“I think you should,” Kris said. Justin’s thigh was warm against his. “I think so because of what you said. That you like the idea. Your words, not mine.”
Justin, gazing at him, drew a breath, let it go. Nodded.
It might be hard, Kris thought. It wouldn’t be easy. But worth it. Worth holding on, every day. Days of laughter, and smiles, and learning.
His mobile rang. The universe, in the form of impending publicity, plunged in.
Kris answered first, but handed it over to Justin. Who, though white as an urban-legend specter behind eyeliner and hair-dye, took it with steady fingers. “Hi. Yes, I’m here, what were you—video chat, yes, I can do that—give me a minute to get to the office—”
He got up from the table. Multiple bodies followed: a family of ducklings clustering in concern. Justingave them a faint smile, summoned his laptop out of thin air, and shut the study door.