In 2025, Isaac Bates needs to face the facts. He is attracted to his roommate, the stunning officer of the law, Jace Conrad. Rather than move out, as any sane man would do, Issac finds himself growing closer to his seemingly unrequited love as they navigate the heightened tensions that come with being LGBTQ.
Fast forward to 2045, Issac tries to recount to his niece the founding of a network of resistance that started out as a place of refuge. Though he tries to focus on the facts, he cannot untangle the story of him and Jace, as they were bound by circumstance and hope.
“This is madness,” Isaac says, sitting in the front seat of Jace’s car outside Georgie’s opulent house. “They are going to eat you alive, and not in a fun way.”
“Ew, can we not go there for the lesbians in the back?” Jace’s co-worker, Milly, calls from the back seat.
“Darling, you are there,” Isaac answers, signaling to the house.
Not for the first time this morning, Jace sighs. “It will be fine, Isaac.”
“What are the rules, Jace?” Isaac asks.
Curling his hands around the steering wheel, Jace recites wearily, “No mansplaining being queer to the queer people. No laughing too hard at the breeder jokes or it will only invite more. No more than one of Georgie’s potent mimosas. No mentioning that Georgie’s boyfriend, Simon, oversalts his mini quiches.” He pauses for a moment to look out of the windshield.
“And?” Isaac prompts.
Jace turns to Isaac, who keeps his eyes fixed on the ornate door of the house. “And no getting mad when they take jabs at you, or insinuate we are in a sexual relationship.”
Nodding, Isaac tightens his grip on the serving tray of muffins. “Let’s do this,” he says, though his trepidation doesn’t ebb as they head up the walk and Jace rings the bell.
Georgie swings open the door with such force it sends a small breeze through his salt and pepper hair. Towering over the group standing on his doorstep, he leans down to whisper, “Simon made a double batch of quiche, and is very proud of them.” His pointed look at Isaac prompts a quick nod.
“Thank God,” Isaac calls into the foyer. “I was worried we’d miss the quiche!”
Smiling, Georgie waves a hand for them to enter. He moves to help Milly out of her jacket as Isaac and Jace follow. Georgie’s expression softens as his rich, brown eyes dart between Jace and Isaac. “I can see now why Isaac has kept you hidden all these years,” he says.
Before Isaac can roll his eyes, Jace chimes in, “Yes, I am adorable, so Isaac keeps me on a pretty tight leash.” He leans in and adds with a wink, “Can’t say I mind it.”
Feeling his jaw drop open, Jace stares at his friend as Georgie bursts into laughter. “Oh, they’ll love you,” Georgie says, and turns to introduce himself to Milly.
Isaac leans over and hisses in Jace’s ear. “What are you doing? Remember the rules you recited two seconds ago?”
Jace simply shrugs. “You said not to get angry about our assumed sex life. You didn’t say anything about going along with the idea.”
