Drew and Jesús
Drew and Jesús 7/8
Picture Perfect
Sequel to Jesús and Lola. Jesús and Drew work on their developing relationship.
Drew and Jesús
Chapter 7
The five of us manage to maintain stilted conversation through the entire dinner. Drew’s father is still a little tipsy. The whiskey he’s been nursing all night hasn’t really helped him sober up any. He’s obviously proud of Drew though and how many pieces had sold stickers on them when we left. I know Drew told me that his father, the ultimate business man, wasn’t too happy with Drew’s decision to become a photographer. He thought there was no future in it, but I guess tonight changed his mind. The numbers don’t lie.
Mrs. Grey gave us all her own little unappreciated critique of the show. She said some of the pieces were “okay,” whatever the fuck that means. It’d be nice if she could just be happy for her son. Man, if I had done something like this, my mom would’ve been jumping all over the place.
Drew’s been trying to be polite to everyone. Caroline’s been trying to occupy her mother’s attention. And I’ve been trying to keep my mouth shut, because I don’t want to say something I’ll regret. I really don’t want to be at this dinner, but I’m here for Drew. Moral support and all that.
After we finish our dinners, Drew’s mother orders coffee while Drew’s father finishes off his whisky, and it looks like we’ll all be here for awhile longer. Mrs. Grey is halfway into her coffee when I feel Drew grab my hand under the table. And I know what he’s about to say. I kind of want to just stop the whole thing. His parents aren’t anything like my mom. She took the whole coming out/I’m-in-a-relationship-with-a-man thing very well. She was just happy for me. I don’t know what Drew’s mother’s problem is, but her children’s happiness isn’t the most important thing to her, and because of that, Drew’s about to get himself hurt.
“Mom, Dad, I…uh, have something to tell you. I’m sure you saw some of the subject matter of my show…I’m gay.” Mrs. Grey’s coffee cup freezes seconds away from her mouth. Mr. Grey signals a waiter for another drink.
“What?” She says it as if she’s sure she misheard. I’m sure Drew could say he just asked her to pass the salt and everyone would leave it at that, but that isn’t Drew’s style.
“I just thought you guys should know that I’m gay. Jesús is my boyfriend. We’ve been dating for awhile now, and I just didn’t want to keep any secrets from you.” Drew actually says it with a smile. He’s got bigger balls than I’ll ever have.
Mrs. Grey’s mouth twists into a frown, but she begins speaking lowly, probably so no one at the neighboring tables could hear. “Andrew Michael Grey, this is unforgivable.” She stands up and just walks out of the restaurant.
After a few seconds of staring after her, Mr. Grey stands up as well. To my surprise, he actually walks toward Drew. He rests his hand on Drew’s shoulder as he speaks to him. “It isn’t that bad, son.” He nods at me. “Nice to meet you, Jesús.” He turns toward his daughter. “Come on, Caroline. It’s time for us to go.” Caroline leaves the table, giving us a small wave and signaling for Drew to call her.
And then there were two.
I’m all ready to comfort Drew. “I’m sorry, Drew,” but he doesn’t seem to need any comforting.
“There’s nothing for you to be sorry for, baby. Come on, let’s get out of here.” We take care of the bill and leave the restaurant. Drew’s silent on the ride back to his apartment. I still haven’t told him about the call I got from the publishing company. It doesn’t feel right, sharing my good news when Drew’s dealing with a whole mess of issues. I’m not sure how I would’ve handled it if my mother reacted that way to the news. I know Drew isn’t as close with his mother as I am with mine, but still…he does care about her opinion of him.
It’s still pretty early by our standards when we get back to Drew’s. Instead of going into the bedroom we both collapse onto the couch. “I’m not upset, baby.”
I don’t believe him. “You’re not?”
Drew shakes his head. “I’m not. This night has been one of the best I’ve ever had. I had my own show, and it went well. I counted at least ten little sold stickers when I left. And I had someone by my side through the entire thing.” He takes my hand in his. “My parents…well, my dad took it better than I expected. My mother’s reaction wasn’t unexpected, but I was completely honest with them, baby, for the first time in a long time. It was kind of freeing.”
I don’t understand it, but “I’m glad to hear that Drew.”
“Are you staying over tonight?” Drew looks hopeful.
“Sure…” I guess now’s a better time than any to tell him. “You know how I sent out a few stories to that Chicago publisher awhile ago?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, they called me back, during your show. They want me to go out there tomorrow to sign a contract.”
Drew’s expression is almost comical. “Holy shit, baby. That’s so exciting! Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”
“I wanted you to enjoy your show, Drew. I was so proud of you.”
“Well, I guess we can both be proud of each other tonight. When are you leaving?”
“I don’t know yet. She said she’d send the info to me. I can check for it tomorrow morning.”
“You know, I think this is cause for celebration.” Drew went to the fridge and pulled out a bottle of champagne along with two glasses. He popped the cork and filled the glasses, handing me one.
He held up his glass. “To us.”
I touched his glass with mine. “To us.”
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Author's Notes: Gotta thank vanna12 for the beta job.