Dylan

I haven’t moved from the space where Bryce left me. His departure had a sobering effect, but, honestly, I had stopped drinking two hours ago and I wasn’t that drunk. I was just high off the party vibes and my feelings for him.

Amy has gathered all our friends and colleagues who witnessed what happened, speaking to them in a hushed voice. She’s also spoken to the restaurant manager, Richard. Again, what would I do without her? I am entirely too numb for damage control.

People start coming to say goodbye, but they don’t mention Bryce or the kiss. Just more birthday wishes and hugs. I can see the questions in their eyes though. Amy must have asked them not to say anything.

As if she hears me thinking of her, Amy turns and gives me a sympathetic smile. She comes over to the booth to sit next to me. I return her smile, but tears threaten to form in my eyes, and it is hard to swallow.  Amy places a hand on my shoulder and stares at her lap. I appreciate the silent comfort. Nothing she could say would help.

“It looks like no one from the staff saw anything.”

Richard approaches us with that announcement, his expression solemn. He unbuttons a button on his suit jacket and places a hand on his chest to keep his tie in pace as he gracefully sits a respectable distance from us. He looks every bit the calm, collected adult I wish I were at this moment.

What was I thinking?

 I know the answer. I wasn’t thinking of anything. Not about the consequences of my actions, and certainly not about the audience around us. What must Bryce be thinking? He seemed so mad when he left.  

I realize that Richard is addressing us, and I’ve missed some of his speech, so I work hard to concentrate on his words.

“Most of the staff had been dismissed in shifts as the party went on. The remaining crew were in a post shift meeting with my assistant manager and there was attendance taken so they were all accounted for. All cell phones were confiscated when they arrived today as part of our contract with Miss Price, and they all signed NDAs.”

This makes me feel a bit better. As much as I want to shout to the world that I’m in love with Bryce, we are public figures and if the news doesn’t come from us, it would be considered a scandal. Let’s face it, in some news circuits, it would be considered a scandal anyway. Plus, I don’t know how Bryce would feel about being outed. Hell, I haven’t even told Bryce how I feel about him.

Oh my gosh! That’s right! I never told Bryce how I felt about him. To be fair, I’ve never even gotten a real confession from him. No wonder Bryce is so mad right now. What if Amy and I have misread this whole situation and he isn’t in love with me? This is the first time I’ve kissed him when we weren’t on set. Did I just kiss my best friend against his will in front of everyone?

“I want you to know that I take this seriously, Mr. Price.”

Richard reaches into his breast pocket and produces his wallet. He opens it and there is a picture of two men and a chubby, red-headed boy.

“My dads are the best parents anyone could ask for. I’ve had to watch them defend their right to be together and to raise me since I was a little boy. There have been a lot of positive changes for the LGBTQIA community, but there are still people and systems in place that make it evident that the fight is not over. I guess I just want you to know that anyone in my employment who doesn’t treat this as a private manner will no longer be employed here.”

I smile gratefully a Richard. I am extremely overwhelmed, and his words don’t sink in the way they should, but I still admire him for what he said. Tears start to flow down my cheeks. Amy wraps me in her arms immediately.

“Thank you, Richard. Could you give us a moment?”

Richard nods and leaves us alone. Amy cups my face in her hands so that I am looking at her through blurry eyes.

“What do you need?”

“I need to talk to Bryce.”

“I’ve called several times now. He’s not answering his phone.”

Oly approaches with Gale in tow. He and Bryce are pretty close, so it is not surprising that Oly has tried to reach out. Gale's facial expression shows that he registers something.

“We’ll take you to him. He has your car keys.”

“Are you sure you don’t want me to drop you off at home first, Gale? I know your girl has been waiting to see you."

Gale looks up at Oly with unmistakable fondness and a soft smile that shows his very deep dimples. Gale is always so serene in Oly’s presence. Even in my frazzled state, I notice this.

“Tanan took her home. She’s probably asleep by now. I’ll have hell to pay tomorrow, but I’ll make it up to her.”

Oly nods as he once again offers his leather jacket to Gale, helping him put it on. He then turns to Dylan.

“We’ll take you to him.”

I give them a smile as a silent thank you. Amy lets me go and stands up.

“I still have to clean up here, but please keep me posted, Dylan.”

She reaches out to wipe away my tears and I feel incredibly guilty leaving her with all the work.

“We can’t just leave you alone, Amy.”

“I’ve got her.”

Brian’s deep voice catches our attention, and we all look at the handsome agent. As usual, he is brimming with self-assurance and an air of coolness.  He always gives me school principal vibes, but in, like, an attractive way?  Huh...How did I not realize I was into guys before?

Not the time, Dylan. I notice Amy’s cheeks color when Brian places a hand on her shoulder, but that’s information to store for later as well.

“Thanks, Brian.”

I murmur my response and he nods with a tight smile. Standing up, I turn to Oly and Gale.

“Let’s go.”

Time to go finally tell Bryce how I feel and clarify what he wants.  What we want. Hopefully I am not too late.