Epilogue
Benji
The first night of Passover
“It’s so wonderful to have the entire family together,” Benji’s mom gushed, her gaze traveling around the long table. “And blending our traditions will make the holiday extra special.”
“Even if it’s a little cramped.” Benji shifted several chairs. “I think we’ll have enough room for everyone.”
“Don’t worry, the twins never sit still as it is.” Gil’s smile was wry. “Besides, they usually crash way before we get to ‘The Festive Meal.’”
He and Gil had bought an extra table to set up for all the people coming for the Seder. His parents, Gil’s entire family, Isaac and Levi, and Aunt Amanda and Uncle Steve. Daisy and Hank were excited to be attending their first Seder. He and Gil had been cooking for days. Benji was beginning to dream of matzo balls, and he didn’t even like them.
But now the chicken soup was simmering, the brisket sat marinating in its delicious sweet and sour sauce, and the matzo waited to be hidden for the afikomen . Gil’s family was bringing a host of traditional dishes their family ate for Passover—Sophia’s Romaniote specialty was a lamb shank bathed in garlic broth and charoset made with chopped dates, walnuts, and almonds.
“When does your family get here, Ari?”
Benji winced, and Gil shot a pointed gaze at him and shook his head. It had been almost four months of Benji pretending his real boyfriend was his fake boyfriend. And it was a bone of contention between him and Gil, who’d thought it was funny at first, but now, not so much.
“They’re all on the way. When my mother last texted me, they were passing Allentown. So maybe forty-five minutes to an hour.”
“Perfect. We’re really looking forward to meeting them.”
“They’re very excited as well. Can I get you a glass of wine, Shari, Mike?”
“Yes, thank you. I’m really looking forward to meeting Daisy and Hank.” She took both glasses Gil gave her and passed one to Dad.
“Yeah,” Benji said without much enthusiasm. “Isaac said he’d be here in about twenty minutes.”
His cousin couldn’t wait to come ‘ see the show,’ as he put it. The time had come to set the record straight.
Gil handed him a glass and murmured in his ear.
“Just do it. You know in the long run it’s gonna be fine.”
A sip of wine for courage. “So, uh, Mom, Dad. I have something to tell you.”
A huge smile broke over his mother’s face, and she set her glass on the coffee table, and bounced to her feet. “You’re getting married. I knew it. I said to your father, I bet they’re having both families together so they can announce they’re engaged.”
“Mom—” he began but he was smothered by her hug.
“I’m so happy for you both. We love Ari—I was telling your Aunt Amanda how perfect the two of you are together.”
“Mom—”
“And, Ari, come here.” She held out her arms and Gil gave her a hug but over her shoulder he raised his brows.
Do it, he mouthed.
“Shari, I think Benji wants to tell us something.” Dad remained seated with a knowing smirk.
His mom released Gil and looked between the two of them. “I’m wrong? I-I thought—”
“It’s okay. It’s really my fault. Let’s all sit.”
Looking concerned, she returned to Dad’s side and gazed at him with worried eyes. Gil stood by his side, and Benji reached for Gil’s hand. Mom zeroed in on that, and a sigh of relief escaped her lips.
“We’re not getting engaged or married or breaking up, but I need to clear the air about something.” Gil squeezed his hand and Benji grinned. “It’s really pretty ridiculous. This isn’t Ari. His name is Gil. There never was an Ari.”
Frown lines marred his mother’s brow. “What? What’re you talking about?”
Dad’s lips twitched. “This I have to hear.”
“You were nagging me so much about dating and was I happy and maybe I should come home that I just needed to get you off my back for a while. So I made up a nice Jewish guy named Ari to be my boyfriend. Then Gil showed up…and suddenly I was caught between a fake boyfriend and a new one.”
Dad burst out laughing. “I love it.”
“Well, I don’t. I didn’t think I was nagging you. I was concerned because I love you.” She wiped her eyes, and guilt streamed through Benji. He’d never meant to hurt his mother.
“Mom, I’m sorry. But the reason I left was to make my own life, my way. I’m happy here. And I love you.”
She turned the force of her blue eyes on Gil. “And you! Letting me call you Ari for four months. You’re as bad as him.”
“It’s not a total lie. Ariel is my middle name,” Gil teased.
She laughed and threw up her hands. “What am I supposed to do with the two of you?”
Relieved she wasn’t angry, Benji kissed her cheek. “Help us set the table?”
“Very funny. Who else knows? Not my sister. Amanda would never keep that secret from me.”
“No, but Isaac and Levi do. That’s why I wanted to tell you before everyone else got here. Isaac was enjoying it too much, so I needed to make sure I told you now.”
At the knocking on the door, Benji asked, “Are we good?”
“Yes, honey.” She shook her finger at the both of them. “No more faking it.”
Benji took Gil’s hand. “Nope. This is as real as it gets.”