Page 99 of Tongue-Tied

I sit with my parents and our friends at a table close to the podium where Dex will be giving a speech. Dex and Jodi finally take their seats as we’re starting dinner, and he seems way less stressed. So far, the fundraiser seems to be running smoothly, not that I’d really know. Likely, any events I host at my future library gig will involve books, animated characters, and children.

As our families are chatting away with our friends, it feels comfortable, like a snapshot of how far we’ve come. Not only Dex and I, but Jodi too, and I can’t help hoping that it lasts. That once we graduate with our bachelor’s degrees, our friendships and family bonds will be even stronger.

As they begin clearing the dishes, Dex squeezes my hand under the table. I give him a reassuring smile as he stands to give an introductory speech. I can’t help admiring his handsome profile and his self-assured swagger as he walks to the podium.

“Can I have everyone’s attention?” The microphone squeaks, so he moves his mouth away like an old pro. “Thank you for coming out tonight. Congressman Burke is proud to host an event that benefits women’s empowerment. Before buying tickets for the casino tables and the raffle baskets, Congressman Burke would like to say a few words.”

When I look around the room, everyone is rapt with attention.

“But first, I want to give a shout-out to my wonderful boyfriend, Austin, for his help organizing the baskets. There’s everything from a spa day to a special signed edition of a bestselling book.”

Excited murmurs rise around the room, but my cheeks are on fire, and all I want is to crawl through a hole in the floor when I feel people trying to get a closer look at me from the other tables. It doesn’t help that Mom points to me.

But I’m glad people seem excited about the prizes. I reached out to Victoria Paige’s public relations person on Instagram to ask if she’d be willing to sign something for the fundraiser. I didn’t expect to hear back, let alone have Victoria contact me herself, but she was so amazingly kind. She sent me a couple of signed books along with bookmarks and pens, and that’s how I made up my adult-reader basket. I created a kids’ version too, with a mix of modern and classic books, including Alice in Wonderland.

Dex clears his throat. “I also want to tell you a little story.”

Dex practiced his speech on me this week, so I try to remain still and not give anything away—or, in this case, anyone.

“My dad abandoned us when I was a child. My mom was a year younger than the age I am right now,” he says, and Jodi gasps. She listens intently with her hand to her mouth. “We had to get creative sometimes just to eat and pay rent.”

My mom reaches over to grip Jodi’s hand in support, and I smile at her.

“But we did it. We survived because my mom is courageous and resilient. Not that she didn’t make mistakes—she freely admits to that. But she kept pushing through all the stuff life threw at us, and sometimes that took herculean strength.” Dex pauses to smile at her. “The point is, plenty of us in this room have either been there or are just one paycheck away from struggling. That’s why this charity means so much to my mom. She loves volunteering with equally strong women, and that’s what inspired Congressman Burke to help. Without further ado, please welcome my mentor, Representative Aaron Burke.”

Energetic clapping breaks out as Dex shakes his boss’s hand and the congressman heads to the podium.

“I’m so proud of you,” Jodi says when Dex takes a seat between us. “I can’t believe you said all that about me.”

“Well, it’s all true.”

“I’m only here now because of you. You didn’t give up on me.” Jodi swipes at her eyes. “You are the most giving person I know and the best son I could ask for.”

It’s a private moment I can’t help getting choked up about. And now Dex is swiping at his eyes too as they grow quiet to listen to the speech. Jodi beams at Dex when the congressman throws him some accolades, and I grip his hand, just as proud.

The rest of the night is a lot of fun as we use our tickets at the gaming tables. Turns out, I’m pretty good at blackjack. Who knew?

By the time the raffle winners are called and the evening comes to an end, we’re beat. We say goodbye to my parents and our friends, then stay to help with the cleanup. Jodi encourages us to head home as she and the other volunteers finish clearing the tables, so we hug her goodbye and leave.

The air is cool against my cheeks as we walk hand in hand to Dex’s car.

“That was an awesome night,” I say.

“It was.” He squeezes my hand. “Thanks for being the best boyfriend and supporting me.”

“I told you I was boyfriend material,” I tease.

He wraps an arm around me. “Hey, that’s my line.”

“I came up with it first.”

Dex aims the key fob to open the doors, then pulls me in for an embrace. I can feel his steadying breath against my neck as he asks, “So how does our trope play out?”

I draw back. “Huh?”

“You know, our trope, like in your romance books?”

I smile. “We’re obviously best friends to lovers.”

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