trueblue28
I loved it! Really great chapter! I loved Brett's haircut! I'm happy he is feeling more confident about himself. Can you do one where Brett, Chloe, and the gang go to a formal function...like someone's family reunion or something like that. And we see how people respond to Brett? Again, the story is great so far!
"Do I have to?" I groan as Chloe pulls me into another tailor.
"Yes, now stop acting like a child."
"But I don't want to go Chloe. Can't we just stay at home?"
"Brett, please. This is important to me." And there's that look. The look she gets when she's upset, like someone kicked a puppy.
I sigh and wrap my arms around her. "I know and you'd know that I'd support you one hundred percent but I really don't want to do this."
"And what about what I want? Does that not matter to you?"
I groan. "You know it does."
"Then just do this. For me. Please."
I sigh and let the tailor take my measurements. Remind me again why I had to fall in love with this damn redhead? Right now, we are looking for a suit for me to wear to some fancy family dinner thing. I know it's important to Chloe and I'm not saying I don't want to go because I'm an asshole. I don't want to go because I'm scared that I won't pass. I'm still pre T and it also scares the shit out of me that she and Aubrey's families are both quite wealthy, but I can't tell Chloe that.
I come out of the change rooms in a simple black suit, fumbling slightly with my tie. Chloe steps forward and straightens my tie before kissing my cheek softly. "You look so handsome."
"Thanks." I offer her a weak smile. My dysphoria is really kicking my ass today, mainly around my chest and I can't stop thinking that everyone can see it, bulging out of my shirt, but I still don't tell Chloe.
I watch Chloe from a distance. Seeing her fall into any conversation so easily, while I just sit here drinking my rum and coke. Keeping away from anyone who might try and start a conversation. That doesn't last long though, when Aubrey brings an older gentlemen over.
"Brett, this is my Uncle, he's the host tonight. Uncle Steve, this is my friend Brett. Chloe's partner." She smiles and I bite my lip, knowing I'll have to talk sooner or later and when I do, he'll know.
He offers me his hand to shake and I almost freeze. "It's a pleasure to meet you Brett."
Aubrey nudges me and looks pointedly at his hand, so I raise mine to shake his, trying to make it as firm as possible. "Pleasure to meet you too, Sir." I try speaking from my chest to make my voice a little deeper.
He smiles and releases my hand. "It's good to know Chloe has found such a strapping young man. That girl is like a daughter to me, so I feel obligated to threaten you. I'm not going to do that because I'm sure Aubrey gave you that talk long ago." He lets out a small chuckle.
"Yes, Sir. She certainly has." I try to fall easily into the conversation, but I can't lose focus, trying to keep my voice low.
"Please, call me Steve."
I smile slightly and nod. Luckily before the conversation can go any further Chloe is at my side, looping her arm through mine and giving a playful glare towards Steve. "No interrogating my boyfriend, Steve."
"Wouldn't dream of it Bug. Brett and I were just talking. I'm glad you finally dropped that horrible girl. Becky I think? Doesn't matter. You're happy now and that's all that matters." He smiles before walking away to join another conversation.
The minute he leaves Chloe turns to me, worry written all over her face. "Brett? You okay?"
"He thought I was horrible? He never met me." I say, trying to keep my voice low and my shaking to a minimum.
"Baby, you know Aubrey's family is from the South. He probably felt that way because I was with a female. Don't let it get to you, please."
I bite my lip and take a deep breath. "Okay."
"Good, because everyone here absolutely adores you."
"How? None of them have actually spoken to me."
"They think you're amazing regardless. In fact I quote my mother when I say, "He's a handsome one Chloe Anne Beale. You picked well." So, you're pretty safe."
"Okay. How much longer till we can go though?"
"Why are you in such a hurry? What's going on Brett?"
"It's nothing. Don't worry about it. Go enjoy your night. I'll get a cab."
She crosses her arms and glares at me. "What's going on?"
I'm about to respond when Steve comes back over, anger obvious in his eyes. "Chloe! Why didn't you tell me this is that girl?"
"Because he's not a girl." I flinch and feel Chloe's arm tighten around mine.
"Lay off Steve. Brett is a pleasant young man and Chloe is happy." I turn to see who the voice belongs to before I met with familiar bright blue eyes. It's now I've realised that I'm standing in front of my girlfriend's father and he's defending me.
"Bruce, how can you accept this?"
"Because I can see my daughter is happy. They aren't hurting anyone, leave them be."
Steve groans and walks away quickly before Mr. Beale turns to me and Chloe.
"I'm sorry that happened sweetheart, but you know everyone else here loves this young man."
"I know Daddy. Thank you."
I clear my throat and step forward. "Thank you, Sir, if there's anything I can do to repay you for this, don't hesitate to ask."
He nods. "There is something you can do for me actually." He says sternly before his expression turns soft. "Don't hurt my little girl."
I sigh in relief and wrap my arm around Chloe's waist. "Never, Sir." I smile.
"Good, mingle would you Brett. Everyone here really doesn't care, but after dinner I would like to have a talk with you."
I know what he wants to talk about, obviously. Chloe. I'm not too worried and his approval has relaxed me enough to actually join in conversations throughout the rest of the night.
