Sometimes it feels like Arthur’s already living the life I always thought we’d share together.
But I know those what-ifs aren’t real. What’s real are the memories I’m going to make in California. With Mario.
“D, I got something to tell you.”
“I know you’re gay.”
“I want you to hear this from me first this time. I think I might leave with Mario on Monday.” Dylan stops rummaging through the cabinet. “What?!”
“The road trip would save me a lot of money.”
“You have never once shown interest in a road trip.”
“I’m trying to change my life.”
Dylan shakes his head. “You can’t. There’s a barbecue at Samantha’s house next weekend and I need you there.”
“Because of . . . ?” I point at Patrick, who is messing with the hands of a clock. “You’ll be fine.”
“No, screw him. You have to be there. You can move after I’m gone, but I’m here.”
I close the cabinet. “Dylan, don’t you want me to have what you have?”
“Yes! But I also want you to . . .” Dylan takes a deep breath, then another, and starts counting down in cappuccinos. “Eight cappuccinos, seven cappuccinos—you can’t go. Trust me, Ben Hugo Alejo. I need you here. I will get you the money to fly to Los Angeles after next weekend. But you can’t leave me yet.”
I’m getting nervous. He’s not making any jokes about how he needs me around to make sweet love. And his breathing keeps increasing. “What’s going on?”
“Just don’t go.”
“Tell me why I should hang around this city that’s haunting me!”
“Because Samantha and I are having a surprise wedding next weekend because we’re also pregnant—surprise! She’s pregnant, I’m not pregnant, but you get it. And she’s asked me not to talk about the pregnancy to anyone, not even you, because we’ve been trying to figure everything out. Her family has been all over us, but now you know, and I need my best man around for the wedding! And it would be wonderful if the best man didn’t move to Los Angeles, since we’re moving back to New York so our families can help us—including you, the baby’s godfather!”
It’s quiet except for the sounds of Dylan breathing and zombies banging outside the door.
Over the speaker, Liam says, “Do you need a clue?”
Patrick shyly raises his hand. “Yes, please.”
Dylan snaps around, talking over Liam. “Why aren’t you invested in this bomb I dropped?”
Patrick cringes. “Samantha told me already . . .”
“WHAT?” Dylan’s head might explode. “But I wasn’t allowed to tell . . . Ben, you better show up to my wedding and object!”
“I’m not going to do that.”
“Fine, I’ll stand her up.”
“She was scared,” Patrick says. “I’ve known her forever and—”
“I’ve known Ben longer than forever,” Dylan says.
“Is Samantha okay?” I ask.
“She’s fine, baby is great, all that.”
“Wait.” I grab him by the shoulders. “You’re going to be a dad.”
Dylan tears up and I do, too.
My best friend is going to be a dad—and a husband!
Patrick solves a puzzle and a blast of steam sprays from the wall. “I opened a vent,” he says, crawling into it and vanishing.
“You’re not going to be here,” Dylan says. “I always thought you would be here.”
“Look, I won’t go with Mario this week; don’t worry. I’m here. I just wish I could’ve supported you this entire time.”
“Ben Alejo, I love you. I’d never do this without you. I mean, I had to do it without you, but I couldn’t do it without you.” Dylan grabs my hand. “You have been there during all the major steps. I had you try on a suit so I could get it tailored. The café tasting was for the reception. The open mic night was so we could see the band perform live. Flower arrangements were for the wedding. And this”—he gestures at the escape room—“is my bachelor party!”
His mind is so extra.
“Oh my God, there’s going to be two of you.”
Dylan smiles like that devil emoji.
“I’m sorry I canceled on you so many times. Between the obstetrician appointments and how drained we’ve been from fighting with her family and figuring out the move back home, it’s been a lot. Mom and Pops have been frustrating, too. I hated not being able to talk to you about it, but I thought we weren’t telling anyone until . . .” Dylan looks around. “Where’s Patrick? Did the zombies get him?”