I hear my dad first. “This isn’t a debate.” He speaks to my mom. “He’s legitimately the worst character inX-Menlore. Period. Done. End of story.”
“He’s funny.Iliked him.”
“You can’t say that out loud,” he tells her. “One. It’s ridiculous. Two. His name wasGoldballs.”
“The balls part is not why I liked him,” she combats fiercely.
“I know that, Lil. Other people don’t,” he says. “And you’re a lying liar because I know he’s not even in your top ten. You’re just going stand there and tell me he ranks above Sunspot, Magik, Emma Frost, Cyclops, X-23, or Hellion. Christ, we named three of our children after X-Men.”
Kinney, Xander, and I all exchange a look.
Luna blows a bubble with her gum. She was named after Luna Lovegood, aHarry Pottercharacter.
My dad continues, “Can you imagine if Maximoff was actually namedGoldballs?”
I glower at Farrow likedo not speak of this, ever.He’s dying in amusement. It’s palpable and all over his face.
Dear World, stop making my boyfriend who loves to fuck with me enjoy today more than he already has. Sincerely, a peeved human.
My mom groans. “Please, stop.”
“Admit he’s not in your top ten.”
“Top twenty.”
“I can live with that,” my dad says.
“Good because I wasn’t going to change it for you,” she replies. I imagine she’s grinning, lifting her chin and playfully crossing her arms. I’ve seen her do it a thousand times before.
“Ouch,” my dad says in mock hurt. “Right in the heart, Lil.”
“It’s the only place I can reach,” she refutes.
“I’m not sure about that…” Their voices soften. Too quiet. Which means they’re lip-locked.
“Mom! Dad!” I shout, and Farrow and I reach the base of the stairs first.
A huge realization crashes into my chest right now—just as my mom swoops into view with a hearty wave and flushed cheeks.
For the first time, I’m about to have a family dinner with Farrow as my boyfriend. I get that he’stechnicallyhere as Luna’s guest. He’s even off-duty as my bodyguard. But the clandestine fact grips onto me.
I thought it’d be bittersweet, not being able to share the truth with my family. Keeping my relationship a secret.Private.
It’s not bitter at all.
I share so damn much of my life with them. With everyone. To have this space meant for only Farrow and me for a while feelslessconfining and just free. No pressure, no expectations. Just me and him.
Just us.
32
FARROW KEENE
As Lily’s ex-bodyguard,I consider myself fairly versed in all things Hale. And for as many conversations I’ve had with Lo, her husband, I’ve never been apprehensive or afraid. Never broken a sweat.
But I’ve also never been alone in a kitchen with him, cooking an easy pasta meal for Luna’s birthday. While carrying a loaded secret:I’m not just protecting your son. I’m sleeping with him. Oh, we fucked this morning, and I even gave him the best blow job of his life. He said so.
I manage to act casual, not cagey, but I stand on an edge I’ve never neared before. It’s a new feeling, for sure.
