Page 237 of The Hopelessly Bromantic Duet

As Sebastian gives his acceptance speech, I squeeze TJ’s hand tighter.

Later that night, in our hotel room, I sit him down on the edge of the bed and read the speech I had written.

“I’d like to thank the Academy,” I say, then I roll through the details of the film, locking eyes with TJ for the final lines. “Most of all, I want to thank the love of my life. He once told me I was his reason. He’s mine too. He believed in me from the very start, and that has made all the difference. I love you, TJ Hardman.”

He answers by ripping my shirt off me.

Some dreams do come true.

***

TJ

Sebastian Lowe is a cool dude, smart and curious. Kind and engaging.

But also a little frustrated with himself.

“I feel like I’m so late to the game,” he quietly says where we sit in the back corner of a coffee shop, off the beaten path. “I mean, I only recently figured out my sexuality.”

He sounds like he’s this close to beating himself up. “There’s no timetable for this,” I say. People figure out their stuff at different times.”

“Just be glad you did,” Jude says.

The handsome Oscar winner sighs thoughtfully. “Thanks. It’s a lot to think about. But I think I’m ready,” Sebastian says. “It feels like it’s finally time.”

“Good. That’s very good,” Jude says.

We finish our chat and clean up our cups. “Good luck, man. We’re here for anything,” I tell him as we leave the coffee shop.

“Thanks. I appreciate it. You guys are...” He smiles softly, a touch of hope on his face. “Goals.”

I like that. I’m glad we can be goals just by being who we are.

Jude and I leave, then head to our lunch with Robert. “Listen, I need you to behave yourself when you see the rice, okay?” I tell him as we walk to my favorite sushi joint.

“I have excellent self-control,” he says, with a haughty raise of his chin.

“Not when it comes to rice,” I point out.

“Then just get sashimi, for the love of all things holy. Stop tempting me with your carbs and your perfect body that consumes carbs,” he says, practically begging.

“But I love rolls, baby, and you love my carb-loving body,” I say.

“I do love your unfairly perfect body that enjoys bagels and bread and pizza. But just do it for me. Get the sashimi,” he pleads.

“I made Liam British and now I have to get sashimi too?”

Jude stops, plants his hands on my shoulders. “I have to tell you something.”

I arch a brow, curious but not worried. “What is it?”

“You say you made Liam British like that was somebig change,” he says, fiddling with my collar. “But sweetheart, Liam was always supposed to be British.”

“Fine. I’ll order sashimi,” I grumble.

Then he plays with my hair. “But thank you for doing that with Liam. I’m so bloody excited to be working onyourmovie.”

Webflix has two speeds—zero and one hundred.

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