Page 33 of Egg Me On
“Just because I’m starting small doesn’t mean it doesn’t matter. State Senate in Kansas is my path to the US Congress. It’s all mapped out. And I won’t let Cassius ruin it.”
Aiden tilted his head. “I don’t get it. Why would having a queer brother ruin a political career?”
“Because it goes against the will of God!” Leo thundered. “My campaign is all about getting back to our roots. Family values.”
“You drove here from Kansas?” Aiden asked, looking baffled. “To yell at him? They have this newfangled technology. It’s called a phone.”
“This was a conversation that needed to happen in person. So he could see exactly what he’s done wrong.”
Aiden blinked. “You should be happy as hell that your brother found someone to care about him. Someone with real family values wouldn’t drive all the way from Kansas to come yell at their brother like some asshole.”
“What does it matter to you?” Leo was roaring now.
Aiden stepped closer, putting himself slightly between Leo and me. "I'm the one he’s been with. The one you're so worried about ruining your precious campaign."
I should say something. Anything. But words died in my throat as Leo's face flushed with anger.
"Do you have any idea what you're doing to this family?" Leo hissed at me. "To Mom and Dad? To the business? Thirty-fiveyears building a reputation in that community, and you might destroy it."
"He's not doing anything to anyone," Aiden's voice cut like glass. "Except living his life. Which, last time I checked, he has every right to do without getting permission from his asshole brother."
Leo's head whipped toward Aiden, finally giving him his full attention. "Again, this is a family matter."
"Family?" Aiden's laugh was without humor. "That's rich. Family supports each other. Family accepts each other. If you’re behaving like this, you’re not his family.”
"Don’t think this is love. It's a phase. Another rebellion. Like the motorcycles, like dropping out of business school. Always looking for ways to embarrass the family."
"Or maybe," Aiden continued, voice rising with conviction, "maybe it's not about you at all, but about Cash living authentically. Maybe it's about him finding happiness on his own terms instead of following some bullshit playbook written by people who care more about appearances than actual human connection."
I stared at Aiden, something fierce and protective swelling in my chest. He was magnificent in his anger—all righteous fury and articulate defense.
"And while we're at it," Aiden continued, warming to his subject, "let's talk about your erasure of bisexuality. Because Cash isn'tgay, he's bisexual. And your inability to recognize that is just another example of how you're trying to force him into neat little boxes that make sense for your narrow worldview."
Leo's face had gone from red to purple. "I don't need a lecture on sexuality from some—"
"Some what?" Aiden challenged, stepping closer. "Go ahead, say it. Show your true colors right here in front of your brother and his coworkers. I'm sure that'll play great for your campaign."
“Get out of my shop,” Silas’s deep voice rang out across the shop. I hadn’t even heard him come in, but he was flanked on both sides by Marcus and other members of the crew. They looked tough and dangerous, but they had nothing on the fierce little Aiden.
“This is private property, and you are not welcome here,” Marcus added. “Bigotry is not welcome here.”
Leo's mouth snapped shut, jaw working as he visibly struggled for control. His eyes darted around the shop, where I now noticed Dylan and Liv watching with undisguised interest from their workstations.
"This isn't over," Leo said finally, jabbing a finger toward me. "We'll discuss this privately. Without your... friends... present."
"No," I found my voice at last, the single syllable feeling like liberation. "We won't."
Leo stared at me for a long moment, as if seeing me for the first time. Then, without another word, he turned on his heel and stalked out of the shop, the door slamming behind him.
The silence that followed was broken by a low whistle from Dylan.
"Holy shit," he said. "Aiden’s got teeth. Remind me not to cross him!"
Aiden was still vibrating with tension beside me, his chest rising and falling rapidly. I reached for his hand, threading our fingers together without hesitation.
"You okay?" he asked, squeezing my hand, his anger immediately giving way to concern.
I nodded, then looked down at him, smoothing a hand over his cheek.