He chuckled. “Yeah, it was a shock, but I disrespected you in front of your own brother and in his home. It wasn’t right.”
I still wasn’t sure I completely understood. I didn’t think I ever would, but who was I to judge them and their ways? I couldn’t and wouldn’t. If Kylo wasn’t upset over the incident, then I couldn’t be. Also, a warm feeling in the pit of my stomach emerged, knowing I’d been protected by a stranger over something so insignificant.
I felt Kylo’s eyes on me and heard his chuckle. “It’s okay. You’ll get used to it.”
Again, I wasn’t sure I would. However, now living with Zion, I guessed I would maybe bump into more of his friends—brothers—if they dropped by, so in time, I could understand what it was all about being in a club as such.
Or maybe I would stick to asking Zion about it since he was my brother, and it would be better if I wasn’t around his good-looking friends and making a fool of myself.
My attention went back to the game, and as we traveled through the worlds, we chatted about everyday things. It was different, already it felt easy, like I’d known Kylo for a while. I glanced over my shoulder when I heard footsteps and found Quake and Death coming our way.
“Prospect, my turn now,” Death said.
I stood, holding out my controller. “It’s okay, you can have this one. I’ve got to go make a call anyway.”
I caught Zion looking at me from the kitchen. I wasn’t running off if that was what he was thinking.
“You sure?” Death asked.
“Yep. I need to call our parents, and it should be morning there in Australia.”
He tipped his chin up and took the remote with a smile. “Cool.”
I started for my bedroom. “Yo, Lucas,” Zion called. “Tell ’em I said hey.”
“No problem. I’ll also tell Mom about the women constantly showing up for a piece of—”
He actually paled as he barked, “You’d better not say shit.”
Laughing, I told him, “Don’t fret. I’ve got your back.”
He studied me for a moment before smiling. “Yeah, and I got yours.”
I went back into my room and pulled my phone out of my pocket. It was funny how a shitty day could turn into an all right night—a night where things could change. And if it wasn’t for my brother’s faith and trust, I wouldn’t be calling our parents right then to tell them something they already knew but hadn’t heard from me.
It rang a couple of times before my dad answered with “G’day, cobber. Struth, it’s a hot one.”
Closing my eyes, I ran a hand over my face. “Dad, have you actually heard anyone talk 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,
