The final altar call at Patricia’s parents’ church wrapped with a standing ovation and another wave of salvations. Gabriel had preached fire, sweat soaking through his crisp white shirt, while Elias’s fingers flew over the keys in that tailored taupe Dior button-down tucked into black slim-fit pants that hugged his ass just right. The whole ministry team spilled out into the warm night air, buzzing and laughing, and headed to a late-night diner a few blocks away — the kind with vinyl booths and endless coffee refills.
Gabriel and Elias ended up across from each other in a big corner booth, Patricia sliding in right next to Gabriel like she belonged there. The table filled quickly with singers, musicians, and a few local pastors’ kids. Food came fast — burgers, fries, milkshakes — and the conversation flowed loud and easy until Patricia leaned in during a lull, voice sweet but pointed.
“So, Gabriel… that podcast clip from last week is blowing up online. You said you’re seeing someone but it’s ‘not serious yet.’ Must be nice to keep things private.” She took a slow sip of water, eyes flicking toward Elias for half a second. “Some of us were wondering who the mystery person is. You know… just curious.”
Elias’s fork paused mid-bite. He didn’t hide the annoyance tightening his jaw, but he stayed quiet, pushing his food around his plate. Gabriel kept that trademark charismatic smile, cool and confident, one hand resting casually on the table while his other foot nudged Elias’s under the booth — a gentle, steady press against his calf that said I’m right here, my love. I’ve got you.
“Like I said on the podcast,” Gabriel answered smoothly, voice warm and steady, “what the Lord is building is beautiful and private for now. No need to put it under lights until it’s ready.” He gave Elias another soft nudge under the table, thumb brushing the side of his boot in silent reassurance.
Patricia hummed, sipping her water again. “Mmm. Private is smart. Especially when you’re sharing a hotel room and all.” She smiled like it was nothing, but the implication landed heavy.
Elias’s eyes narrowed just slightly. He didn’t snap, but the annoyance was clear in the way he set his fork down a little too firmly. Before he could say anything, a tall shadow fell over the table.
Travis — one of the backup singers — slid into the empty seat beside Elias with an easy, lopsided grin. 6’6”, fit in that long-limbed cowboy way, farmer’s tan glowing under the diner lights, messy brown hair that looked like he’d run his hands through it after the service, and a thin mustache he was clearly still trying to grow in. His bright blue eyes stood out sharp against the tan, and that thick Texas drawl rolled out slow and warm.
“Hey, Elias… mind if I sit? Been wanting to tell you how killer those keys sounded tonight.”
Elias relaxed a fraction, glad for the distraction. “Not at all,” he said, voice polite but with that soft, stylish lilt. They swapped socials right there at the table — phones bumping, quick smiles. Travis leaned in a little, cautious but interested, his drawl dropping even lower.
“Man, I wrote this song a couple weeks back… real simple melody, but it’s missing something. You got that touch. Any chance you could help me figure it out? I got my guitar in the truck. Figured we could ride back to the church real quick while everybody’s still eating — just run through it once or twice.”
Elias’s eyes lit up. He glanced at Gabriel for half a second, then back to Travis. “Yeah… I’d love that. Sounds like a good way to end the night.”
Gabriel’s foot nudged Elias again under the table — firmer this time, a quiet reminder. His smile stayed charismatic, but his voice had that protective edge wrapped in charm. “You sure, Elias? We’ve still got a lot of folks here to connect with. The team’s just getting started.”
Elias met Gabriel’s eyes for a beat, that quiet loyalty flashing, but he was already sliding out of the booth. “I’ll catch up with everybody later. Travis and I won’t be long.” He pulled his key fob from his pocket and slid it across the table to Gabriel without looking at Patricia. “I’ll see you back at the room.”
Patricia took another slow sip of water, her smile never quite reaching her eyes. “Well… this just got interesting. Drama at the dinner table. Classic ministry trip.”
Travis stood, all 6’6” of him towering but gentle, giving Elias a careful, appreciative once-over — eyes lingering on the way the black herringbone trousers hugged his legs, the black leather Burberry trench draped over his shoulders. His drawl stayed light, flirtatious but cautious, like he knew boundaries existed. “Appreciate you, man. Your style’s always on point too… that trench looks killer on you. Ready when you are.”
Elias stood, the Louboutin melon spike boots clicking sharp on the tile. He gave Travis a small, confident smile — not pulling away, but not leaning in too far either. He loved Gabriel too much to stray, but the attention felt good after Patricia’s digs. “Lead the way. Let’s hear this song.”
They headed out together, Travis holding the door for Elias with that easy cowboy politeness, already talking melody ideas in his thick drawl. Gabriel watched them go, jaw tight for half a second, then turned back to Patricia with that unflappable charismatic grin, foot still resting against the empty space where Elias had been.
The night wasn’t over yet.
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