like that since moving to Australia?”
He chuckled. “Well, no, but if I keep doing it, I’ll bring the trend back in.”
“I highly doubt it. Now, is Mom awake?”
“She’s awake and—”
“Is that one of my boys?” I heard yelled. “Gerry, is it one of my babies?”
“She’s coming this way,” he finished.
There was a scuffle, and then through the phone came, “Hello? Lucas? Zion?”
“It’s Lucas, Mom.”
“Oh, my dear boy, how are you? I miss you and your brother so much. I never should have moved so far away. Gerry, we’re moving home. I want to go home.”
“Lucy, you promised me another six months. We’re staying another six months.”
“Fine,” she snapped. “Lucas, tell me everything that’s going on. How’s living with Zion?”
“It’s good, Mom. I actually need to talk to you both. Can you put me on speaker?”
“What is it? Are you hurt? Is Zion okay? Did you steal drugs off some pimp, and now they want to sell your body?”
“Jesus Christ, Lucy, where did that come from?”
“I write books for a living, Gerry. My mind tends to overreact.”
“Overreact my ass. You’re just crazy.”
Sighing, I sat down on my bed and waited until they stopped yelling at each other. If I didn’t know they loved one another, I would worry about their marriage.
Things calmed down after Dad said, “You’re an amazing author, honey. I just worry about your sanity.”
“So do I.”
When I heard lips smacking together, I yelled into the phone, “Mom? Dad?”
“Sorry, dear, what were you saying?”
Shaking my head, I told her. “You don’t have to fear, Mom, I didn’t steal anything, no one wants to sell me, and Zion is well.”
“That’s great to hear. Then what did you have to tell us?”
“I’m gay,” I announced before they started running off with any other thoughts.
“What did I need to say?” was whispered by Dad. “Got it.” He cleared his throat. “What, boy? You’re gay?” he yelled. I rolled my eyes and let it play out. “I can’t believe this. It’s such a surprise. I don’t think my heart can take it. Oh look, your mom has fainted from the shock. I think… and I’m sorry to say this… but I need to disown you.”
“Are you done?” I asked in a flat tone. Mom’s giggle sounded through the phone.
“I think so,” Dad answered. “Am I done, Lucy?”
“Yes.” I could tell she was smiling from the lightness in her voice. “Honey, we’ve known you were gay for a long time. Why it took you so long to tell us, I’ll never know. But now you have, and no matter what, you should know you have our love.”
Warmth spread through my chest. I closed my eyes and bit my bottom lip because it threatened to tremble.
“But,” Dad added, “like we’ve told Zion, the same rules apply to you. Even if it’s a guy you’re bringing home to meet us, make sure they’re not drug dealers or takers, ex-cons, or pimps. Wait, lawyers. We don’t need any lawyers in our family. Your mom dictates enough around here.”
There was a slap, and then Mom cried, “Hey.”
Laughter burst out of me. I’d been so scared because of all the bullshit I’d seen and heard about other people. I should have trusted my family.
“Love you, guys,” I told them.
“Aw, we love you too,” Mom cooed.
Dad grunted. “Yeah, what she said.”
“Say it, Gerry.”
“Lucy.”
“Say you goddamn love him also.”
“Fucking hell. I goddamn love you too, kid.”
By the time I hung up the phone with them, I was still laughing. More weight had lifted from having such an amazing family.
Chapter Three
Lucas
I had my head buried in my books at the kitchen table when I heard, even over my music, the front door open. Of course, I was at the other end of the table from where I saw Zion going at it, while trying to put that moment far from my mind. Thankfully books distracted me when I got in the zone. I flicked to the next page and lifted my foot onto the chair while leaning onto my opposite arm on the table as I absently called, “Hey,” when I felt my brother move closer.
He said something, but I was too busy writing down another note to answer or actually take in what was said. So I replied with “Uh-huh,” then nodded and jotted down another note before sticking the pen back in my mouth and turning the page in the textbook again.
The music I had softly playing from the speaker in front of me on the table suddenly stopped. Scowling,