“She’ll always be my girl, Superstar.”
I hug my parents tighter, loving that they so easily accept something many probably wouldn’t. Even if this didn’t happen, and how I wish it didn’t, they would always be here for me and would accept and love me and who I’m in a relationship with.
The sound of more cars approach, and I tense, anticipating the media circus that’s about to occur.
“Who called my parents?” Grayson asks, and I look up to see Colton and Brynn rushing out of their own car that just pulled up.
“Please tell me you guys didn’t call in the entire assembly,” I grumble.
“I just called Brynn,” my mom explains.
More cars pull up.
“And then she probably called Chandler,” she continues. “Who I’m sure called Audrey.”
I groan. So much for this not becoming a circus.
“Mom? Dad?” Grayson questions, and I look up from my parents hug to see Brynn throw herself into her son’s arms.
“Are you okay? Is Rae—” Brynn cries, looking up at Grayson, then over to me, and then throws her arms around both my mom and me.
“I’m okay.” I think I’ll be saying those two words a lot for a while.
They drop their arms, and I look over at Asher who shifts on his feet. I notice when he moves to push his hands into his pockets he winces in pain. I scoot closer to him even as I hear the rest of the crew arriving.
“You’re hurt,” I state.
“I’m fine.”
“So am I.” I give him a look because we both are lying.
Grayson closes the distance between us, and wraps me in his arms. I accept his affection, needing it. I don’t even think twice about lifting my chin, silently signaling what I want from him. Without hesitation he drops his lips onto mine for a gentle kiss. At the same time, I reach my hand out to Asher, grabbing his and pulling it toward me.
“Finally,” I hear my mom sigh.
I break the kiss with Grayson and look over at our moms who are embracing each other tightly while Chandler approaches followed by Vince, Brent, and Matt. Audrey and Charlie aren’t far behind either.
“We’ll officially be sisters,” Brynn squeals, holding onto my mom. I’m glad they’re finding a small bright spot in this situation; it makes me laugh.
“Me too, kind of!” Audrey announces joining their hug, which they accept easily.
Colton looks from them toward my dad. “You okay with this?”
My dad just shrugs. “Do I have a choice?”
Matt comes up to my dad, slapping a hand on his shoulder. “If you want to kick Wheeler’s ass, I’ll back you up.”
My dad scoffs, “I’m not beating up a kid.”
I roll my eyes at him still calling Grayson a kid.
“I’m not talking about that Wheeler. His dad.” Matt nods toward Colton.
“Why would I want to fight him?” My dad shoves Matt lightly.
“Because his kid is with yours. I know if anyone touches either of my girls, they’ll pay.”
I roll my lips together but keep to myself how I don’t think Evie and Maya are going to be virgins forever. But I especially keep to myself the crush I know Maya has on my brother. I don’t think anything has happened between them, and maybe nothing ever will. If it did, it sounds like my dad wouldn’t have the chance to be a pacifist.
