Microaggressions surround us like minefields. They’re triggering for Liam. Which is why coming here tonight to face his family is a huge step and could also be a disaster.
“I forget how green it is here,” Linus jests, sensing I’m spinning a bit. “Makes Dublin look like it needs waterin’.”
Liam huffs. “Do you have to say it every time we’re in Seattle?”
“Still true.” Linus grins at me.
It works. I snap out of my broodiness and take in my surroundings. The houses get bigger as we make our way uphill. Stately old queens, with wraparound porches and slanted roofs. Faded trim and fresh flowers. A lot of history.
Up ahead, I spot the one from Liam’s photos and feel my stomach flip. He squeezes my knee. Doesn’t look at me, doesn’t need to.
I’ve played to thousands. Sung to festival crowds. This is more challenging. I’m vibrating with nerves, even if this is what I want.
“Last chance to fake a flat tire.” I try a woeful attempt at humor.
“Nope.” Liam raises an eyebrow. “We’re doin’ this before I change my mind.”
Linus clutches the back of his neck. “We didn’t have to make it such an event.”
“It is one.” Liam shakes his head. “I never go home. Not unless Ma begs or Padraig guilts me into showin’ up.” He looks between us. “I did as I promised. Called her. Told her I was comin’ and I was bringin’ you both.”
A pause.
“I want them to know who I love.”
“Well, we love you too.” Isqueeze his wrist.
The car brakes outside a grand Craftsman. Lights glow in the windows. A porch swing rocks in the breeze. The McGloughlin home is not only where the twins grew up, it’s the place of Liam’s nightmares.
My eyes flick to Liam. He’s pale. I know he’s thinking about the night Padraig found us. There’s no word for the sound his twin made when he caught the three of us mid-fuck.
It was a full-blown rupture.
I’ll never forget the look on Padraig’s face when he finally comprehended what he was seeing.
He’s never mentioned it to me or Linus since. We’ve gone about our day-to-day band life like nothing happened. We’re gonna have to deal with it at some point, but our schedule has been crazy and we owe it to the fans to keep the train on the tracks.
For now, the three of us keep our relationship private and he doesn’t know about the baby growing inside me.
Yet.
Liam parks, turns off the engine. We sit in the quiet tick of cooling metal for a second until he finally speaks. “I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t need to know.” Linus caresses his neck. “You’ll know when you see them.”
“You mean my da?”
Linus nods. “Yeah.”
“I don’t want a fight.”
“You won’t get one.” I cup his face. “You’re a grown man now. With two partners who’ll stand by you no matter what. We can walk out at any time.”
Liam exhales and opens his car door. “Right. Let’s rip the plaster off.”
When we are at the front door, Cillian opens it, and we follow him in. The table is set with a huge platter of corned beef and cabbage is in the middle next to abowl of mashed potatoes, a loaf of soda bread and small bowl of mustard sauce.
Liam’s fingers brush mine. Linus’s hand settles at my back, steadying me. The scent is mouthwatering. An unexpected wave of emotion passes through me. This family scene is nothing like the cold scraps and silent tables of my childhood. Here, there are place settings for all of us, as though we’d be missed if the seat were empty.
