The heavy silk of the tuxedo jacket felt tight and suffocating, restricting every breath Lorenzo made. Standing at the top of the grand stair case in his father’s marble foyer. Lorenzo looked over every inch of a perfect son; controlled, polished, and ready to inherit a company. But the man at the top of the staircase was a lie. He was a young, unorganized, and terrified of coming out, man.

He ran a gloved finger over his cuff-link, a small gift from Mercer on his last birthday. The small, private memory was a hard blade against the reality at hand. Hundreds of the company’s top buyers and advisers were already pouring into the large open room. The air was thick with perfume, champagne, and corporate ambition. Among the many people walking in Lorenzo saw him.

Mercer was in a crisp black suit and stood near the entrance table, his face was smacked with professional neutrality as he checked guests in. He looked painfully beautiful though avoiding Lorenzo’s gaze. He was here to assist William, not the man he loved but couldn’t have.

A hand clapped Lorenzo’s shoulder sharply, making him flinch. He didn’t need to turn around to know that it was his father.

“Straighten up son. The guests are waiting for the star of the show,” William’s voice was playful, a sign that he had been drinking since before the party started. “There are plenty of women here who want to have your kids,” He smirked and walked down the staircase.

Lorenzo sighed and rubbed his eyes before walking down the stairs. Voices and laughter stop as his shoes echoed against the blue marble floor. All the women in attendance, well younger women in attendance, gasp and squeal. He made his way down the stairs to stand by his father, who was nodding in approval.

“Well done son,” William gripped his shoulder.

Lorenzo nodded and looked away to Mercer. He was still standing there looking pretty without even knowing.

The tug on his shoulder brought Lorenzo out of his daze, as he was pulled by his father. The two of them make their way across the room to important sellers. Lorenzo shook hands with all of them, managing his fake smile and business demeanor.

“It is nice to finally meet you, young Mr. Mathew,” An older man said, shaking Lorenzo’s hand.

“You too..Sir,” Lorenzo tried to recall the man’s name but failed.

“Call me Leon, son. Leon Partridge,” The old man smiled, his eyes wrinkling at the corners.

“Well its nice to finally meet you Leon.”

“Lorenzo, this is our advisor from Europe,” William spoke up.

“Europe!” Lorenzo gasped. “Well thank you for coming all this way Leon. I hope you have a nice night.”

“You too sonny,” Leon chuckled and walked away.

Lorenzo and William make their way over to another group of people, this time a group of young women. Lorenzo tensed. Among them were a few familiar faces, like his cousin and her fiance but everyone else made his skin crawl.

“Good evening ladies,” Lorenzo stepped in front of them.

“Hey cuz,” Emily smiled and rubbed his shoulder. “Looking sharp tonight. I bed Mercer is absolutely drooling.”

“He um ah…” Lorenzo fixed his collar and took a shaky breath. “I wouldn’t know. We haven’t been talking for a few days.”

“Oh, honey. What happened?”

“Just an argument and some shit about this party,” He ran his hand through his hair.

“That’s too bad. I bet you are already having a hard time with all these guests and now Mercer isn’t here to cheer you up.”

Lorenzo nodded.