Mom raises her wine glass and looks at us with curiosity.
Fuck it. “EvanAnn is in a relationship with me, Cam, and Damon.”
Annie keeps her smile locked in place and doesn’t look at all nervous or uncomfortable, but her fingers twitch against mine. I move our hands to my leg.
“Do her parents know?” Dad asks.
“Yes,” Annie answers. “My mother is aware of our relationship.”
“Well, I think it’s amazing.” Mom grins and holds her glass up. “To young love.”
She takes a drink and looks at my dad. He’s still trying to wrap his head around it. I don’t know what he’s thinking. It’s not like anyone is taking advantage in this situation.
“We can talk about this later, Hawk.” Dad’s voice is a little rough, and I can tell he’s uncomfortable. That’s the difference between my mom and my dad. I don’t think if they met today, they would have made it.
He’s let her have her way with chakra alignments and soul readings, but only with the compromise of seeing certified therapists. They’ve worked to balance their relationship, but my dad is a very by the book type of guy.
Mom evens him out. Mostly.
“There’s not really anything to talk about.” I lean back in my chair. “It’s my relationship, and it’s not going to affect my grades or anything else about my life. So, it’s not really up for discussion. I’m informing you of my choice to be with the girl I love and to be with her with my friends.”
“I think it’s lovely,” Mom says and takes Dad’s hand on the table. “Paul, Hawk is right. This is his life, and he can do what he wants with who he wants. As long as he’s being safe and responsible, there’s not a lot more we can ask for.”
Dad takes in a breath and looks at Damon and Cam. “Have you two talked with your parents about this?”
“My father knows,” Damon says.
“My parents have met Evan, but they don’t know about our relationship yet,” Cam admits. “I guess they’re next on the tour though.”
“Let’s talk about something else.” Mom claps her hands. “I can see that your father needs a little time to digest this new information. So why don’t we talk about colleges? Damon, Hawk said you just got back from a week at Crowne Mawr. That must have been exciting.”
Damon answers my mom’s questions while my dad and I have a silent battle of wills. It would be easier if they just left me to my own devices again. But they’ve determined that in order to function as a couple, we need to function as a family.
Annie, Damon, and Cam are my family though. And they aren’t going away. My dad nods slightly to me before answering my mother. The rest of dinner is spent talking about colleges, plays, and hockey.
CHAPTER 37
EvanAnn
My phone buzzesin the dark like someone is calling. I push myself up from between Damon and Cam and look at the nightstand. It stops and then starts again. Damon reaches across Hawk and grabs my phone, handing it to me blindly.
I glance at the time. Four a.m.
It’s Mia calling. I sit up in bed in only a t-shirt, letting the covers pool at my waist, and answer the phone.
“Evan?” Mia’s voice is shaky.
“Are you okay?” I breathe out. A flashback to being alone out in the woods races through my mind. She could be hurt or stranded. I wake up more fully, ready in case she needs me.
She takes a steadying breath, but the words still come out shaky. “I don’t know what’s happening. My brother’s been hurt. He’s in the hospital, and they’re worried he won’t make it. I have to go. My aunt is getting dressed right now.”
“Oh my god. What do you need from me? What can I do for you?” I grip the blanket.
“I don’t know. I’ll let you know when I know more about what’s happening. But I’m going to miss play rehearsal today.”
“Of course, you have to do what’s best for your family. We’ll figure it out. I hope he’s okay.”
Damon’s hand touches my back through my t-shirt.
