We snagged a table at the Saloon for Alex’s show, me, Bee, Fifi, Dolly, and Eloise. Presley showed up shortly after we arrived, and we’ve all been enjoying ourselves ever since.

Instead of the mild clapping and chuckles that normally accompany Alex and Leon’s comedy show, we’ve been tearing it up with cheers and laughter, and when Dolly laughs, she is loud.

Their energy ramps up the whole half-full room until it’s an exuberant celebration of humor.

“Hey. You made it. And you brought friends.” After the set ends, Alex stops next to me at the table.

“Hey! Yes, I did. Everyone, everyone?” I have to clap my hands to get their attention.

Queen Bee is giving Eloise red-carpet makeup tips, Dolly is interjecting her opinions, and Presley is arguing with Bee about lash extensions.

I introduce Alex to the queens and to my sister.

“Want to sit? We saved you a seat.”

“Yeah. Sure.”

He sits and immediately gets roped into an argument about the best place to eat in Oakland.

Conversation hums around me, mingled with periodic bursts of laughter. I sit back and enjoy, contributing occasionally, but mostly breathing in the moments. Delighting in the fact that I’m surrounded by people who are kind and open and accepting and full of joy just existing with each other. People I love.

Leon comes over at some point, and the merriment increases. Then Leon ends up in Fifi’s lap, and the volume goes up another notch. Time flies by. I blink and Eloise is hugging everyone goodbye.

“You’re leaving?”

“Yeah. It’s midnight and I’ve got to get back to Palo Alto. I’ll call you, okay?”

“My phone’s broken. I’ll call you once I get it fixed.”

And I’ll see you tomorrow anyway, I add in my head.

Later, we get Bee and Fifi off in a cab, and then Alex drives Dolly and me home. This time, I don’t fall asleep, and Alex doesn’t idle in front of the building. He shuts off his truck and walks Dolly and me up to our floor.

After Dolly disappears into her place, Alex stops with me outside my apartment.

I lean back against my door and face him. “Thanks for giving us a ride.”

His hands are in his pockets. “Thanks for coming to my show.”

“It was a lot of fun.”

“So—”

“I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I want him to come in, of course, but I don’t want to pressure him and I know how this ends. Plus, I have to check on Dolly.

But Alex isn’t moving.

I lift my brows at him.

“You’re not going inside? I was sort of waiting for you to go in so I could do that thing where I pine outside your door like a smitten fool.”