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CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

ELLIOT

Back at the house with Taylor and Marko, we’ve got the curtains drawn as the paparazzi begins to return, and we’re set up at the kitchen table with laptops, phones, and tablets.

As the illustrations go viral, my potential for alternative employment is evaporating before my eyes.

But Hank’s encouraging words stay in mind, and I hold tight to my resolve.

“Okay,” I say as I finish typing. “I’ve got the letter to all my existing clients crafted. It will hopefully calm their jitters.”

Marko frowns at his laptop, which is covered with wig stickers. “I’m really struggling to make sense of your work email. What do all these tabs mean?”

“It’s an intuitive system,” I offer. “Thanks again for helping.”

“We’re back to level-up summer,” Taylor says confidently. “And you’ve already started on design ideas for my dance party. Now it’s our turn to support you.”

I nod. “I know. But I didn’t think I’d have to ask you to help me answer emails.”

Only my public-facing work is exposed, but the private clients are spooked, and I’ve already lost a few gigs.

I hoped my friends would help me launch a new project this summer, not run damage control for my established career.

It’s not like I have money to burn, either. I’m still scraping rock bottom.

On top of it all, there’s a crisis at the firm, and Dad knows about me and Hank. It’s a lot to process, especially with Hank’s job security on the line.

No matter how much things seem like they’re falling apart, this metaphorical shipwreck doesn’t compare to what we’ve been through since we met.

I need to control the current scandal for my own sake, and I’m motivated to limit the impacts on Hank, too.

There’s a way through this, and I know we can make it together.

I send the letter off to my clients. “What’s everyone in the media saying?” I ask.

“The mainstream news is pretty consumed with the scandal at your dad’s firm,” Taylor answers. “On social media, the takes about your work are all over the place.”

Marko frowns at a tablet. “Gay bondage dragons inspire some ignorant opinions, but I guess you already knew that.”

“There are plenty of fans speaking up, too,” Taylor adds. “People really like the wasp women.”

“I’ve always thought people would,” I say. “But I never wanted it to go down like this. I hate that my clients are having their sexuality held up to public scrutiny. And now what if my art career grows in a different direction? Will anyone work with me after this?”

Quickly shaking my head, I push those concerns away for now and set my attention on what I can do.

“I need to make a statement,” I say. “Stand up for my work. The truth is already out, so now I need to deal with it.”

It’s a lesson I learned on the island. You’ve got to keep going and work on what you can, no matter what setbacks and challenges appear in front of you.

“Now’s the time to do it,” Taylor says. “You’ve got a big audience looking your way.”

I turn to Marko. “You said there are interview requests in my work email?”

“A few influencers with large platforms have reached out,” he confirms as he clicks around. “At least one art magazine, too.”

“Good. If people are going to search my name and learn about faerie BDSM, then I’m going to make sure they receive a proper education.”

The three of us stay busy for the rest of the day, sorting through the incoming information and putting together a strategy.

I know Hank is buried at his job, too. It’s got to be chaotic in the office.

As the afternoon stretches on, I step away from the table when I get a chance and work on dinner. I’m no great cook, but I’ve got a fantastic peanut butter noodle salad recipe that I know by heart, and I cut the scallions and mini broccoli with extra care.

When it’s nearly five, I send Hank a text.

Elliot: would you appreciate a home-cooked dinner? after your day, i thought you might want to crash

Hank: Please! I barely ate any lunch.

Hank: I caught myself thinking about clams during a meeting.

I laugh to myself, glad he’s maintained a sense of humor. A few minutes later, I sneak out the back.

At Hank’s, we eat the dinner I prepared and review the totally bonkers day together, starting at the top and filling each other in on everything that we’ve missed. I show him how my wasp women continue trending higher, and Hank tells me about the firm in crisis.

We move to the couch. Hank’s in his white t-shirt, and I get behind him to rub his shoulders, seeing the tension he’s carrying.

“It must be difficult,” I say, “working so hard and knowing your job is on the line. Especially with how much you’ve invested in your career.”

Hank lets out a deep breath. “I’ve put everything into my professional development,” he agrees. “It is stressful. And your dad hasn’t only questioned my future at the firm. When he told me to stay away from you, he even suggested he’d tank my reputation and my chance at future employment.”

I wince and tighten my grip on his shoulders. “He did?”

Hank turns to face me. “Sorry I didn’t tell you earlier,” he says. “We were already hiding, and I wasn’t sure how much I should share about the particulars of my professional relationship with him.”

I nod slowly as I process the information. “He threatened that,” I say, “and you still stood up for me today.”

Hank takes my hand. “I couldn’t stand silently while he said awful, untrue things about you. Especially with you there to hear them.”

I swallow as my emotions stir. “Thank you,” I say. “But please, don’t feel like you need to protect me from him. I’ve already set my boundary with my family. You’re the one with so much to lose.”

“Luckily, the firm needs me right now. Your dad made that clear. I have a strong hand to play if it ever comes down to it. But none of that matters. Given the choice, Elliot, I choose to stand with you.”

Love blooms, warmth filling me.

“I’ll always choose you,” I tell him and squeeze his hand back.

“I know that I’m never going to have the kind of close, supportive relationship with my family that I want.

But that’s okay, because I’m done looking to them for acceptance and love.

I’m building those relationships for myself now, with my friends. ” I swallow. “And with you, Hank.”

“Thank you for choosing me, Elliot.”

“You’re welcome, wilderness man.”

We gaze at each other for a moment before we each laugh.

Hank shifts his weight. “It’s been a major career day for you, too. The circumstances aren’t what you wanted, but the world is seeing your art now, Elliot. That’s exciting.”

I nod, glad to be reminded of that aspect. “Can I show you the statement?” I ask, and Hank nods eagerly. “I’d love any feedback. Or proofreading! Although Taylor is pretty eagle-eyed.”

As I watch, Hank reads over the statement I drafted this afternoon, intent and nodding seriously. It covers all the points he’s heard before. I talk about fan cultures and acceptance, and even get into the history of gay illustration a little.

“Fantastic,” he says. “Elegantly stated, Elliot.”

I smile broadly. “Thank you.” I pull out my tablet. “And look at this illustration I’m sketching to go with it.”

It’s a group scene with all my favorite characters, the wasp women and fantasy creatures and horny robots, all cheering and blowing party favors, surrounded by cakes and champagne pyramids.

Hank chuckles. “I love it.”

“I’m learning to face things head-on,” I tell Hank as I set the tablet aside and cuddle close, finding the spot under his arm that I first found on the island. “I’m still overworked and financially stressed, but hopefully I’ll land some new clients from the exposure.”

“You’ve got this,” Hank says confidently.

I hold him. “Thank you, Hank. There is one part of the media attention I’d like to avoid, though.”

“What’s that?”

“Going public as a couple,” I say. “It’s not that I’m not proud of you. I am. But I think I’d like a little more time for us to just be together, without the world looking.”

“I’d like that, too.”

We pull each other closer, and Hank kisses me. Soon, we undress, and we make love on the couch, potted plants all around us.

Ever since I climbed onto the life raft, my world has been flipped upside down, another disaster around every corner.

But here in Hank’s arms, I know I’ve finally landed where I’m meant to be.