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I understood the significance of that moment Behind him was his safe, predictable old life Whatever was up ahead was unfa to hih with it

Then he took a step forward, crossing that iinary line as he exhaled slowly

We arrived at the Victorian about aTheo sae went inside wason the coat rack beside the door A big bag of toys was sitting with it I’d be visiting the kids at the hospital that afternoon, before an

Theo looked like he was about to coet any words out, Lark shrieked and ran at us He was dressed in fluffy, tan footie paja, stuffed reindeer antlers on the hood

When he grabbed Theo in a hug, id for a lad you’re here, Theo! I’ve been dying to meet you If Casey’s my brother, does that make you my brother-in-law? I don’t kno the fareat! You’re finally home!”

After a beat, Theo relaxed his posture and returned the hug, as best as he could with that big box of candy in one hand Once Lark finally let go of hiift and said, “You must be Lark, I’ve heard a lot about you These are for you and your housemates”

“Awesorabbed Theo’s hand and started to drag hi room “You have to meet the rest of the family”

Lark introduced Kel first, who’d had a bit of a makeover since the last time I’d seen him on Friday His hair was pure white and cut into an attractive style with long bangs, and he earing a little eyeliner and lip gloss I recognized Lark’s cropped, dark red sweater, which Kel had paired with black skinny jeans and red fuzzy slippers

When I told hihtened his posture and said, “I decided I’ve had enough of ether So what if , and who cares if he left me out and went to spend the holidays with his family in the Midwest? What does it ot a clothes hanger up his ass? I’ve had enough of lying around feeling sorry for myself”

“Good for you,” I said Then I turned to Eliot and did a double take He was in full drag as a stunning brunette with a pretty red negligee,robe, and kitten heel slippers He kissed the air near both my cheeks, then extended a hand to Theo and purred, “Char was that his transformation wasn’t just physical Eliot seemed happier and more confident than I’d ever seen him

“I wasn’t sure if you’d be at your family’s house in the East Bay,” I told him

My roo a fa, as Eliot, obviously They’re not ready for this much fabulousness But in the meantime, I decided Miss Kitty should come out and play”

“I never knew the na persona,” I told him

“That’s just what she’s called this week,” he replied with a grin “Next week, she ht be Glamazonia, queen of the Amazons We’ll just have to wait and see”

By that point, Lark had herded Theo over to JoJo and Yolanda, ere curled up on the couch together in flannel pajamas and fuzzy bathrobes JoJo shook Theo’s hand, and both she and Yolanda welcomed him with sincere smiles

“That’s almost everyone,” I said, “but where’s the rodent?”

Kel pointed to a tiny cat bed on the cluttered coffee table, where Winston was sitting and watching everything with his beady, black eyes Soreen sweatshirt with a picture of Santa on it That was actually a big improvement

When the doorbell rang, I called, “I’ll get it”

I threw open the door and greeted s They stuck some presents in my hands, and as Theo approached us shyly, I said, “Guys, pleaseI know you already et the official introduction”

There were greetings and handshakes all around, and then I guided everyone into the living roos took place The sideboard was loaded with home-baked muffins, scones, mini frittatas, and cinnamon rolls, and someone had set up the industrial coffee h for a church potluck