The Gays Who Don't Like Musicals (At Least One Of Them Doesn't)

14

Paul gulps as he and Emma draw closer to the house. He has never been to it before and hasn't seen the occupants for 9 or so years. Emma squeezes his hand as he pulls up to the entrance. She knows how much this means to Paul. He rings the doorbell and waits. A crackle comes from it.
"Gary Goldestein attorney in law. How can I help you today?"
Paul clears his throat and explains.
"I'm Paul, your stepbrother I guess. I'm here to see Grace and Imogen."
He doesn't get an answer but the door buzzes open. It's a large house. He can hear what sounds like a violin from another room. Gary suddenly comes out of said room. He shakes Paul's hand.
"Hi Paul. Who's this?"
"My girlfriend, Emma."
Gary nods.
"Nice to meet you Emma. My husband will be around shortly but he is very busy. Imogen is through here but I should tell you. Grace doesn't go by that name anymore. He goes by Jacob and he/him."
Gary stops, clearly wondering if Paul is transphobic.
"Got it thanks for the heads up Gary."
Gary leads them through the hallway into the kitchen. He leaves for a moment and Imogen enters the kitchen, violin in hand. Her hair is much longer than it was and she looks a lot like her, Jacob and Paul's mom. She quickly sets it down and runs to Paul who hugs her tight. She offers them a drink. Emma declines but Paul asks for water. As she is pouring, Jacob comes in. He has cut his hair way shorter and is wearing a Clivesdale University shirt. He straightens his glasses and also give Paul a hug, gentler this time. He seems to be home for the holidays. Paul awkwardly asks both his siblings a question.
"So what are you guys up to? You must be 18 and 22?"
Imogen nods at the ages, setting the drink down.
"Yeah. I'm in my final year at Hatchetfield High and Jac- oh sorry I mean Grace" she winces as the name.
"Don't worry. I know and accept Jacob. Always wanted a little bro when I was younger."
Jacob smiles and continues.
"I'm in my final year at Clivesdale University. I'm taking computer science."
Paul nods. A long haired man in a trench coat comes running in.
"Hey Miah."
"Hey."
He grabs a poptart and turns to leave when he sees Paul and Emma.
"Oh hey. Paul I presume. And your friend?"
"Girlfriend actually." Emma butts in, slight jealousy in her voice. Jeremiah picks up on it.
"Don't worry. I'm Gary's husband, Paul's step-brother in law? I'd love to chat but I'm kinda in a hurry. Bye Im. Bye Jay. Goodbye Paul and Emma. It was nice to meet you."
He rushes out of the room, kissing Gary on the cheek as he does. The door slams shut. Gary comes back into the kitchen.
"So. What's up with you?"
"nothing much. I was by myself for a while but now I have Emma for company. We're moving in together this weekend. She's actually pregnant"
Gary smiles as Emma nods, awkwardly.
"Congrats stepbro."
Paul smiles. The family isn't quite what you would expect but it is a family nevertheless.