Page 60 of The Pretender

“I see why you took off now. He must be demanding.”

“To put it mildly.”

Deo smiles. Is that it? Is he gonna let me off with that explanation?

“If I can do anything to help, let me know.”

“I will.”

“Dinner’s ready.”

“Great.”

I tuck the phone back into my pocket, mentally reeling over what I’m going to do about it. I already know what I’m up against. There’s no solution. Even if I had the money, returning it wouldn’t fix the issue. Vin wants to spill blood, and he wants it to be mine.

I go through the motions, helping to carry plates to the table, smiling and nodding as Deo’s family chats, and eating yet another delicious meal. Deo’s mom and aunt are great cooks, making dishes that remind me of what I grew up with, but are slightly different, creating a sense of updated nostalgia in me.

Halfway through dinner, Deo reaches over and squeezes my thigh, offering a sweet smile when I look at him. I smile back, but the sinking feeling growing inside of me can’t be ignored. If I’m not careful, he could get hurt, but there’s just no way Vin would ever think to look for me here. If he knew where I was, I’d already know it.

“So then I told him I was trans and his first question was to ask me my deadname.” Brogan waves their hand dramatically. “Can you believe that guy?”

“You’re not gonna see him, right?” Salvo, Brogan’s dad asks.

“No, Dad. I don’t spend time with transphobic people.”

“Are you sure he was transphobic? Maybe he just didn’t know the etiquette?” Deo’s mom says.

“I’m sure. He asked me a few more invasive questions I won’t be repeating at the dinner table—you’re welcome—but it was clear he either has a fetish or a morbid curiosity that could lead to trouble. He also stated bluntly that he didn’tbelieveyou could be something different from what you were born, but he thought I was cool so he’d ‘hear me out.’ Loser.”

“Sorry, Brog,” Deo says. “You deserve better than that.”

“Yes, I do, and eventually the right person will come along. I’m still young. I didn’t even pursue this guy. He saw my pic on my socials and sent a DM.”

“Well, you are very pretty,” Deo teases. “Can’t blame a guy for that.”

Brogan winks, brushing their hair off their shoulders. “Oh, I don’t, and total bonus points that he pegged me with the correct gender on sight.”

“Is it challenging?” I ask, happy for the distraction from my own thoughts. “Dating, I mean.”

Brogan nods. “But isn’t it for everyone?”

“Preach,” Deo mutters.

“I always disclose before we get into anything if I’m in a safe place,” Brogan continues. “In person, I have to feel out the vibes first.”

“It makes me so nervous,” Deo’s aunt says. “I’ve read awful stories.”

Brogan nods, poking their pasta with a fork. “That’s why I disclose as early as I can. Even if I one hundred percent passed, I would still disclose. I deserve to know how someone will handle it. Women are usually more chill than men, but I’ve had a few terrible dates with them too.”

“Oh, you date both?”

Brogan nods. “I date anyone. Whatever they’ve got in their pants, I’m down.”

“Brogan,” Salvo complains. “Your nonna is present.”

“I’ve heard way more stories than any of you have,” Nonna says. “Except maybe for Deo. Brogan can tell me anything they want to, right, honey?”

“Right, Nonna.”