Chapter 29 #2
When Marcus finishes, the applause is substantial but not overwhelming. These are wealthy people who support many causes, and while they're sympathetic, most of them have never had to worry about a roof over their heads or family rejection.
Oh shit. I know what I need to do.
As the next charity representative approaches the podium, I make my way to Drew near the stage.
"I need to say something," I say, quiet enough that only he hears me. "Can you make it happen?"
Drew looks surprised but nods. "I'll talk to President Wells. Give me two minutes."
True to his word, he manages to get the university president's attention, and after a brief, whispered conversation, President Wells nods.
After the current presentation concludes, President Wells returns to the microphone.
"Before we move to our next scheduled speaker, we have a brief addition to our program.
Caleb Huntington the Third has asked to say a few words about Rainbow Haven House.
I'm told that Caleb is one of our most promising law students and has recently become very involved with this particular cause. "
My father's head jerks up at the announcement, his eyes narrowing as I take the stage. The irony isn't lost on me; he's spent years trying to get me to take a more visible role in his political life, and now that I'm finally on a stage, it's to support something he tried to destroy.
The microphone sits too low, so I pull it up and look out at the crowd. The DPO guys have stopped serving drinks to stare at me. Gavin's thumbs are enthusiastically pointing up. And there's James, still at the back, looking wary but curious.
"Thank you for that introduction, President Wells. I hadn't planned to speak tonight, but after hearing Marcus's powerful words about Rainbow Haven House, I felt compelled to add my perspective."
Taking in a slow, deep breath, I try to shake free more donations from the crowd. "Many of you know my family. You know the opportunities I've had, the safety nets I've never had to use. You might not know how many young people in our community don't have those same advantages."
My father is standing rigidly near the front, his politician's smile fixed firmly in place. Let him worry.
"I recently visited Rainbow Haven House for the first time.
What I saw was both heartbreaking and inspiring.
I saw a building that's falling apart, with a leaking roof, outdated electrical systems, and windows that don't open or close properly.
But I also saw a place filled with more love and acceptance than many of these kids have ever known. "
Pausing to find James in the crowd again.
"I met someone who grew up in the foster system, bounced between homes that never quite wanted him, who finally found shelter at Rainbow Haven when he had nowhere else to go.
Despite everything working against him, he has put himself through university on scholarships.
He built a life based on helping others.
He became one of the most honest, principled, hardworking people I've ever known. "
James's expression changes subtly, a flicker of surprise. He knows I'm talking about him, even if no one else does.
"Places like Rainbow Haven House don't provide shelter.
They provide the possibility. They show kids who have been rejected for who they are that they're worthy of love, opportunity, and a future.
They provide the foundation for someone to become their best self, even when the world tells them they're not good enough. "
My voice wavers on the last word. Stop. Breathe. Okay, back under control.
"I know what it's like to feel like you're not meeting expectations. Most of us do. But I can't imagine what it's like to be kicked out of your home and told that who you are makes you unlovable. These kids live that reality every day."
My gaze sweeps across the room. "So tonight, when considering which causes to support, I ask you to consider Rainbow Haven House. Think about giving these kids not a roof, but a chance. Consider what your support could mean to someone who has never had anyone in their corner."
Marcus is wiping away tears at the side of the stage. Several of the alumni are nodding. My father's smile has softened into something that you could almost believe is genuine.
"Thank you." There's nothing more I can say.
The applause is stronger this time, punctuated by enthusiastic cheers from the Delta Psi Omega contingent. As I descend from the stage, several people approach to shake my hand or pat my shoulder. President Wells looks pleased, whispering, "Well done, young man," as I pass him.
I search the crowd for James, but he's gone. My heart sinks. Was it too much? Too little? Too late?
Marcus intercepts me, his eyes still damp. "I don't know what to say," he tells me, gripping my hand in both of his. "The donation station is overflowing. People are writing checks I never thought possible."
"That's great," I'm honestly happy, but my eyes are busy scanning the room. "They needed to understand what Rainbow Haven means."
"He's over by the east exit," Marcus says knowingly. "I think he needed a minute."
"Thanks." I pat his shoulder before I try to slip out of the room.
I find James standing near a small balcony door, staring out at the night sky. He doesn't turn when I approach, though I know he hears me.
"That was quite a speech," he says, still looking out.
"I meant every word."
"I know." Now he turns to face me. "That's what makes it complicated."
It's a risk, but I take a step closer. "James, I—"
"You found out about the recording editing, didn't you?" he interrupts.
"I knew before I had the proof, but yes, my father manipulated it to make it sound like you took his money. I should have known better. I should have trusted you."
"Yes, you should have," he agrees, but there's no anger in his tone, just tiredness. "But I also should have told you about my past. I keep so much locked away that sometimes I forget people can't read my mind."
"I want to know everything about you. Not because I don't trust you. Because I love you… I'm in love with you. And your past is part of what made you the man I fell in love with."
His face relaxes, but he doesn't say anything about what I told him, and my chest goes cold. “What did you say to your father? I saw you leave with him earlier."
"Told him to stay out of my personal life or I'd torpedo his campaign." A small smile appears. "Also threatened to have you sign my brothers up for fringe porn if they don't start being nicer to you."
James actually chokes on a laugh. "You didn't."
"I absolutely did."
"And he... agreed?"
"He didn't have much choice. It turns out I inherited his killer instincts and decided to use them for good instead of political gain."
James shakes his head, but he's smiling now. "You continue to surprise me, Caleb Huntington the Third."
"Is that a good thing?"
"Maybe," he admits. "Probably."
We stand in silence for a moment, closer than we've been in weeks, but still with a gap between us. I desperately want to close that gap, but I'm afraid of pushing too hard and fast.
"I miss you."
James looks at me, really looks at me. "I miss you too."
And then Marcus is there, practically vibrating with excitement. "I don't mean to interrupt, but Caleb, you won't believe this. We've raised enough tonight to renovate both the electrical system and the roof completely. People keep asking how they can help!"
"That's amazing, Marcus."
James moves to stand beside me and carefully, tentatively, reaches for my hand. Our fingers intertwine; it feels like nothing has before.
The frat guys, who have apparently been watching from a not-so-subtle distance, erupt in cheers. "FINALLY!" Gavin's voice booms above the others.
Marcus laughs as James and I turn in unison to glare at our friends, who immediately pretend to be busy with their serving duties, though they can't quite hide their grins.
"The two grumps are back together," Tyler stage-whispers to Ethan, wiping off a pretend tear. "Balance is restored to the universe."
Gavin abandons all pretense and bounds over, wrapping us both in a bear hug that lifts us slightly off the ground. "You are the two grumpiest people I know," he declares happily. "So, of course, you're perfect for each other."
He sets us down, beaming. "Happy New Year, now that you're back together!" His face suddenly turns uncertain. "You are back together, right?"
Looking at James, waiting for his answer. Oh fuck. I'm barely breathing.
James's mouth curves into a slow smile, his eyes never leaving mine. "Yes," he says. "We are."
The happiness that floods through me is so intense it's almost painful. My answering smile could light up the entire room.
Gavin whoops and dashes off to spread the news, leaving us alone again, or as alone as we can be in a crowded ballroom.
"Are you sure? I know I hurt you. I know I messed up."
"I'm sure," James says firmly. "We both made mistakes. But I think..." he pauses, searching for words. "I think maybe we needed this. To figure out what we're fighting for."
Stepping in close, I'm unable to resist any longer. "And what are we fighting for?"
Instead of answering with words, James leans in and kisses me. It's soft at first, tentative, but quickly deepens into something more urgent, more desperate.
I wrap my arms around him and pull him in tight, and I put everything I have into the kiss: how sorry I am, how much I love him, my promise to do better.
We kiss, and kiss, and kiss, oblivious to the people around us, to the charity we're here supporting, to everything but each other. It's only when someone bumps into us hard enough to make us stagger that we break apart.
"Get a room," Alex says with a roll of their eyes, but there's a smile playing at the corners of their mouth.
James and I laugh, still holding each other. "Maybe we should." Only half joking.
"First," James says, "let's finish what we started here. There are still donations to collect, and I think your father might be trying to get your attention."
Across the room, my father is watching us, his expression unreadable. But when I meet his gaze, there's a slight, almost imperceptible nod before he turns back to his conversation.
"Let him wait. I have more important things to focus on right now."
James smiles, a real smile that transforms his entire face. "Me too."
Starting to turn back toward the ballroom, my Caleb Huntington II mask already sliding into place. My shoulders straightening, my expression smoothing into something appropriate for a political fundraiser. While my hand is still in James's, the Huntington heir is resurfacing.
His grip tightens, pulling me back around.
"Wait."
Turning. "What?"
"Don't." James steps in, his free hand catching my jaw. "Don't put that face back on yet. I need to say this while you're still... you."
Heart hammering. "Say what?"
"I love you." The words come out rushed, like he's afraid he'll lose his nerve. "I'm terrified, and I'm probably going to be difficult about it, but I love you. And I needed you to hear that before you go back to being the untouchable Huntington."
Can't breathe. Can't think. Can only pull him back in, kissing him hard enough that he stumbles slightly. His arms wrap around my neck as mine circle his waist, and for a few perfect seconds, nothing else exists.
"Jesus Christ, I'm blushing just watching this," Gavin's voice cuts through the haze.
Breaking apart, I find half the frat has appeared nearby, all wearing different looks of amusement.
"Is two guys kissing always this hot?" Ian asks, sounding genuinely curious.
"Yes," Tyler and Ethan answer in perfect unison, then look at each other and grin.
James buries his face against my shoulder, laughing. "Your friends are the worst."
"I know." Smiling against his hair. "But they're your friends now, too."
"Yeah. I guess they are." He lifts his head, those grey eyes soft. “Our friends are the worst.”
We walk back into the gala, hands clasped. Everything's still complicated, James's walls aren't magically gone, my father's going to be insufferable, and we're both walking disasters in the relationship department. But fuck it. At least we're facing the disaster together this time.
That's all I wanted from the moment I realized we weren't fake dating anymore, that and this man that I can't stop kissing.