Jayce Matthews had spent the day at the Southern Baptist Church, helping his father with preparations for the upcoming community event. The church had been bustling with activity, the air thick with the scent of fresh paint and polished wood. Despite his growing disillusionment with the church's stance on love and acceptance, he couldn't deny the comfort of the familiar routine. However, as the day wore on, his thoughts frequently drifted to his secret lover. Now, back in the guest house in his parents’ backyard, Jayce was a bundle of nerves and excitement. He stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the collar of his white dress shirt, trying to calm the fluttering in his chest. His thoughts were interrupted by the distant rumble of their lowrider pulling up outside, the distinctive sound making his heart skip a beat. Quickly, Jayce glanced towards the main house. The lights were still on, indicating his parents were likely still awake. He moved swiftly, closing the curtains and lowering the volume on his phone, where soft R&B had been playing to calm his nerves. He didn’t want to risk his parents overhearing anything that might arouse suspicion. With one last look in the mirror, Jayce grabbed his jacket and slipped outside, making sure to quietly close the door behind him. The cool night air was a welcome change from the warmth of the guest house, and he breathed deeply, trying to steady himself. His lover was waiting by the car, their figure illuminated by the streetlight. Jayce's heart raced as he approached, his eyes darting around to make sure no one was watching. When he reached the car, he offered a shy smile. “Hey,” he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. “Sorry if I kept you waiting. I had to make sure no one saw me.”