Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 72060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
“You cold?” Dex asks, throwing his arms around me.
“Okay, lovebirds,” Kael says from the doorway. “Your parents are here.”
“Don’t you look snazzy.” Kael is wearing slacks and a jacket he bought from a secondhand store with Angelica’s help. She was also able to find a pretty knee-length dress. Kael has been sporting some scruff lately, along with leaner muscles from his workout routine, and it looks good on him.
“Thanks, you two.” He smiles. “See you in a bit.”
Kael and Dex have been instrumental in securing more funding for all-gender single stall restrooms, and they got a standing ovation at a recent LGBTQ+ club meeting they attended to make the announcement. Turns out they benefit parents and families too.
We head downstairs, where my parents are looking just as flashy in their formal clothes.
“Thank you for coming today,” Dex says as he hugs them.
“We wouldn’t miss it,” Mom says. “Where’s Jodi?”
“She’s meeting us there.”
In a few minutes, we’ll be heading to a fundraiser Dex helped organize through his internship for a local congressional candidate. He was able to help select the charity after speaking to Jodi and her friends, who volunteer for Successful Women. It’s an organization that helps disadvantaged women with everything from supplying interview clothes to writing the perfect résumé.
Ever since Jodi stood up to her boss, she’s like a new person. Not only does she advocate for women’s rights, but she’s also been dealing with her past trauma through therapy.
“Are we ready to go?” Dex asks as he hands each of us something to carry. Boxes of basket giveaways head to Dex’s Jeep, while additional displays for Casino Night fit in my parents’ back seat. Jodi and the other organizers didn’t exactly need his help, but Dex insisted. He’s so proud of his mom and has even participated in her therapy sessions. As a result, they’ve become even closer.
I wave for Dad to follow us as we pull away from the curb. We’ve had our parents over for dinner a couple of times, and the last man Jodi brought around got Dex’s approval. When she and the guy parted ways as friends, Jodi was stronger about it than she’d ever been before.
When we get to the hall, the first person we see is Jodi fixing the black tablecloths on the round tables.
“I’m so nervous,” Jodi says after she greets us. “So, what do you think?”
“Everything looks great,” Dex says as he busses her cheek. “And so do you.”
“Yeah, you really do,” I add. She’s wearing a simple black dress with a strand of pearls that accentuate her neckline.
“It’s going to be a fun night,” Mom says.
“Can we help with anything?” Dad asks, and we’re put to work assisting with last-minute fixes before the doors officially open.
As the guests begin arriving and finding their seats, I can see the pride shining in Dex’s eyes. When he introduces us to Congressman Burke, I can almost picture Dex’s future. And given the representative’s delighted smile as he takes in the venue, Dex is going to be damned good at it.
Kael and Angelica arrive and immediately head to the open bar for refreshments. Dex’s eyes light up upon seeing his friends walk in. Ian, Bruce, Milo, Carson, and Craig have all decided to support him, which is really awesome.
I smile when I see the girl standing beside Milo.
“This is Lisa,” Milo says, and I can see the affection for her reflected in his eyes.
“Great to meet you,” she says with a grin. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
According to Dex, Lisa was home over summer break, and by chance, she and Milo ran into each other. They rekindled their friendship first, which led to them admitting they were still in love. Just like my favorite second-chance romances.
I sit with my parents and our friends at a table close to the podium where Dex will be giving a speech. Dex and Jodi finally take their seats as we’re starting dinner, and he seems way less stressed. So far, the fundraiser seems to be running smoothly, not that I’d really know. Likely, any events I host at my future library gig will involve books, animated characters, and children.
As our families are chatting away with our friends, it feels comfortable, like a snapshot of how far we’ve come. Not only Dex and I, but Jodi too, and I can’t help hoping that it lasts. That once we graduate with our bachelor’s degrees, our friendships and family bonds will be even stronger.
As they begin clearing the dishes, Dex squeezes my hand under the table. I give him a reassuring smile as he stands to give an introductory speech. I can’t help admiring his handsome profile and his self-assured swagger as he walks to the podium.
“Can I have everyone’s attention?” The microphone squeaks, so he moves his mouth away like an old pro. “Thank you for coming out tonight. Congressman Burke is proud to host an event that benefits women’s empowerment. Before buying tickets for the casino tables and the raffle baskets, Congressman Burke would like to say a few words.”