“Thank you so much for all of your help on that.”
My heart is overflowing with all of the love and support I’m receiving from my friends and family on this project. As much as I enjoy my job at the school library, I haven’t felt fulfilled; I haven’t had a purpose. CreatingInclusive Heartshas breathed new life into me, and I couldn’t be happier to contribute to such an important cause.
In addition to our friends, Stephen and Chance’s teams both showed up with their loved ones. I told Alexander that he didn’t have to come being that he’s still recovering from his injury less than two weeks ago, but he insisted on bringing Giuliana. Aarya said he’s going stir-crazy at home, especially since he hasn’t been cleared to play yet, so at least this gets him out of the house.
“You need to check on your man.” Celeste points to Stephen, who has appointed himself in charge of the hot chocolate station, but is drinking it instead. “I swear, that’s the only reason he suggested a hot chocolate station—so he could have a vat of it to himself.”
I laugh as I make my way over to him. “How many cups have you had, baby?”
His shoulders jump as he spins around. “What? Only one. Why, what have you heard?”
I arch a brow as I reach out and swipe my thumb over his top lip. “You have a chocolate milk mustache that says otherwise.”
“I’m just tasting it to ensure quality. You don’t want everyone to go home later and talk about how bad the hot chocolate was.”
My head tilts back as I let out a loud laugh. “Yes, becausethat’swhat will have the town talking—not the group of queer people poisoning the minds of young children.”
Stephen wraps his arms around me and presses a kiss to my forehead. “Ignore Molly and her signs. You’re doing a beautiful thing with this organization, and I’m so proud of you, pretty girl.”
Warmth seeps into my chest. “Thanks, baby. I love you.”
“Not as much as I love you.”
I pull back and point my index finger in his face. “Now leave the hot chocolate for the rest of the guests.”
He feigns innocence, splaying his fingers on his chest. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
My gaze roams around the baseball field at the local park. Kids of various ages and adults are squealing with laughter as they play kickball; everyone is interacting and having a great time.
And to think, this might not have happened without Miserable Molly. Her reaction to my polyamorous relationshipsparked this fire inside of me to try to make a change in our community.
Throughout all of the bad, there is always something good that stems from it. You just have to look for it.
I scan the crowd for Cassidy, and make a beeline for her. “Hey, can you help me with something?”
“Of course.” She salutes me. “What do you need?”
“I want to take some hot chocolate over to Molly and the other moms.”
Her eyeballs nearly pop out of her head. “You...what? Why?”
I hike a shoulder. “It’s cold out, and they could use a little warmth in their frigid-ass hearts.”
She grimaces. “I don’t think this is a good idea.”
“I’m not going to start trouble.” I make an X over my heart with my index finger. “Promise.”
Her shoulders slump. “Fine. Let’s use the cart.”
Cassidy and I load up eight cups of hot chocolate onto the cart, and roll it across the street.
Molly steps out in front of the group, handing her sign off to one of her friends before facing me.
“Hi, ladies.” I plaster on a smile. “I wanted to offer you some hot chocolate to keep you warm while you’re out here.”
Molly glares at me. “We don’t want any of your hot chocolate. What we want is for you and your friends to get out of here, and stop trying to turn our children gay.”
“I can promise you that nobody is trying to turn children gay. That’s the main reason I put together this organization, to educate people who have misconceptions about the queer community.”