father had taught me one thing, it was that politicians would use you to get what they wanted without a second thought for how it affected you or your life. It wouldn’t be unheard of for a liberal campaign to hire me for the shock factor and then ditch me just as quickly once that wore off. If that happened, I would lose both my family and my only source of income.
The first big rally since Roman had come on board was scheduled for tomorrow, and I was dreading it even more than usual. People were more likely to bring their whole families to holiday weekend events, and knowing the kind of crap these kids were being taught at home made my heart hurt. I always wondered how many of them were doing the same thing I did growing up. Playing the game and pretending to be what their parents wanted. When the choice was either fake it, conversion therapy, or the streets, there wasn’t really a choice to make.
My text notification pinged, pulling me out of my melancholy thoughts. I checked the phone and saw I had a text from my best friend, Asher. We’d met our sophomore year at the bible college. Needless to say, I wasn’t the only closeted gay guy at that school. I’m still not sure how he knew I was, or how he got up the nerve to take the chance and come out to me, but he did. He knew not to say anything to me in a text message. I didn’t trust text or anything else in writing not to get leaked. His text read simply Call me when you can. Luckily, this was one of the times when Roman was sitting out on the patio, so I could call him without worrying about being overheard. I dialed his number, and he picked up right away.
“Hey babe,” he said. “How are things?”
“Same. Nothing new. I’m just sitting here watching my bodyguard read.”
“This is crazy, Trey.”
“I know, Ash. Tell me about it, but you would just have to read the letters. Each one is a hairs’ breadth away from calling me gay. The verses are all ones that mention homosexuality and the punishment being death. It’s crazy, and I just can’t figure out how anyone would know.”
“You’re sure there wasn’t a hook-up who recognized you or anything?”
“I mean, I can’t be positive, but the club was always pretty dark. I don’t think anyone ever did. I always added the neon colors to my hair and wore the glasses you gave me, so I honestly think it would be hard to pick me out.”
“I know I wouldn’t have recognized you, and it’s not like anyone was expecting to run into Malcolm Coben the third in a gay club in Charlotte, North Carolina. Speaking of clubs, you should come to the club with me tonight.”
“I should do what?” I asked, stunned. “This is the worst possible time for me to go to a club, Ash.”
“Not true. Because guess what tonight is at Gents?” He paused, waiting for me to guess, but I had no idea what he was getting at. “It’s masquerade night. So everyone will be wearing a mask. You can go, and no one will know it’s you.”
“The idea of a bunch of guys wanting to have sex while not knowing who their partner is a bit weird.”
“No one is saying you have to get laid, Trey. Just come have a couple drinks and dance.”
“And do what? Ask Roman to come with me?” This was insane. There was no way this would work.
“Doesn’t he sleep?”
“He does, he is human after all.”
“Well, with the way you talk about him, I wasn’t sure.” He laughed. “But seriously, just wait until he goes to sleep, the club won’t even be hopping till midnight anyway, you know that.”
“Let’s say I agree to go. Where am I supposed to get a mask?” Normally, if we were doing something like this, I would get ready at his studio apartment, but that wasn’t an option now.
“I still have your ID with the fake name from last time, and I’ll get you a mask. I’ll pick you up in front of the neighbors.”
I thought about it. This was a really bad idea. But there hadn’t been any more letters, and even Roman had admitted he didn’t know if I was in danger. Plus, with a mask on, the letter writer wouldn’t know it was me. If I got in Ash’s car