Page 94 of The Bro Date
“Thank you,” Toby murmurs, wrapping his arms around my ribs and giving me a hug. He takes a big breath of air, slowly releasing it.
“That’s it. Just relax, baby.” I rub his back softly, trying to comfort him without wrinkling his shirt.
Toby shakes the nerves out of his hands before rubbing small circles on his chest. “These heart palpitations sure aren’t helping me relax,” he chuckles dryly. “Especially knowing there are quite a few philharmonic scouts watching. Tonight could literally make or break my future as a professional violinist.”
“Tobes.I heard you practicing on the dock. You’ve got nothing to worry about. I don’t know anything about classical violin, but I do know I got goosebumps. You’re gonna kill it, butterfly.”
“But what if?—”
“No. No buts,” I say, cutting him off.
“No butts?” Toby mock-pouts, sticking out his bottom lip exaggeratedly. “I’m not sure how this relationship is gonna work then.”
“Only your butt,” I growl, grabbing a handful and pulling him closer to me.
He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, releasing it through his mouth. I can tell his nerves are really getting to him, so I grab his hands and sit us on the bed.
“I made something for you,” I murmur. “Thought it might help your nerves during stressful events.” I reach under Toby’s bed and pull out the little pouch I hid there while he was taking a shower. “It’s an anxiety toolkit.”
“An anxiety toolkit?” he parrots, looking confused yet intrigued as he holds the clear pouch up to examine the contents.
“Yeah. Just some stuff that I thought might help if you feel a panic attack or anxiety coming on.” Unzipping the small pouch,I pull out the items one by one. “You’ve got a cold pack that you can break and shake to activate, a couple different sour candies for a distraction, a stretchy fidget toy, some gum, and Tylenol in case you get a headache after.” I think I covered most of it, but he’ll have to add his own prescription. He takes a pill every morning, but I know he has another for panic attacks that he only takes in an emergency because it knocks him out.
“Shane . . .” Toby’s golden eyes shimmer with barely restrained emotions. “I’ve never been so seen or so heard by anyone in my entire life. I love you.”
“I love you too. Now, go break a leg.”
The entire crowd stands when the conductor bows, cheering and whistling like I’ve never even heard them do for our basketball team. The symphony was amazing, and Toby’s concerto closed it strongly. I amsofucking proud of him. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house during his emotional adagio movement, and as I look around the auditorium, many still have tears.
As soon as the door to backstage opens and Toby steps out, our friends rush over, surrounding him with hugs and compliments.
“You were incredible,” I say, congratulating him. “Had the whole audience mesmerized. I’m so fucking proud,” I murmur, handing over the fresh bouquet of sunflowers I picked out for him.
“Thank you.” He closes his eyes and smells the bouquet, humming at the scent. “I can’t believe it’s finally over, and if I could, I wouldn’t fix one thing.”
I chuckle at his candor. “Because you’re a professional, baby.” Kissing his forehead quickly, I step to the side and allow him to see who else is here to support him.
Toby’s sharp intake of breath lets me know he sees them, but other than that, he doesn’t move.
“Gran and Bo are here,” I murmur under my breath, and that seems to kick him into gear.
“Oh my God!I can’t believe you’re here!” Toby shouts, rushing over and giving his grandparents a big group hug.
“So sorry you couldn’t get a hold of us, dearie. We were on an Alaskan cruise, and wouldn’t ya guess it. No cell service! But this young man over here didn’t give up,” Gran says, smiling fondly at me. “We finally got in touch through email, and we landed late last night straight from Juneau. So if my hair looks a little rough, that’s why.” Gran pats her gray curls, chuckling warmly.
“Alaska?! You came all this way for me?” Toby asks them in astonishment.
“Of course. Wouldn’t miss it,” Gran says simply.
“Darn tootin’,” Bo adds, making me smile.
“And you arranged all this for me?” Toby asks, staring up at me with glistening eyes.
“It’s nothing. Really. They’re important to you. And you’re important to me.” I lean down and give him a peck on the lips, forgetting that we’re standing right in front of his grandparents, and no one’s pre-warned them yet.
“Ohhh. Is this new?” Gran asks with a sneaky little smile. “Seems we have a lot to catch up on since spring break, grandson.”
Toby blushes, chuckling awkwardly. “Yeah. It’s new.” He clears his throat into his fist a few times. “Um. Gran. Bo. I’m gay, and Shane’s my boyfriend.”
