Page 183 of Pretty ’n Peak

Austin’s nerves were finally starting to dissipate. He got the sense that Teo’s rabid younger sister was just eager to learn all about him, rather than find flaws. The rest was just good-natured sibling teasing.

“We’ve gone out dancing a few times. He’s much better than me.”

“Sofia has a friend in Portland who gives lessons. You should ask her.”

“Sofia, your other sister?”

“Yes. Her friend has a dance studio.”

It was a relief when Teo settled down beside him. Even if everyone was friendly, it was still overwhelming. Austin carefully set his duffle between his feet and folded his cane to accept the plate.

It was good to have something to do with his hands, because he wasn’t sure how much PDA was acceptable.

“Sorry to leave you to the wolves,” Teo said, voice pitched loud enough for Maria José to easily hear.

“I was just getting to know him.”

“Let the man eat, cariña.” That had to be Leo, Maria José’s husband.

Austin found the sides of a taco, and quickly stuffed a bite in his mouth. If he was chewing, perhaps he wouldn’t have to answer.

Then he remembered something. “Oh! Who’s having a baby?” That would surely divert the conversation.

“That would be me. I’m Mariana. The child we call my husband is Andrés. This is our second.”

“The older one plays piano, right? How’s she feeling about being a big sister?”

That launched a whole discussion about siblings and piano lessons and the baby, and Austin was grateful to lean back into the couch.

Teo leaned in beside him to whisper. “We don’t have to stay too long.”

“Thank you.” He hadn’t even been the one coming out. He could only imagine what Teo had been going through. He felt triumphant sitting there beside him, but he still wanted to take his pretty peach upstairs and take away all of his worries.

“My mother talked to me in the kitchen. She says that you’re welcome as part of the family. My father isn’t quite sure what to do about you, but he’s not being rude. And Ian’s wife didn’t look too pleased, but Ian is talking to her in the other room.”

“How are you feeling?”

“Relieved. This was… a lot better than I imagined.” He could hear Teo’s happiness in his voice.

Maria José’s voice interrupted again. “Mateo, let me see your ears.”

Austin put a hand on Teo’s knee, trying to put all of the support he had into that grip. Being gay was one thing, but being feminine was another, and he didn’t know what Teo had disclosed yet.

“You have two!” Maria José exclaimed. “Everyone will know you’re gay.”

“That’s generally the idea.” Teo replied, his tone light.

“Are you a drag queen?” Of course that would be her only point of reference.

“No.” Mateo’s hand closed over Austin’s. “This is just me. Every day. It’s not a performance. I… dress more femininely sometimes.”

There was a slow, quiet beat, then Maria José asked, “Does that mean you’re going to borrow all my clothes?”

Teo laughed, and the sound made Austin’s chest melt. If Teo was laughing, that meant everything was really alright. “They wouldn’t fit me, hermanita. I’ll just borrow your purses. And your earrings.”

Maria José gasped dramatically. “Then what do I get to borrow?”

“My makeup is better than yours.”