My throat goes tight. “I wouldn’t have cared, Mom. I was just happy to spend time with you.”
She laughs lightly. “I know. You always were the sweetest boy. But still, a six-year-old deserves Christmas. I always swore if I got better, I’d pay it back somehow, and now I feel like I’m doing that.”
“That’s amazing, Mom.” I start going through the basket, folding the clothes and setting them off to the side.
“If you manage to make it here for Christmas, we could go to the service together. I know they’d love to meet you.”
My heart climbs into my throat, and I have to clear it to break it free. “Maybe.”
My phone buzzes, so I glance down at it, and there’s a message from Ben flashing across the top. “Hey, Mom,” I say, cutting her off in the middle of her sentence.
“Yes?”
“I’ve gotta go, alright, but I’ll call you soon.”
I have to, even if I don’t want to. I need to talk to her about Ben and Parker. I can’t keep hiding such a vital part of myself and my life. They deserve to be loved out loud, and I deserve to live my life freely and in the open. No matter the cost.
“Okay, Lan. I love you.”
“I love you too, Mom.”
I hang up, then open my text thread.
Ben
I have to study. No ifs, ands, or buts. I have a test in a couple of days, and I’ve been neglecting it.
Parker
Turns out you’re not so good at multitasking, huh?
Ben
I did just fine until the alternative was you and Lan. Plus my brain is fried. I can barely focus as it is.
Parker
Loser. But I get it. So does this mean I’m all alone tonight?
Ben
Unfortunately, Cotton Candy. Unless you can sweet talk Landon into keeping you company.
Parker’s typing, so I wait to respond until I see what they’re going to say, and when they send a selfie, blue eyes pleading and bottom lip stuck out in a pout, I know I’m going to fold immediately.
Me
my lovebug needs company?
Parker
So much. You two have ruined me, and now I don’t know how to starfish in the bed anymore.
Parker
Feels wrong.
Parker
