Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 65346 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 327(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 218(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65346 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 327(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 218(@300wpm)
“This award really means so much to me. Not because I never win awards, which does factor into things just a little bit, but because it symbolizes something way bigger than just me. This symbolizes a hopeful shift for all of us. I’ve been in the closet for forty-two years of my life and almost forgot what being ‘hopeful’ even feels like.
“I don’t want anyone forgetting what ‘hope’ feels like. I’m committed to making positive change and inspiring a trail of leaders behind me, keeping that change alive even when I won’t be able to. So thank you.” He put a hand on his heart and bowed his head, the lights reflecting a sheen in his blue eyes.
“And, before they play the music, I wanted to introduce my son, Rex, the main reason why I changed into the better man I am today.” Gavin grabbed Rex in a tight hug, and the crowd broke into more applause.
Rex took the mic, and his dad stepped to the side. He seemed nervous, but I think I’d be the only one to tell. It was in the way he twitched his thumb and shuffled his feet. Small signals that I could quickly recognize.
“Hi, y’all.” He gave an awkward wave to a room of friendly laughter. “My dad taught me a lot about life, especially in recent years. He taught me to live without thinking of the judgment from others, and he taught me to follow my dreams even when they look impossible to reach. One of those dreams is sitting right there.” He pointed directly at me, the spotlight shifting so that I sat under it, surrounded by a sea of darkness. Rex’s face smiled at me from the stage.
People were clapping, but I couldn’t hear much past the blood pounding in my ears.
“Come up here for a sec, Benj.” Rex waved me up, motioning for me to climb onstage. More clapping. Some cheering. Someone nudged my shoulder. Was this really happening? I needed to move.
I stood up, my legs working even though I could feel them shaking. I laughed nervously, climbing up onstage with Rex’s help. I didn’t even look out at the crowd, terrified I would lock eyes with one of my favorite actors and instantly melt into a puddle spelling out “fan girl.”
Rex turned to me, looking only at me. The room seemed to collapse inward, the crowd and their hushed murmurs disappearing. I locked eyes with those ocean-blue orbs I’d fallen so deeply in love with.
“Benji,” he said, loud enough for the mic to pick up. “You’ve also taught me so much. How to take control of life and not let it take control of you. You’ve taught me how to tell the difference between a coral snake and a king snake—red touches yellow you’re a dead fellow, red touches black, you’re okay, Jack.”
“Correct,” I said, the room breaking in laughter.
“But beyond all that, you taught me how to love again. How to love you, how to love myself, how to love life.”
Wait, what was he doing? Why was he dropping down? Why was he putting a knee on the ground? Why was he reaching into—
“Benjamin Francis Gold, will you continue loving life with me?”
He opened up a navy blue box, and inside it sat a gleaming silver band, taking my breath away.
“Will you marry me?”
Silence swept through the room. Ice clinking against glass could be heard.
Shock. I was shocked and overwhelmed and absolutely over the fucking moon.
“Yes,” I said, low at first, realizing only the front of the room probably heard. So I said it louder, my happiness overflowing. “Yes, Rex, yes, absolutely yes!”
The room erupted into the loudest round of applause and cheers yet. People were up on their feet as Rex slid the ring on my finger, a perfect fit. He stood up, his expression a mixture of relief and overwhelming excitement. He grabbed me in a tight hug and kissed me, the cheers continuing.
“Forever,” he said against my lips.
“Forever,” I replied, feeling the ring on my finger, excited to see what forever would bring us.
THE END