Page 47 of The Hookup
Kit threw his arms around me and whispered, “I can’t thank you enough for this.”
“I’m happy to help.”
When he let go of me and stepped back, there were tears in his eyes. He quickly dabbed them away and smiled at me. Then he tossed the backpack under his worktable and dropped the makeshift curtain.
“You don’t have to hide that anymore,” I said.
“Force of habit. Besides, what if someone from our program happened to drop by? It’d be a bummer to get caught on my last day of super-secret studio squatting.” I grinned at the name, and he said, “Okay, enough about my crap. I want to hear about your week off with your sexy cowboy. How was it?”
“So great.” I told him about Ryder and the ranch and all the animals, and then I said, “But now I need to get to work on my collection, because I’m totally behind. I guess I need to go with those Japanese-modern designs I sketched at the start of the school year.”
“The sketches you showed me were pretty, and since you’re half-Japanese, it’s cool that you’re tapping into your heritage.”
“I just wish I was more excited about it. But I haven’t had any other ideas, so I guess it’s better than nothing. I also wish it was more creative and original, because that’s what brings in the best job offers.”
“I decided not to worry about trying to land a job with my collection,” Kit said. “I fell in love with this field by working freelance and designing costumes for drag queens, and that’s how I want to make a living. So, this final collection is going tobe big, bold, and totally over the top, because that’s what makes me happy.”
“I admire you for following your heart.”
“It might be a huge mistake. We both know the year-end fashion show is heavily scouted, and a few years from now, maybe I’ll regret missing my chance at a good job. But it feels wrong to do anything but this.”
He gestured at a very elaborate red gown on one of his dress forms, and I said, “Your collection is going to be spectacular.”
“I hope so. It’ll be fun for sure. My models are all local drag queens, and I know they’re going to bring the sparkle.”
“That’s so cool! Do you do drag?”
“No way. The idea of performing terrifies me.”
We chatted for a few more minutes, and then he said, “They’re about to start serving breakfast in the cafeteria. Want to come with me and get something to eat?” When I declined, he told me he’d be back soon and hurried out the door.
After I checked the time to make sure I wouldn’t be waking them up, I texted my landladies. I told them about Kit’s situation and asked if he could stay in my room with me until he got on his feet, and they readily agreed. I knew they would. They were incredibly kind people who’d never turn down someone in need.
Then a thought occurred to me. I video-called Ryder and got right to the point by asking, “Are you the jealous type? Because I just invited a cute gay guy to move into my room with me.”
“I assume you’re talking about Kit. Does that mean he really was living in the studio?”
“Yeah, since the school year started in September. I had no idea.”
“That poor guy. I’m glad you’re helping him out.”
“So, you’re okay with this?”
“Of course. I trust you completely, Hal.”
That was huge. We’d both been left with trust issues after our last relationships ended, so I knew he didn’t say it lightly.
“Just so you know, I trust you, too.”
Hearing that was a big deal to him, just like it had been for me. I saw it in his eyes when he smiled and said, “Thanks for saying that.”
After class, I helped Kit pack a few of his things. He had to move his stuff out gradually, so it didn’t attract attention and tip off anyone that he’d been living there. We rode the bus across town, and when he saw the pink Victorian, he whispered, “It’s so beautiful.”
JoJo greeted us in the foyer, and after I introduced her to Kit she told me, “I talked to Embry. He officially moved out, so Kit can have his room.”
I blurted, “Oh wow, really?”
She nodded. “I knew he and Bryson were going to hit it off, and that they’d want to stay together. He came by after I called him, and I helped him pack up his stuff. Since the room is fully furnished, you should be all set, Kit.”
