Page 125 of Call Me Sir

“Sometimes we have to fight ourselves, our own fear to accept who we are.”

Sal reaches for my hand and holds it firmly but our attention remains on the speaker.

“There are many people struggling to make who they are normal. It shouldn’t be that way, yet here we are to rally each other, to remind each other that there’s nothing wrong with us, despite how others have treated us. We are amazing, we are power, we are love.”

Everyone is cheering and Sal yanks our hands into the air together, which makes others do the same and soon there are people photographing us. It’s a glorious moment.

Once the cheers die down and the photos stop, Hannah starts speaking again.

“Now, I want to add that there is a ton of art to purchase tonight, which most of the proceeds will go to The Trevor Project, and the Religious Trauma Recovery Foundation, as well as the disabled artists who have contributed to fund their medical expenses.” She gestures to the walls where there’s more art. I hadn’t even seen those. “My time up here is over and I’m going to pass it on to the most wonderful person I have ever met.. They are non-binary BIPOC.”

The next few speeches given bring tears and sniffles to the audiences. One trans man in a wheelchair gives a speech and explains his struggles and their gratitude for life. I glance over to see Sal wiping his eyes and it almost makes me start crying! I decide to find a piece of his work as soon as the speeches are over.

At the very end, Sal’s dad is speaking. I tune out most of what he says, as it feels like a bit of solidarity for him.

Sal remains still as can be, he doesn’t even flinch. I consider downing another campaign as there’s two bubbling right in front of me.

“I love my son, but it took me a while to stop being a bigot. When I started to catch feelings for my now partner, Jeff, I hated myself.” His words reach me, and I swear the room is collectively holding their breath. “How could I cut off my own son for nearly a decade, and have an experience where I’m falling for the man I’m working with?”

Now Sal twitches. I’m too nervous to examine his face to see how he’s taking it.

“It eats me away every day. Even so, he was kind and loving enough to speak to me again. Isn’t that true, unselfish love?”

The room booms in loud cheers and clapping of approval.

“I’m not here to give a riveting speech, only to say that with time and hard work, I hope to help change the future alongside all you lovely folks. Gone are the days of old. We need men and women of all backgrounds to lead the future, to run the show. And as Hannah mentioned, we need love. It’s what nourishes us. That’s why, Mr. Maverick and myself are retiring and hoping that Hannah Maverick alongside some of her peers will take over running the gala.”

The room is quiet for a long moment.

A spotlight lands on Hannah. She doesn’t look shocked, but proud.

Loud whoops of approval sound the approval and she smiles widely.

“Thank you all!” She says, breaking her pose.

The rest is a blur as tables are moved away, and the dance floor bursts to more parts of the large room.

Loud music pulsates through the room. Thankfully, Sal hangs on to me and I cling to him for dear life.

“Are you okay?” He whispers in my ear.

I nod, though I’m not sure that’s true.

Art. My head clears for a moment and I tear from Sal’s embrace to walk along the circle and search for the artist’s work. I try to recall his name. Was it Ben? Bentely?

Then I see one and instantly recall his name. Bennett.

Someone slams into the back of me but their strong grip pulls me back. Warmth embraces me and I look up as Sal towers over me from behind.

“I’d ask what the hurry is, but now I understand.”

“Yeah,” I say in a dopey voice.

My heart drops when I see the price. Four thousand dollars. It’s worth every dollar, but I don’t happen to have that kind of money that isn’t stashed away for other purposes.

“Can I buy it for you?” Sal asks so casually.

No way, I want to say.

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