I sent the first message and was working on another when I saw the bubbles appear, signaling that
Mav was indeed awake and he’d seen my rambling.
Maverick0808: Breathe. It’s going to be fine. You’re a grown man and they love you. Yes, they
might be concerned but, unless you’ve been lying to me, Theron is an awesome Daddy. They’ll see
how much he loves you and they’ll be happy for you.
Sammy1995: But what if they don’t? And what if I’m incapable of calling him by his name?
Maverick0808: Practice before they get there.
I frowned at the screen. That was a horrible idea. Even when we were out in public, I went out of
my way to not refer to him as anything because saying his name sounded wrong. The longer we were
together, the more Theron slipped away, and Daddy took his place.
Maverick0808: Don’t look at me like that.
Sammy1995: You can’t even see me!
Maverick0808: No, but I know you. You’re probably scowling at the computer screen because
you don’t want to do it. But if you’re really worried, you should do it.
Sammy1995: But I’m not ready yet.
Maverick0808: What time are your parents getting there? Maybe you should have let them stay
at a hotel, so you’d still have tonight to not have to worry about it.
Sammy1995: I tried that. Daddy said they shouldn’t pay for a hotel when he has extra
bedrooms.
Maverick0808: Who said????
Sammy1995: Ugh. I hate you.
Maverick0808: Come on, say it. It’ll be easier to type it first.
Sammy1995: Theron said.
Maverick0808: I’m proud of you. Now, go enjoy your birthday weekend. If you get through it,
maybe Theron will give you a fun surprise.
I could only hope. I signed off after promising him I would give him an update Sunday night after
they left.
* * *
After breakfast, Daddy turned on a Disney movie so we could cuddle up on the couch. He did
everything he could to keep me calm, but I couldn’t help watching the clock. Any minute now, the
