Page 93 of Alpha & Omega

When we reached the door to let us out, I took a deep and nervous breath. The crew said they had everything ready, so I hoped that it all worked out.

We walked around the corner toward the main street, and Kingston suddenly stopped. “What’s going on? Is there an event or something? They closed off the road?”

I grinned at him and wrapped my arm around the crook of his elbow, kissing him on his cheek. “I know. We have a permit for it. This is all for you, baby. Your family and I all banged our heads together and came up with a fundraiser to help Alpha and his Rejects keep their bar and help with medical expenses. It took some time to get donors and contributors. I… hope this is okay.”

He stared at me with wide blue eyes. “W-what? You… did this for me?”

“We all did. Come on. I’ll show you.”

The street was already getting crowded with families and queer folk. We made it Pride-themed, though we’d missed Pride month, covering the place in rainbows. There was a bouncy house for the kids, and we had three bands playing for free throughout the day. Kingston’s family offered skateboarding lessons for cash, and my restaurant provided all the food. We also obtained a liquor license so Pippin could serve a fancy punch, and there was beer and wine, too. Jazz and Blondie had a table by the bar where they offered face painting and fake tattoos for the kiddos.

But our two businesses weren’t the only ones involved. Other businesses in the area helped out, and some donated to the cause. Two LGBTQ+ organizations also raised some money.

“What do you think, Skaterboy?”

“I-I think I’m going to cry again. I… don’t know what to say.”

I wrapped an arm around his shoulders, and he held me back, resting his head on my shoulder. “You’re loved, baby. You’ve done a lot of good for the community, so they’re giving back and taking care of you this time.”

He buried his head deeper into my shoulder for a moment to gather himself, and then he stood tall and looked at me. “I love you, too. I’m not sure what I would’ve done without you.”

“Youwould’ve been fine. You have a wonderful and supportive family, and you’re strong.”

“I think my recovery would’ve been a lot slower without you.”

Who could say, but I truly believed he would’ve been fine without me.

“Come on. Let’s get some lunch and a drink. When’s the last time you’ve enjoyed an alcoholic beverage?”

“God, I can’t even remember now. A month? Longer?”

“Let’s try one of Pippin’s fancy punches.”

“Sounds great.”

We grabbed a punch and some food, and I sat Kingston down at one of the tables so he could stay off his leg. As we ate, Tony came up to us and hugged Kingston.

“How are you doing, little brother?” he said, winking.

Kingston laughed. “For the first time since my accident, I’m actually doing really good. How are you doing?”

“I’m the same. Justin has a hearing coming up, and I’m going to testify against him. Apparently, some others have come forward, so we’re certain he’ll get some jail time. I’m not afraid anymore.”

“God, Tony… I’m so proud of you.”

“You make me strong… or want to be, King.”

Tony kissed his head and ran off to help with the event.

Soon after, I watched Hudson and Oliver make their way toward us, holding hands. This would be the first time Kingston would meet my son’s best friend and now boyfriend.

Oliver was a good-looking kid with thick braids through his black hair and had a splash of freckles over his dusky skin. He was just a couple of inches shorter than Hudson, but my son was tall for his age. They were cute together, and I was so happy for Hudson that he finally dared to approach his feelings with Oliver.

“King, this is the infamous Oliver,” I said.

Hudson rolled his eyes, smiling as a rosy blush crossed his pale skin all the way up to his ears. “Dad!”

Oliver laughed, unfazed, as he shook Kingston’s hand. “Nice to meet you, sir.”

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