27
LIBBY
I loved to sing when it was just me alone in the shower or in a group with the old ladies on stage. I could blend in and no one would notice when I was off key.
So naturally, I asked Track and Brynne to sing the Bruno Mars song that I’d deemed was Landon’s, Toby’s and my song.
I could have asked Maddy to perform it. She was by far the best singer in the club, but I loved that it was a duet with Lady Gaga.
There was so much heart and emotion in it, and that was what I wanted tonight.
Not to mention, Track and Brynne were killing it up there as they sang to each other. Gosh, I hoped they didn’t claim it as their own. But I wouldn’t blame them if they did because “Die With A Smile” was the best song ever.
Under the table, I held my mens’ hands. A few couple were dancing, er, grinding. Dodge and Emilee were swaying like a couple of high schoolers at prom. They were so damn adorable I could hardly stand it.
In contrast, Lynx and Jaynee were heating up the room with their sexual moves and kissing. Dang, those two were shameless and I loved it!
Fearing judgement had no place in KLMC. We were a family and supported each other, which was why I could never understand why Landon wouldn’t come out of the closet.
But tonight, everything would be out in the open.
After the song, we were going to make our announcement and I had to admit, I was getting nervous with Landon’s shaking leg vibrating against mine.
“Zombie looks like he’s struggling.” Landon nudged his head toward the bar. “I should go check on him.”
“I’m sure he’s fine.” I glanced over at the young biker. He was on the spectrum, high functioning, but socially awkward. And if he went without eating, which he often did, he’d have a meltdown.
“But I don’t want him making a scene.”
I sensed Landon was trying to escape our impending announcement. Relief washed over me when I saw Zombie unwrapping a footlong submarine sandwich. “Oh, look. He has his favorite sub. Crisis averted.”
Landon growled low.
“Look. If you don’t want to do it tonight, we don’t have to,” I whispered in his ear. “Nobody is forcing us to make a big deal about it.”
“But it is a big deal.” His arm went around my back and he pulled me against him. “We’re engaged.”
“Yes, and we’re with Toby.” I squeezed our man’s thigh to get his attention off his cell phone. Ciro Remotti blowed it up at all hours of the day and night. I hoped Toby knew what he was getting into working for the Mafia man.
“What’s up?” Toby asked.
“Just Landon being Landon,” I replied.
“Is he trying to get out of going on the stage?” Toby knew Landon pretty well for not being with him very much.
“Yup.”
“I’m going to do it. When is the song over?” Landon asked, sounding like a grumpy bear. “Let’s get it over with.”
My poor guy. I couldn’t imagine how hard this was for him after hiding his preference most of his life. I was confident it would all be fine and hoped we’d all see a different Grizzly once the weight of the world was off his shoulders.
Of course, there was still the issue of his brother, who was his only living relative. I’d love for Landon to reconnect with his older brother, but I didn’t think Landon wanted anything to do with him. The thought made me sad for him. But now wasn’t the time to mention it.
Clapping and whistling erupted as the song ended.
“Thank you. Thank you!” Track shouted. “Now if you’ll excuse us, I’m taking my woman to bed, because it’s hot up here.”
“Wait!” Landon launched to his feet, stunning me silent. “I have something to say.”
“Well, okay, brother. Hurry it up so the fire in me doesn’t burn out.” Track tugged his wife into his arms and kissed her neck.
“Come on.” Landon told Toby, then took my hand.
He was really going to do it. I was so proud of him, I just might cry.
“Must be something serious if you’re bring back up.” Track handed the mic to Landon.
“Yeah.” Landon exhaled a deep breath.
The room had quieted and every pair of eyes were on us. It almost seemed like they knew what was coming. Creepy…
“I won’t make this long,” Landon said. “Track needs to fuck his wife.”
Laughter insued, and I couldn’t help giggling. Landon wasn’t a funny guy, but sometimes he’d say things that were hilarious. It was totally unintention, just Landon speaking whatever was on his mind in a deadpan way.
“Get on with it then.” Track encouraged him.
“This first part is good,” Landon told the crowd. “I asked Libby to marry me, and she said yes.”
“We’re engaged!” I yelled excitedly and showed off my sparkling ring.
Clapping bounced off the walls. Every face in the room lit up with joy for us.
“I’m so happy for you!” Brynne hugged me, then Landon. “What’s the second part? Is there more?”
Just then, Toby took the mic from Landon and shushed everyone to quiet down. “There’s more, y’all.” He gave it back and told Landon, “You got this.”
“Toby’s right. There’s more.” Landon cleared his throat. “I’ve been in this club for a little more than a decade. It’s been the only safe home I’ve known. Hell, I’ve grown up here with many of you. And yet, I’ve tried to be invisible.”
“Not possible!” Lynx shouted. “We’ve all seen you and love you, man.”
My heart swelled at his kind words. If anyone had suspected Landon was gay, it would have been Lynx. He paid attention to everything and cared deeply for people, despite being a goofball.
“Thanks. This isn’t easy for me to say. In fact, I might throw up.
” He took a breath. “Yes, I’m marrying the love of my life.
But Libby isn’t the only person I love. Toby owns the other half of my heart.
His part of us, and always will be.” He turned toward Toby and they embaced, locking their lips together.
If I wasn’t standing right here to witness it, I would have thought all the cheering was at Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga concert.
“Well, I’ll be fucked,” Track said. “How did I never know?”
“Because he didn’t want anyone to think less of him.”
“Jesus, that breaks my heart.”
“Yeah, mine too. But now it’s out in the open.” I smiled as I watched my two men making out in front of the entire Minnesota crew.
“So how exactly will it work? I mean, if you’re marrying Grizzly?” Brynee asked.
“We’re having an open marriage.”
“Hey, that sounds fun.” Track wiggled his dark eyebrows.
“Don’t even consider it. I’m all you can handle.” Brynne nudged him.
“Speaking of handling you.” He swooped her off her feet. “Congrats you three, I’m taking my wifey to bed!”
Toby and Landon pulled apart, then tugged me into the middle. I didn’t have to ask if how he was doing because Landon had the biggest grin on his face. All the years of pretending he was straight and hiding his feelings for Toby were washed away in one two-minute announcement.
“Now we live life to the fullest and out in the open,” he said.
There was simily nothing else to say.
He’d done it. He conquered his fears and I was so proud of him.