“The media insanity, for one. It’s getting more extensive and intense,” I reply.
“I’ll admit, I saw a few of the tabloid articles.”
I nod. “I don’t mind those really. Eventually someone else will hit the spotlight.”
“Then what’s your concern?” she asks.
“Mostly the stuff on Twitter. There’s a lot of hate and gay shaming.”
“Those are the ignorant and intolerant. You know better than to let that get to you, Ethan. You have nothing to be ashamed of.”
I look up at her. “Don’t I? I really don’t care about the things that are just aimed at me and Linc, but what gets to me are the comments regarding the band.”
“Such as?”
“The so-called fans who vow not to be fans anymore because I’m gay. It’s just starting for Linc in the fighting social media. This is going to get bad for him,” I tell her. And that’s my biggest fear. “What could happen to Linc because of this… if they don’t accept it…”
“Haven’t there been others?” Joan asks.
I nod. “I think so. Some didn’t last long.”
“But you know Lincoln is made of stronger stuff than that. He won’t give up because of something someone says.”
“I know that. That’s where the problems might begin. What if… what if something happens to him because of this… within the ring or out? What if the fighters band against him?” I finally voice my greatest fear. The fighters ganging up on Lincoln and beating the hell out of him. He could take on two or three at once, but what if it’s more? A whole lot more?
“Do you really think something like this will happen?”
I nod.
“Are you concerned something like this could happen to you? I know you worry about others before yourself, but if you’re worried for Lincoln…”
“It’s possible, but our security is tight. When Linc’s at a fight, he doesn’t have the coverage we have. He insists on it being light. I’ve tried to talk to him about it,” I admit. “I’m going to try again.”
“Communication, Ethan. It’s the only way to be able to tone down the worries. Lincoln wouldn’t like hearing this.”
“I know. I do. I just… sometimes I think I have so much baggage, one day he’s going to walk away. I don’t think I’d survive that,” I confess.
“Ethan,” Joan begins. “Lincoln loves you. He loves every single thing about you. Don’t doubt that because of what’s going on out there,” she advises, pointing at the window. “Believe what’s in here.” She points to her heart.
I nod again. She’s right. Of course she’s right. I know it.
“There’s more to this worry.”
“There is. Summer’s not feeling well. She’s heading out to see Dr. Mack. Kiki is being naughty… actually freaking people out. I didn’t believe in it before I met Lucy, but I believe in that mojo stuff now,” I admit, shuddering a bit.
Joan smiles. “Kierah is definitely spirited.”
I snort. “That’s one way of putting it. Linc scared himself shitless the other day, thinking about us having a kid like Kiki. That wasn’t even funny.”
Joan snickers.
“The girl gives her parents issues.”
“But she never picks on anyone who doesn’t show weakness. Did you notice?”
I consider this a minute. “She doesn’t give me problems.”
“You show her love, fondness—you don’t let her see you’re afraid. Now Linc, he may be big and strong, but they’re the ones who go down the easiest and hardest,” Joan informs me.
