Page 39 of The Bro Date (Best Bros Forever #2)

CHAPTER THIRTY

SHANE

A fter a disastrous dinner with Toby’s parents, for some reason, I decide I’m going to tell my mom about us. Just to get it over with, and so she can’t ever claim I was hiding it from her.

“Hey, Shaney,” she says in greeting.

“Hey, Mom. How you been?”

Oh, you know, back workin’ at the flower shop, but I did just sell my first painting! It’s not much, but it sure is exciting.”

“That’s good, Mom. Congrats. Buck been treating you right? Or do I need to pay him another visit?”

“Buck and I are done. I met someone new. Someone who really treats me right. His name is Corey, and I’d like for you to meet him.”

I close my eyes and pinch the bridge of my nose. I’m glad that asshole is gone, but I just wish she wasn’t immediately on to the next guy.

“Honestly, Mom, I’m glad Buck’s gone, but I’m not sure when I can stop by. Semester’s almost over, and I’ve got a lot going on with work and school. I was actually calling to tell you something, if you have a minute.”

“Of course, honey. What is it?”

“I’m seeing someone . . . a boy.”

“ Oh? A boy? So you’re . . .”

“I’m bi, Mom, and Toby is my boyfriend.”

I can hear her sharp intake of air through the phone, but I can’t tell if it’s good or bad. Considering how much she adores him, I’m hoping it’s good, because we don’t need any more parental drama.

“Well, look at us, Shaney. Got ourselves a coupla boyfriends,” she laughs, making light of the news. “Who woulda thought?”

“As long as you’re happy, and he treats you right, Mom. That’s all I’ve ever wanted for you.”

“I could say the same for you, but I already know you’re happy,” she replies. “You’ve always been happiest around Toby. Even as a young boy. And don’t think I didn’t notice how protective you were over him around that jackass, Buck.”

There’s an extended silence over the phone, and I let her words settle in.

“I am happy. I love him.”

“Aww, that is so sweet, Shaney! As soon as things settle down for you two, we’ve got to do dinner together. Oh! Like a double date!”

I think I’d rather gouge my own eyes out.

“Sure, Mom.”

I don’t invite her to the symphony, especially now that she comes with an unknown plus one. She’s just not stable or trustworthy enough to count on not making a scene. I wouldn’t risk Toby’s big day. Because the kind of scene my mom likes to make usually involves the police being called.

It’s half the reason I quit soccer in middle school, with the other reason being I couldn't afford all the gear.

“Corey is so sweet and thoughtful, I think you’ll really like him.”

I have no plans on meeting this mystery man of the month before he inevitably gets the boot, but I placate her nonetheless.

“Glad to hear it.” My mom is almost as self-centered as Toby’s parents, and even less involved in my life.

“Well, I’m off to work,” I say, wrapping up the conversation, so I can make one last phone call before I leave the house.

“Let’s plan that double date soon. Talk to you later!” Mom hollers, hanging up before I have a chance to reply.

I shake my head and pull up my contacts, tapping on Toby’s grandparents again .

He knows not to get his hopes up because I haven’t been able to get a hold of them, but I won’t give up. There’s still time.

I absolutely have to get Gran and Bo here.

“I’m going to be late!” Toby hollers, hopping around on one foot while he tries to put a sock on. “And if you’re late, you can’t play. Even me! Professor’s rules. My parents would love that, huh?” he laughs sardonically.

The orchestra’s end-of-the-year symphony and concerto starts at six for the public, but Toby has to be there an hour and a half early to warm up.

“Come here,” I murmur, holding my hand out.

I glance down at my other wrist, noting that he has forty minutes before he needs to be inside the auditorium.

“You’ve got plenty of time,” I reassure him, straightening his tie and adjusting his collar while he peers up at me with wide, terrified eyes.

“Listen. You got this, okay? You’re incredible with that bow, and you’ve practiced more than I’ve ever seen you practice before.

I’ll be in the audience, with all of our friends, cheering you on.

The only family you need is the one we’ve chosen. ”

“Thank you,” Toby murmurs, wrapping his arms around my ribs and giving me a hug. He takes a big breath of air, slowly releasing it.

“That’s it. Just relax, baby.” I rub his back softly, trying to comfort him without wrinkling his shirt.

Toby shakes the nerves out of his hands before rubbing small circles on his chest. “These heart palpitations sure aren’t helping me relax,” he chuckles dryly.

“Especially knowing there are quite a few philharmonic scouts watching. Tonight could literally make or break my future as a professional violinist.”

“ Tobes. I heard you practicing on the dock. You’ve got nothing to worry about. I don’t know anything about classical violin, but I do know I got goosebumps. You’re gonna kill it, butterfly.”

“But what if?—”

“No. No buts,” I say, cutting him off.

“No butts?” Toby mock-pouts, sticking out his bottom lip exaggeratedly. “I’m not sure how this relationship is gonna work then.”

“Only your butt,” I growl, grabbing a handful and pulling him closer to me.

He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, releasing it through his mouth. I can tell his nerves are really getting to him, so I grab his hands and sit us on the bed.

“I made something for you,” I murmur. “Thought it might help your nerves during stressful events.” I reach under Toby’s bed and pull out the little pouch I hid there while he was taking a shower. “It’s an anxiety toolkit.”

“An anxiety toolkit?” he parrots, looking confused yet intrigued as he holds the clear pouch up to examine the contents.

“Yeah. Just some stuff that I thought might help if you feel a panic attack or anxiety coming on.” Unzipping the small pouch, I pull out the items one by one.

“You’ve got a cold pack that you can break and shake to activate, a couple different sour candies for a distraction, a stretchy fidget toy, some gum, and Tylenol in case you get a headache after.

” I think I covered most of it, but he’ll have to add his own prescription.

He takes a pill every morning, but I know he has another for panic attacks that he only takes in an emergency because it knocks him out.

“Shane . . .” Toby’s golden eyes shimmer with barely restrained emotions. “I’ve never been so seen or so heard by anyone in my entire life. I love you.”

“I love you too. Now, go break a leg.”

The entire crowd stands when the conductor bows, cheering and whistling like I’ve never even heard them do for our basketball team.

The symphony was amazing, and Toby’s concerto closed it strongly.

I am so fucking proud of him. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house during his emotional adagio movement, and as I look around the auditorium, many still have tears.

As soon as the door to backstage opens and Toby steps out, our friends rush over, surrounding him with hugs and compliments.

“You were incredible,” I say, congratulating him. “Had the whole audience mesmerized. I’m so fucking proud,” I murmur, handing over the fresh bouquet of sunflowers I picked out for him.

“Thank you.” He closes his eyes and smells the bouquet, humming at the scent. “I can’t believe it’s finally over, and if I could, I wouldn’t fix one thing.”

I chuckle at his candor. “Because you’re a professional, baby.” Kissing his forehead quickly, I step to the side and allow him to see who else is here to support him.

Toby’s sharp intake of breath lets me know he sees them, but other than that, he doesn’t move.

“Gran and Bo are here,” I murmur under my breath, and that seems to kick him into gear.

“ Oh my God! I can’t believe you’re here!” Toby shouts, rushing over and giving his grandparents a big group hug.

“So sorry you couldn’t get a hold of us, dearie.

We were on an Alaskan cruise, and wouldn’t ya guess it.

No cell service! But this young man over here didn’t give up,” Gran says, smiling fondly at me.

“We finally got in touch through email, and we landed late last night straight from Juneau. So if my hair looks a little rough, that’s why.

” Gran pats her gray curls, chuckling warmly.

“Alaska?! You came all this way for me?” Toby asks them in astonishment.

“Of course. Wouldn’t miss it,” Gran says simply.

“Darn tootin’,” Bo adds, making me smile.

“And you arranged all this for me?” Toby asks, staring up at me with glistening eyes.

“It’s nothing. Really. They’re important to you. And you’re important to me.” I lean down and give him a peck on the lips, forgetting that we’re standing right in front of his grandparents, and no one’s pre-warned them yet.

“Ohhh. Is this new?” Gran asks with a sneaky little smile. “Seems we have a lot to catch up on since spring break, grandson.”

Toby blushes, chuckling awkwardly. “Yeah. It’s new.” He clears his throat into his fist a few times. “Um. Gran. Bo. I’m gay, and Shane’s my boyfriend.”

“Well, isn’t that lovely. You both look so happy. Thank you for sharing with us,” Gran says sweetly, clapping her hands together and smiling at the two of us.

“We will always support you,” his grandfather adds. “There’s nothing you could say or do that would make me love you less.”

Toby’s grandparents are the kindest people I’ve ever met, and I have no idea how his mom could be so mean compared to them.

Gran grabs hold of both of Toby’s hands, squeezing them lovingly. “I think you’ve smiled more tonight than you did the entire week you stayed with us. We were a little worried, honey. It’s great to see you so happy and thriving.”

Toby hugs his grandmother tenderly, resting his head on her shoulder. “I’m very happy. Thank you. Mom sure wasn’t,” he mumbles.

“Well, I’m sorry to hear that, although I can’t say I’m too surprised. But we won’t talk about that on such a joyous occasion. It’s time to celebrate!”

“Yes! We’d like to take all of you out to dinner,” Bo declares. “Our treat. We can talk more at the restaurant.”

“Don’t threaten me with a free dinner,” Tate purrs, making the old man blush. Daija subtly elbows Tate’s arm, mouthing tone it down , while Toby distracts his grandparents with more hugs.

“That’s so nice,” Spencer says respectfully. “Thank you, sir.”

“Yeah. Thank you, Bo,” Toby adds, followed by the rest of us.

“Excuse me, sorry to interrupt,” Professor Goldblum suddenly says with an impatient, excited smile. “Mr. Livingston, I have some very important people I’d like you to meet.”

Toby’s smile slowly grows until his dimples pop out and all his teeth show, lighting up the entire auditorium. “The scouts.”