Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 56831 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 227(@250wpm)___ 189(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56831 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 227(@250wpm)___ 189(@300wpm)
The sense of relief was overwhelming. That ongoing problem with Art’s associates had been hanging over me for such a long time, with no solution in sight. Knowing it was being handled and that I didn’t have to face it alone nearly brought me to tears, and I said, “I was terrified of my past coming back around and hurting Romy. I didn’t know how to keep him safe, but now…fuck, Adriano, that’s just really amazing. Thank you, sincerely.”
The fact that I was getting emotional definitely made him uncomfortable. “Don’t mention it,” he muttered. “Look, I’m going to go get Romy. Don’t get all worked up.” With that, he turned and fled.
A few seconds later, Romy returned. “I’m so proud of you,” he said, as he caressed my cheek. “I was listening in, because I didn’t know if I’d have to run in here and break up a fight. But you did great! You totally left your ego out of it, and you didn’t get defensive.”
“I surprised myself. The old me would have handled that very differently.”
“It just goes to show how far you’ve come.” He was right, and I felt really good about that.
Later that night, Romy carefully stretched out beside me on the bed and took my hand. After a while, he said, “I’ve been giving a lot of thought to what’s next for us. What do you think about staying in San Francisco long-term?”
“I’m all for it, but won’t you miss Las Vegas?”
“There are some things I’ll definitely miss, like my friends, and having my mom close by. But after twenty-seven years in one place, I’m ready for a change.”
As I stroked the back of his hand with my thumb, I said, “So, should we…I mean, did you want to…”
“Are you trying to ask if we’ll live together?” When I nodded, Romy smiled at me. “That’s a given. I need you with me, always.”
He said those words so easily, but they were utterly life-altering. All my life, I’d traveled such a dark and lonely path. Now it felt like rounding a bend and seeing a bright new road opening up ahead of me. I knew there’d still be obstacles along the way. But I wouldn’t be traveling it alone, and that made all the difference.
Epilogue: Romy
Six Months Later
“It’s beautiful,” Pete told me, as I panned my phone around the newly decorated living room in the home Marcus and I had just bought. “I love the blue-on-blue color scheme. It’s very soothing.”
“Thanks. There’s still the entire second floor to tackle, but we feel great about the way it’s all been coming together.”
As soon as Marcus was well enough, we’d started house hunting. It ended up taking a few months to find the right place. But as soon as this gorgeous craftsman-style gem came on the market, we both knew we’d found our home.
I took a seat on the couch, and Pete grinned at me from my screen and said, “It’s amazing, isn’t it? You’re a homeowner, I’m about to become a business owner, and we’re both in love with hot, hunky men. Who’d have guessed we’d wind up here?”
“It’s pretty wild.”
Pete’s expression grew serious, and he asked, “Are you sure you’re okay with me buying your mom’s bar? I know you said you were, but I also know what this place meant to you and your family.”
“It definitely threw me for a loop when Mom said she wanted to sell it and retire,” I admitted. “But I’m thrilled that she and her new husband are planning to travel, and that she’s finally taking time for herself. And of course, I’m doubly thrilled she’s selling it to you. It means she’s keeping it in the family, and I know you and Guillermo are going to give it all the love it deserves.”
“Aw, thanks for calling me family.”
“It’s what you are.”
We chatted for a few more minutes, before Pete said, “I’d better go. My boyfriend’s waiting on me to start a movie. I’ll talk to you soon, and I’m looking forward to seeing you and Marcus when you come for a visit next month.” It had taken a while for Pete to come around and believe Marcus could be trusted. Actually, that was true for everyone I knew. But he’d finally gotten there, and that made me happy.
After we said goodbye and ended the call, I went in search of my boyfriend and found him hard at work in the kitchen. “What’s all this?” I asked, as I gestured at the numerous appetizers and snacks on the granite counter.
“Just a few munchies for poker night.”
I came up behind him, and he turned to me and drew me into his arms as I asked, “Are you nervous about tonight?”
“A little. Since it’s our first time entertaining—and because it’s Adriano and Dante and their partners—I want everything to be perfect.”