Chapter 10 #2
I wondered if Ryker and I could have a story like that someday. The kiss we’d shared in his bedroom had felt like more than pretending. The way he’d touched me and the sounds he’d made weren’t the actions of somebody who was only playing a role.
“In the past, I used to worry that Ryker would never find someone who truly understood him,” Jacinta continued. “He’s always been my sensitive one. There’s so much going on beneath the surface that he never lets anyone see.”
“I know what you mean.” Countless memories came to mind of all the times Ryker had put on a brave face when I knew he was hurting inside. “He’s not a fan of showing vulnerability.”
“Exactly. But he lets you see it, doesn’t he?”
I nodded, remembering the night his grandfather passed away. He had shown up in my room at three in the morning, eyes red-rimmed but dry. Without saying a word, he collapsed into my arms so I could hold him until sunrise.
“When he called me after his grandfather died, he mentioned you were the only one he wanted to see that night. Not even Sawyer. That’s how I knew.”
That was news to me.
“You’ve always been special to him, Harley,” she continued. “Even if it took him a while to figure out exactly how much.”
I busied myself with hanging another photo, not trusting my voice. Her genuine support made our little ruse feel malicious in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
“I hope you understand you’re already a member of this family,” she said, gesturing to the wall we were decorating. “These photos aren’t merely decorations. They’re the story of us. And you’ve been part of our narrative for years.”
The images blurred as I fought back the embarrassing prickle of tears. There I was at Christmas, at Sawyer’s birthday bash, at the family barbecue two summers ago. I’d been included in their lives long before Ryker and I had started our dating charade.
“Thank you. That means a lot to me,” I told her.
She must have sensed my emotional turmoil because she gave my shoulder a comforting squeeze. “I know your family situation is complicated.”
That was putting it mildly. I shrugged, aiming for nonchalance but probably missing by a mile. “Let’s just say they’re not planning any Pride parades anytime soon.” My relationship with them had ended when I was forced out of the closet at fifteen and had to move in with friends.
“Well, their loss is our gain. You’ll always have a home here, Harley. With or without Ryker, although I’m betting on ‘with’ for the long haul. Family celebrates who you are, not who they wish you were. We all adore you for just being you.”
I blinked back tears. “I know. You’ve always shown me that.”
“Good.” She handed me the last photo, a candid shot of Ryker and me from yesterday, caught mid-laughter on the porch swing.
I hadn’t noticed Jacinta taking it. We were wrapped up in our own little bubble, blissfully unaware of the world around us.
It looked so natural, so real. Because, in that moment, it truly had been.
“This one’s my new favorite,” she proclaimed.
I hung it in the center of the display, my heart full and aching at the same time. “Mine, too.”
We stepped back to admire our handiwork. The photos now told a tale that included me, not as a friend or a visitor, but as someone who belonged.
“Perfect,” Jacinta declared. “Now, our family wall is complete, at least until you two bless me with grandchildren.”
I almost dropped the hammer. “That’s, uh, probably a ways off.”
Jacinta chuckled at my expression. “I’m teasing. Mostly. I’d settle for grandkitties if human kids aren’t in the cards.” She gave my cheek an affectionate pat. “But I want you to know how happy I am that you’re together. I feel like I’ve been blessed with a second son.”
Her sincerity clogged my throat, making it impossible to speak. My own mother had never been so warm or accepting. She’d treated my sexuality like an inconvenience best not discussed in polite company. But Jacinta embraced me wholeheartedly and celebrated my relationship with her son.
I lowered my head. “Thank you for giving me a second home.”
Before she could respond, Ryker strolled in, looking adorably disheveled, with a smudge of grease on his cheek and his hair sticking up at odd angles.
“Mission accomplished,” he announced. “Dad’s dazzling the neighbors with his handyman skills now.”
“Even though you’re the one who actually fixed it,” Jacinta teased. “Nice to know some things never change.”
He moved closer to the newly arranged photo wall. “Wow, you two have been busy.”
“Your mother’s been regaling me with tales from your childhood,” I said. “Particularly your naked superhero phase.”
Ryker’s eyes widened in horrified betrayal. “Mom! You didn’t!”
“I most certainly did,” Jacinta replied, not looking the least bit repentant. “And I promised to show him the albums later.”
“Not if I burn them first,” Ryker muttered.
I gave in to my irresistible urge to wipe the grease smudge from his cheek. “Too late. I’ve already seen the evidence. I can’t wait to hear more about your naked superpowers.”
He caught my hand, holding it against his face for a moment longer than necessary. “You’re enjoying this way too much.”
“Of course I am,” I agreed, leaning in for a quick kiss that was meant to be a playful part of our act, but it lit a fire in both of us.
Jacinta watched with a mother’s knowing smile. “You two are adorable. Now, who wants lemonade? I made it fresh this morning.”
As she poured the drinks, Ryker whispered in my ear, “How bad were the embarrassing stories?”
“It’s safe to say I have enough material to roast you for the next decade.”
He groaned dramatically. “Great.”
“Don’t worry,” I murmured, letting my hand rest on the small of his back. “I think it’s adorable you believed clothing restricted your superpowers.”
“I’m never going to hear the end of this, am I?”
“Not a chance, snookums.”