Page 22 of Noah

"So, what do you mean by sort of?"

"They were shocked. My dad actually said but you act like a boy. As if being masculine somehow negated my ability to be gay."

"And your mom?"

"She lamented about how I was letting the family down. I think she was mostly concerned about what her friends were going to think and say if and when they found out."

"How are they now?"

"They've accepted it. Now they're on about me finding a husband, buying a lovely home, and adopting children to carry on the family legacy."

"Sheesh."

"Yup. Welcome to my life."

"Not to change topics so rapidly, but you and I need to talk about fundraising. You're the only one of the volunteers with a business degree. I figure you're the best person to talk to."

I took a seat. "I'll help where I can. Like I said … you can use the pub."

"I'm going to take you up on that." Jamal flipped open a notebook. "Are you able to provide food at cost if people pay a set amount for their meal during a fundraising event?"

"I could definitely do that. Tickets should be at least $40 to make it work. Plus, a 50/50 raffle of course, and we'll be open to donations. I can have flyers done to display in the pub."

"I'll need to get a license for the raffle."

I rolled some other ideas through my mind. "I could donate the proceeds from the bar as well. That alone should bring in quite a bit of money."

"Even if we don't hit the $10,000, we should have enough to buy a few computers."

I leaned back in my seat. "Figure the license thing out then let me know a date. The best nights for me are Monday or Tuesday. I can reserve the entire upstairs for the event."

Jamal smiled at me. "I'm excited."

"Should be a good night."

"Anything else exciting happening in your life."

I couldn't contain a grin from lighting up my face. It was becoming a habit every time I thought of Brody. I was looking forward to Monday rolling around again.

Jamal leaned forward. "Oh … there is. Tell all."

"I met a guy."

"That's not unusual. You're always meeting guys."

"No, I really mean met. We've only been talking."

Jamal's eyebrows rose. "So, you're telling me, this guy is special."

"Oh, my God." I lifted my arms and placed my linked hands on top of my head. "So special. He has my gut all tied up in knots. I've never felt this way about a guy before."

"You've been dating?"

"No. He comes into the pub every night. He's been opening up to me more and more each night." I lowered my arms. "And he's gorgeous. His eyes make my insides melt."

"Wow. You're really smitten."

"It's crazy. I've never wanted to kiss someone more."

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