm around Joel. “I’m ready to go downstairs now if you are. I want to show you off.”

Joel glanced around the room like he might jump out one of the windows to escape going back downstairs, but then put his shoulders back. “I’m ready.”

“Can I say you’re my boyfriend?”

“Probably safer than calling me the love of your life and personal sex god.”

Casey grabbed Joel close against him. “You are, you know.”

“Your personal sex god? Of course. I’m pretty good for being so recently a virgin,” Joel said, smirking. “Just wait until I have a few years of experience under my belt.”

“The love of my life.”

“You can’t just say things like that.”

“Why?”

“Because you can’t mean them.”

“But I do. I mean everything I say to you.”

A knock came at the door then, and Casey pulled away reluctantly. He wanted to tip Joel’s head back and kiss him until Joelfelthow much he meant his words, but instead he crossed the room and yanked the door open to see who’d disturbed them.

“Mom. Hey.”

“Your father would like you and your guest to come downstairs,” she said tightly. She didn’t smile, and her eyes bore into him with the “you’re in trouble, young man” look he remembered from childhood.

“Why?”

“It isn’t seemly to have you and your…friend…alone upstairs when everyone knows you’re gay, dear. You wouldn’t want people to gossip about Joel, would you? Don’t put him in an awkward position like that.”

“Like what?” Joel asked, coming to stand just behind Casey.

“People will make assumptions. They already are. There’s talk downstairs that you’re Casey’s date, and I know you don’t want that getting around.” She smiled again, all faux brightness and even more faux concern.

“Why wouldn’t I?” Joel asked.

His mother tilted her head. “Because you aren’t gay, honey.” Then, more slowly, like Joel was stupid, “People will think you’re gay.”

“I am gay,” Joel said, lifting his chin. “And IamCasey’s date. We’re together. And I do want people to know that.”

“I see.” She blinked hard and fast for a moment and then spun on her heel. “Regardless, your father wants you downstairs. Now.”

“You didn’t tell her?” Joel whispered as he followed Casey from the room.

“It wasn’t my news to share. Besides, it’s not her business anyway. Or it wasn’t until you were ready for it to be.”

Downstairs, many of the party guests bordered on intoxicated, and the trio of classical guitarists up on the living room balcony had moved on to playing “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”

Casey grinned at Joel and whispered, “Here we go. Are you ready?”