Chapter 24
James
Isat in silence as the clients looked over the final files I’d sent them.
I’d been working on this rebrand for nearly a month now with lots of revisions going back and forth.
But today was it, I was finally delivering them the completed project and I could barely contain my anxiety, especially after what happened with my last client.
I watched nervously as Michelle, the marketing director, scrolled through my presentation on her laptop.
Next to her, Roger, the CEO, was examining the printouts I’d provided, his expression frustratingly neutral.
The conference room felt too warm suddenly, and I resisted the urge to loosen my collar.
“Well,” Michelle finally said, looking up with bright eyes, “I think you’ve absolutely nailed it, James.”
Relief washed through me so intensely I almost laughed. “You do?”
Roger nodded, setting down the printouts. “The typography is perfect. Modern but still approachable. And the color palette—” he gestured to the brand guide I’d created “—it’s exactly what we were hoping for. Distinctive without being too trendy.”
“The logo variations are brilliant,” Michelle added. “Having the simplified version for social media was exactly what we needed.”
I allowed myself to breathe normally for the first time in what felt like hours. After the disaster with my previous client I’d been terrified of another failure. Especially with how distracted I’d been lately, splitting my focus between work and the situation with Kent.
“I’m so glad you’re happy with it,” I said, my professional smile finally feeling genuine. “I really enjoyed working with your team on this project.”
Roger leaned forward, his expression shifting to something more serious.
“Actually, James, we were hoping to discuss another opportunity with you. We have a second brand that needs refreshing, and after seeing what you’ve done here.
..” He glanced at Michelle, who nodded encouragingly.
“We’d like to hire you for that project as well. Immediately, if possible.”
I blinked, momentarily stunned. Two major projects back-to-back from the same client? That kind of stability was rare in freelance work, and exactly what I needed right now.
“I’d be very interested,” I said, trying not to sound too eager. “What kind of timeline are you thinking?”
As Michelle outlined their needs for the second project, my mind was already racing with possibilities.
This could mean financial security for months, maybe even the chance to raise my rates for future clients.
Plus they had connections with other startups that might be able to use my services as well.
It was the first domino in what I hoped would be a long chain.
And honestly, the distraction would be welcome.
As much as things with Kent had been incredible, the constant secrecy was starting to wear on me.
Every text from my mom was left unanswered, Kent tensed up whenever we were in public together, and every moment spent wondering if Trevor had told anyone about us. .. it was exhausting.
“...so we were hoping to launch the new brand by early spring,” Michelle was saying, pulling me back to the present. “Would that timeframe work for you?”
“Absolutely,” I replied, quickly refocusing. “I can have a preliminary concept presentation ready in two weeks.”
Roger’s face lit up. “Perfect. I’ll have accounting send over a contract tomorrow.”
We spent another thirty minutes discussing specifics, and by the time we wrapped up, I felt almost lightheaded with success. As we shook hands and exchanged pleasantries, I couldn’t help imagining Kent’s face when I told him the news.
He’d been so supportive through this project, listening to me rant about client feedback and offering honest opinions when I showed him drafts.
For someone who claimed to know nothing about design, he had good instincts.
And the way his eyes lit up when he was genuinely impressed by something I’d created.
.. that was better than any client approval.
Outside the building, I pulled out my phone to text him.
Me: Just finished the meeting. Nailed it. They want to hire me for ANOTHER project immediately!
His response came almost instantly.
Kent: Fuck yes! I knew you would crush it. Celebration dinner tonight?
I smiled at the phone, warmth spreading through my chest.
Me: Definitely. I’ll pick up wine on the way home.
Kent: You’re amazing. Can’t wait to see you when I get home from work.
Simple praise shouldn’t make my heart race, but it did when it came from Kent. Every time.
As I walked to my car, I felt lighter than I had in weeks. One professional win wouldn’t solve all our problems, but right now, it was exactly what I needed. It was something going right in my life that I could actually tell people about.
Tonight, I’d celebrate with Kent. Tomorrow, I’d figure out how to balance this new project with the increasingly complicated reality of loving my stepbrother in secret.
I pulled out of the parking lot with a stupid smile on my face that I couldn’t seem to wipe away.
The meeting couldn’t have gone better if I’d scripted it myself.
After weeks of anxiety and revisions, they not only loved my work but wanted more.
That kind of validation was exactly what I needed after my last client disaster.
Traffic was light as I headed toward my favorite wine shop downtown.
Kent had developed a surprising appreciation for good reds since moving in, and I wanted something special for our celebration.
Something that said, “I’m killing it professionally even if my personal life is a complicated mess. ” Preferably with earthy notes.
As I waited at a stoplight, my phone buzzed with a text from my mom again. The guilt was starting to compound with each day I ignored her. But what could I possibly say? Every conversation felt like walking through a minefield now.
The wine shop was quiet when I arrived, just a few customers browsing the aisles. I picked out a nice bottle of Cabernet that was a little above my usual price point. Tonight we deserved something special. The clerk smiled as she rang me up, asking if I was celebrating something.
“Just a good day at work,” I replied, suddenly aware of how normal I sounded. Like I was just a regular guy buying wine to share with his boyfriend, not his stepbrother.
The drive home was quick, and I hummed along to the radio, already imagining Kent’s reaction to the news.
He’d been so supportive through all my work stress lately.
It was still surprising sometimes, this new version of him that cared about my success, that wanted to hear about my day.
He wasn’t the bully I grew up with anymore.
He was quickly becoming my… well, everything.
I pulled into my usual parking spot, grabbing the wine and my laptop bag before heading up to the apartment. As I rounded the corner to my door, I stopped short.
My mother was standing there, a small suitcase at her feet, looking like she hadn’t slept in days.
“Mom?” I nearly dropped the wine. “What are you doing here?”
She looked up, her face a mixture of exhaustion and relief. “James, thank god. I’ve been trying to reach you.”
“I know, I’m sorry, I was at a client meeting and—” I cut myself off, suddenly terrified. “Is everything okay? Did something happen?”
She ran a hand through her disheveled hair. “Your stepdad and I... we’re getting a divorce.”
The words hung in the air between us. Kent’s father. They were divorcing. My mind immediately went to Kent. How would he react? What would this mean for us?
“I’m so sorry,” I managed. “What happened?”
“It’s a long story.” She glanced at the door. “Can we talk inside? I hate to impose, but all the hotels are booked because of that Halloween convention they do every year. I just need somewhere to stay tonight. I’ve already got a place for tomorrow onward.”
My heart rate doubled instantly. My mother. Staying here. Where Kent and I had been living together as much more than stepbrothers.
“O-Of course,” I said, fumbling for my keys. “Come in.”
As I opened the door to the apartment building, panic clawed at my throat.
There was evidence of Kent everywhere in my studio apartment.
His clothes were mixed with mine in the laundry basket by the bathroom, his toothbrush was next to mine, and his pillow was on my bed.
And Kent himself would be home from work in less than an hour.
We took the elevator up to my floor, then walked the long corridor in silence. I unlocked my door and pulled it open.
“Let me just...” I gestured vaguely as she stepped inside. “Clean up a bit. I wasn’t expecting company.”
She gave me a tired smile. “Don’t worry about me. I’m just grateful you’re here.”
I set the wine on the counter and pulled out my phone, typing frantically.
Me: CODE RED. My mom is here. At the apartment. She and your dad are getting divorced. She needs to stay the night.
I watched the three dots appear and disappear several times before Kent’s reply came through.
Kent: WHAT?? Are you serious? I’m leaving work now.
My mother had settled onto the couch, her eyes taking in the apartment. I tried to see it through her eyes. Were there obvious signs that Kent and I were sharing a bed rather than him sleeping on the couch? Had we left anything incriminating out?
“Can I get you something to drink?” I asked, trying to sound normal. “Water? Wine? I just picked up a bottle.”
“Water is fine for now,” she said, her voice small.
As I filled a glass in the kitchen, I scanned the apartment for anything that needed to be hidden. There was a pair of Kent’s boxers peeking out from under the bed. I casually walked over and nudged them underneath with my foot.
“So,” I said, handing her the water and sitting in the chair across from her. “Want to tell me what happened?”
She took a long sip before answering. “It’s been building for a while.
You know how he is. He’s always working, and never present even when he’s home.
And ever since Kent yelled at him he’s been…
insufferable.” She twisted her wedding ring, which I noticed was still on her finger.
“And then, I found out he’s been having an affair with his secretary. Such a cliché, right?”
My stomach dropped. Kent’s father was cheating? No wonder she looked so destroyed.
“Jesus, Mom. I’m so sorry.”
“I confronted him last night,” she continued, staring at the floor. “He didn’t even deny it. Just said he wasn’t happy anymore and hadn’t been for years.” She glanced up at me. “He told me that he should’ve known we weren’t going to work out when I didn’t let him kick you out of the house.”
“Kick me out?” My brows furrowed. “When? I don’t remember anything about that.”
“When you came out,” she replied, hanging her head once more. “I should’ve known what kind of person he was back then too. But I just… I thought I could fix him. I thought I could love him into being a better man.”
Christ did that sound familiar.
I moved to sit beside her, putting my arm around her shoulders. She leaned into me, and I could feel her trembling slightly.
“I didn’t know where else to go,” she admitted. “I couldn’t stay in that house another night. And I thought... I thought I should talk to Kent about his father, especially after he stood up for you.”
My blood went cold. “I told Kent you’re here. He should be home from work soon.”
“How is he doing?” she asked, looking up at me with red-rimmed eyes. “You two getting along okay?”
“Yeah, we’re doing fine,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “He’s been... different lately. In a good way.”
Mom wiped at her eyes. “I’m glad to hear that. I was worried when he first moved in with you. You two never got along when you were younger.”
That was the understatement of the century. I shifted uncomfortably, wondering how much to share. “We’ve both grown up a lot since then. He’s actually been really supportive of my work.”
“That’s wonderful.” She smiled, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I’m glad to hear he’s outgrown his father’s parenting. Still, I wish he and Brittany could patch things up. They always seemed so good together.”
I just nodded along, knowing I had no other choice.
“Yeah. I guess so.” Taking a deep breath, I got to my feet, desperate for a different topic of conversation.
“Well, I’m going to order dinner. I hope Thai is okay with you.
Kent and I have a favorite place that we like and tonight doesn’t seem like a cooking night. ”
“You don’t have to do that—”
“Mom,” I said, cutting her off. “It’s the least I can do. Tonight I’m taking care of you.”
She nodded slowly. “Thank you, James.”
I smiled in reply and headed to the kitchen, my heart pounding in my chest. Suddenly the world felt like it was pressing in around me.
My parents getting a divorce was unexpected, and I hated to see my mother hurting, but I couldn’t pretend I wasn’t elated.
If they got divorced, Kent would no longer be my stepbrother.
And that was one less massive obstacle to overcome.
I just hoped Kent would see it that way too. And maybe, once Mom was gone, I could finally admit that I loved him.