Anna smiles, easing the discomfort in my chest. “I get it. Everything will be okay.”
I can’t help myself so I kiss the top of her head, careful not to mess a strand out of place. “Yeah, it will. I’m happy you came.”
“Thanks for invit?—”
“Oh, hi, Anna dear.” Mom cuts her off mid-sentence, snaking her arms around her, catching us off guard. “Just look at you.” She keeps her hands on her shoulders and sweeps her gaze over Anna’s dress, hair, and makeup. “You look beautiful.” She flashes her a prim smile.
“Thank you, and thank you for having me here.” She returns a friendly smile of her own.
Mom waves a dismissive hand. “No, don’t thank me. You’re Sylas’s girlfriend. We’re so glad you’re here.”
I hear the tightness in her voice, but it’s gone before it settles in the space between us. I don’t doubt Anna heard it too, but she’s good about keeping her smile pasted on her face.
Surprisingly, my parents haven’t asked about Anna or made comments about our relationship. I thought by now they would have. It’s hard to believe they’re one hundred percent okay with it, considering just a few weeks ago, Mom was desperately trying to make Florence and me happen.
“Sy, sweetheart.” Mom directs her attention to me. “Can I speak to you for a moment?”
“I don’t want to leave?—”
“Don’t worry. I won’t take you away from her for long.” Now she looks at Anna, lips stretched impossibly wide. “Anna will be okay alone for a few minutes. Isn’t that right, dear?”
“Uh…” She wavers before she nods. “Yeah, I’ll be okay.”
I cock a brow, grabbing her hand. Mom tracks the movement, the faintest crease forming between her smooth skin.
Disregarding that, I look at Anna. “Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.” She stands on her tiptoes and places a chaste kiss on my cheek, then rubs the spot to clean the lipstick she probably left behind. “Take your time. I’ll be here.” She squeezes then lets go of my hand.
Mom stands there, watching us keenly, but still I hesitate. “I won’t take long.”
“I promise I’ll make it quick.” She ushers me away, but I look over my shoulder at Anna. She gives me a thumbs-up before she disappears from view.
We step into the office where I expect to find Dad, but it’s just us.
“Are you sure this is what you want?” she candidly asks.
I breathe in, willing for all the patience in the world. I know what she’s asking, but I need to hear her say it.“Sure about what?”
“You and Anna. Sy, she’s a beautiful girl, smart too, but she’s not Florence.”
“And thank God for that. If I wanted Florence, I’d be with Florence, but there is nothing there. I want and like Anna. Please…” I pinch the bridge of my nose, exhaling sharply. “Accept it, but even if you don’t, it isn’t going to change anything. Anna is my girlfriend and it’s going to stay that way.”
“I just wanted to make sure. If she’s who you want to be with, I’ll accept it.” She squares her shoulders, her lips thinning in a flat line, the corners of her eyes strained. “As promised, I told you I wouldn’t take long. Go be with Anna.” She places a stiff palm on my cheek, rubbing her thumb in circles on it. “Will we see you tomorrow morning for the pictures?”
“I’ll be here.” I smile.
“Good.” She drops her hand.
As soon as she guides me outside, I search for Anna. It takes me a little longer to find her because I keep getting stopped and asked questions about hockey, school, and more hockey. When I do find her, she’s surrounded by my friends and sister. She’s smiling at whatever Frost’s just said, then laughing at Berlin.
I immediately stand next to her, wrapping my arm around her waist and tugging her to my side.
Frost smirks at the motion, knowing I’m telling him to fuck off.
“Sorry for taking a while,” I say in her ear.
“It’s okay. I found Thea and then the guys showed up,” she replies.
