Chapter 17 #2
I’ve never gotten a good look at the kid, but his wild blond hair reminds me of Teddy’s. I nod. “Looks like he’s excited. I’ve been meaning to tell you, feel free to let me know if we’re ever too loud or something.”
She looks at me appreciatively. “Oh, not at all! Everyone here’s pretty respectful luckily. The other one I stayed at wasn’t like this at all,” she grimaces.
“Yeah, there’s some shady spots around here. Let me know if you ever need anything, though. You want my number? I work a lot, so it’d be easier to get in touch this way.”
She blinks up at me a few times. “Uh, yeah. Sure. Wow, I’m sorry. That’s just really kind of you.”
“It’s no problem.”
The door opens behind me and Teddy steps out wearing the most boring outfit I’ve ever seen on him. I shake my head and type my number into her phone.
She looks down at it. “Thanks, Liam. I’m Maddy by the way.”
“Nice to meet you, officially. Remember, hit me up if you need anything at all.”
She waves bye to us and corrals her son back into their room. “What was that about?” Teddy asks curiously.
“She’s a single mom, and her son is starting school this year.
I figured I’d let her know I’m around if she ever needs help with anything.
” I clear my throat. “There’s a few people who stick out in my memory, people who helped my mom when I was growing up in a hotel just like him.
They’d watch me so she could pick up another shift at work, or they’d grab stuff from the store for us.
It probably seemed so insignificant to them at the time, but it meant everything to us. ”
“You’re such a softy,” he teases. “I’m surprised you reached out to her; she must’ve talked to you first.” He laughs.
“Well, that’s all my kindness for the day,” I deadpan, rolling my eyes.
“Better save some of that good mood because we’re about to walk into a shit storm of epic proportions.”
“You don’t have to change your appearance for my mom. You know that, right? You can wear all your colorful shit—it doesn’t matter what she or anyone thinks,” I say.
“I don’t usually care, but she’s your mom. I don’t want her to hate me…” he mumbles.
“Teddy, I don’t think anyone could ever hate you.
” I look him directly in the eyes, so he can see just how much I mean those words.
His entire life, he’s struggled with this self-deprecating mindset, and I don’t understand why.
Sure, he was picked on a bit when he was a kid, but that’s only because bullies take advantage of those who won’t defend themselves.
There was never anything wrong with him, and there never has been.
He acts like I’m so perfect—I can tell how he puts me on a pedestal, but standing next to him makes me feel small.
I could never light up a room of strangers like he does, his compassion and empathy far surpass mine—mine’s almost nonexistent.
He’s always inspired me to come out of my shell and be the best I can for him, and now that encompasses more than friendship.
We approach the restaurant—it’s a local taco place we’ve been going to for as long as I can remember. The door’s wide open, and the air inside is just as warm as it is outside. The large industrial fan toward the back doesn’t do much to help cool the place down.
“Hola Liam,” Mrs. Gloria shouts from behind the counter. “Oh! Teddy’s here too. Of course,” she says jokingly.
“Hey, Mrs. Gloria,” he responds with a bright smile while we navigate toward the table my mom’s at.
“It’s about damn time, Teddy,” my mom chastises before he can even sit down. She’s looking at him fondly, though.
“I know. I know. I’m sorry,” he squeaks.
“You look really nice today, Ma. You’ve got a dress on and everything.”
She laughs. “Flattery won’t help y’all this time. I want to know what you boys have been up to that had you staying away for so long.”
“I just saw you last week!” I exclaim exasperatedly.
“Mhm.” She hums. “And what about you?” She turns to Teddy. Her eyes are hard in a way that says she doesn’t want any more excuses from either of us.
Teddy picks at the skin of his fingernails beneath the table, tapping his foot wildly. He opens his mouth to say something, and then closes it again.
“Ma, he’s just been—"
“I’m gay!” he interrupts, the words tumbling from his mouth in a rush. My stomach drops for a split second, and I risk a glance at my mom. She’s gone utterly still, lips pursed, and brows set in a hard line.
“I’m sorry. I’ll just go,” he stammers, and I reflexively reach out and grab his shoulder, pushing him back down to his seat. His wide-eyed expression feels like a punch to the gut, and I swing my gaze back to my mom.
She clears her throat a bit. “I suppose you already knew?”
“Yes ma’am,” I say, purposefully being respectful but straightforward. Teddy’s hand is trembling where it rests on his thigh, and pallor has sucked every ounce of gold from his skin.
My brows furrow in anger. “What? Does this change how you feel about him? He’s like a son to you.” She remains tightlipped and picks up her glass of water as if I hadn’t said anything. No wonder I’m such an asshole. She takes a few sips and meets my eyes.
“Do not ever talk to me like that again; I am your mother,” she says sternly. “I need time to process this whole… all of this.”
I scoff. “We’ll just excuse ourselves then.” Gritting my teeth so I don’t say anything more, I stand up at the same time as Teddy. His eyes are permanently glued to the ground as we exit the stuffy restaurant—all his sunshine’s now dimmed by storm clouds, and I don’t fucking like it. Not at all.