21. Sal
Twenty One
Sal
Leaving Cole felt wrong. It went against everything in my brain. But I can’t miss work, no matter how cute and cuddly he looked.
A knock at the door startles me and I jump as Tony strolls into my office.
He’s chattering on about something and I’m ready to go off on him to tell him we’re not buddies. How last night hanging at Cole’s was a one time fluke.
My brain screams how wrong all of this is, how messy it is. This is the very reason why I’ve always kept my relationships secret. I didn’t flaunt them and all my boyfriends felt like a secret and resented me for it… Everything got messy when people found out I’m gay.
I don’t tune in to what Tony is saying until I hear Cole’s name.
“You’re such a great boss. I’m sure Cole appreciates it. It’s been hard for him trying to find people who care about him.”
He covers his mouth as if he’s said too much, well because he has. Why is he sharing this with me? And why do I care to know more?
“What do you mean?”
Tony hesitates, running a hand across the top of his head. The dark hair bounces underneath his hand.
“His family isn’t super supportive. You know, it’s funny because people always say, sexuality doesn’t matter, but then proceed to act strange, sometimes even unintentionally, about people being different…”
For once, Anthony stops talking, the one time I want him to overshare. “Anyways, thanks boss man.”
I nod and rub my temples, exhausted after that one sided conversation.
I wish I didn’t know what Cole is going through, but I do. I guess being open about being gay doesn’t take away the problems. Here I thought he was carefree and doing whatever he wanted, with less consequences somehow.
And it solidifies my thoughts, it’s not worth it to announce one’s sexuality to the world.
I pull out my phone and send a text to Cole.
Me: Hope you’re feeling better.
Snuggling Cole was not the plan, and it was damn near impossible not to get an erection.
Correction, it was impossible. But he either didn’t mind or wasn’t aware. Thankfully he didn’t tempt me to use it on him.
* * *
Friday can’t come soon enough.
I messaged Cole throughout the week and didn’t have him come back until Friday. It was hard not seeing him, but I tell myself it’s for the best to get our working career back on track.
The air shifts and I watch Cole stroll into the office. We share an exchange through my window and it’s like nails on a chalkboard to turn my attention back to the blank computer screen open on my desk.
I have done zero work on the gala. Except assemble the team.
Tony and Cole as the senior organizers to make sure things run smoothly and Rumi and Kahlid to offer fresh ideas since they both seem to know the most about what’s going on around the city, at least from what I’ve noticed in their reports.
Taking a deep breath, I mentally prepare myself to see my dad for the first time in a decade.
Will we recognize each other? I’ve aged some, not as baby faced and I’m definitely more defined in the arms and chest. Will he care? Will he still see me as a man?
And if he does? How can I forgive him after all this time?
Releasing the deep breath, I stand and leave the safety of my office.
Everyone looks up to me as I step out as if I’m making some big announcement.
“Cole, Anthony, Rumi and Kahlid, can you please join me in the conference room?”
I don’t bother waiting to see if they heard me, I make my way to the room and flick on the light, obsessively wondering if they noticed I mentioned Cole first.
Fuck.
I stand at the front of the room as the four filter in, Cole is the last one and shuts the door, taking a seat at the back of the room.
I keep my eyes off him.
“What’s going on boss?” Anthony asks, breaking the tension in the room.
“In a few moments, a very important man is going to walk in here and we’re going to do everything we can to meet his list of demands.”
Everyone’s attention is fully on me, phones faced down on the long rectangle table. I make a point to eye each one before continuing.
“We will be planning one of the biggest events this city will see in a very long time.”
“The LGBTQ+ Gala?” Cole blurts.
The frown I give isn’t even meant to hide what’s happened between us for show.
“Yes,” I manage to answer, despite wanting to call the owner of the company and beg him to cancel this contract.
“Wow boss, don’t look so excited.” Tony says and the room bursts into nervous chuckles.
I hold my composure. There’s a knock on the conference room door and it opens. Julio lets my father in then closes the door.
“No fucking way!” Tony whispers so loud that everyone clearly hears him. “That’s the Samuel Hammond!”
“Yes, we all see him,” Cole whispers back.
There are a couple chuckles from the other two employees.
I don’t even react since I’m too damn anxious living my worst nightmare.
“Everyone, this is Mr. Samuel Hammond.”
My father, all six foot and proud, squares his shoulders and smiles at everyone in the room, even me.
There’s no disgust creasing his features, or hatred burning in his eyes.
Yet my stomach sinks and it’s hard to breathe.
Can everyone tell?
“It’s nice to meet you all,” he says, and it’s tense for a minute.
“Please, have a seat. Someone will be in to bring water and a food tray soon.”
My father reaches over to me and I flinch! He laughs it off and his white wrinkly hand hangs in the air.
Why is he so pale? Has he not been in the sun? We’re in California for God’s sake.
My body automatically accepts the gesture and his hand is warm and sweaty.
Is he… nervous?
I smile and gesture for him to sit, resisting the urge to wipe my hand on my pants.
We both sit across from each other and I gesture to my team, introducing them one at a time.
Julio brings in bottles of water and cans of some sparkling drink along with a cheese and cookie tray.
It’s quite sad given that this is one of the many important faces running the biggest event centers in the city.
Then again, our company isn’t usually involved with events.
“So, what can your team offer that someone else can’t?”
I’m so unprepared for this whole meeting. I should have a presentation.
Kahlid comes to my rescue. “Influencers are the way of the future, sir. If we find the biggest accounts on Tiktok here in California, and perhaps the country and invite them, it would be a worldwide phenomenon. Everyone will have eyes here and we can allow them to join in by hosting a live stream of the event.”
Holy shit that’s brilliant.
“And if we invite some of the biggest names in music, fashion and social justice, we can unite the creative world and fundraising. Plus there can be a raffle for those less fortunate to attend. We could have the creatives prep them the week before,” Rumi says comfortably, as if she has had this speech planned for months.
“That sounds like the Hunger Games,” Cole whispers.
“Minus the violence,” she responds.
They’re so damn quick and witty and my father is laughing.
“You’re all so creative!” He beams.
“I can calculate how many tickets we can fit into the event and even set up some leading up events to get the community involved. This could also include handmade ornaments and other decorations to be sold,” Tony adds.
Did everyone meet beforehand and talk about this?
“All proceeds could go to the Trevor Project,” Cole says. “And we could invite Oliver Davis to speak about his experiences and the foundation that he opened with Ace Maverick’s help.”
My stomach twists.
Not only because of the mention of their names but the fact that it’s coming from Cole.
“Holy shit! Okay, I think you’ve all sold me,” my father says chuckling.
He stands, his water and other offerings remaining untouched on the glossy table.
I follow suit in standing and we stand side by side at the head of the table.
“I have a good feeling about you all here at Sealine Voyages. I know it’s not your typical job description, but you could’ve fooled me.” A hand is clamped on my shoulder and I strain to turn and face the man who raised me, in the eye. “You’ve assembled an excellent team here, son. I’ll see you tomorrow for dinner and let you know when I’d like an update for the fall gala.”
The bomb has been dropped in the room and as my father shakes my hand, I can feel the shift.
Julio shows my dad out and I turn to face the room. I try to ignore the shock written on their faces like caricatures.
“Your ideas blew me away. I’d like you all to meet every morning for a couple hours over the next three months of summer to make sure you not only make these ideas a reality, but give more than we’ve dreamed up here.”
Their shock turns to anxiety. Under promise, over deliver. Their top ideas are excellent, but I think we can do even better.
“Tony,” I say, not missing how his eyes light up at the use of the shortened version of his name, “I’d like you to run the show. Come to me with any major concerns. Each of you suggested an idea, run with them and then some, you’re in charge of whatever you suggested. If we need more hands on deck, let me know. Julio is always willing to help and we can even hire or outsource more. Dismissed for now.”
I leave the room, my heart pounding in my chest. This job is far more intense than I originally anticipated, and I know my father seems warm and kind now, but how long can he hide how demanding and harsh he really is? He’s gotta be hiding his true feelings on everything.
I close my office door and lean against it, hanging my head trying to sink in everything that’s just happened. And whatever else that is about to come up on me like a storm.