Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73012 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73012 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
Breakfast is good, the four of us at the table together. Dad engages with Anthony as much as possible, making it a point to get to know him. Then Dad and I clean up since Mom and Anthony made breakfast, and we go get ready for the day. By the time Anthony and I are dressed and back downstairs, Courtney and Aline are here. We follow the traditions we always share when I’m home—playing board games, Pictionary, Charades, and basically anything competitive we can come up with.
“He always thinks he can beat me, but he never does,” Courtney tells Anthony. “You’re on my team for Charades.”
“I always win,” I correct her. “And don’t think that changes just because you’re my guy,” I tease my boyfriend.
“Did I never tell you I’m a Charades champion in two states? You’re going down, Kason Maddox.”
“Oooooh,” everyone taunts.
“This means war,” I throw back.
The little brat is, as a matter of fact, really fucking good at Charades—both acting out his parts and guessing. They win two out of three matches, but we’re victorious in Pictionary.
We don’t leave the house all day. We just play games, eat, and enjoy each other’s company. When Dad mentions his love of music and his record collection, Anthony perks up.
“I love music,” he tells Dad. That’s not something I knew about Anthony, but it makes sense that someone who loves dancing so much would also love music.
Dad gets hearts in his eyes. “Do you want to see my record collection?”
“I’d love to!” Anthony stands, leans over and kisses me, giving me a small smile.
“Send a code if you need to be saved!” I joke. Once my dad starts talking about music, it’s tough to escape.
My father playfully flips me off before disappearing into his den with my boyfriend to give him the history of every record and band he likes.
Mom and Aline are playing chess in the corner. I’m not surprised when the couch dips beside me, Court plopping down.
“I know I said this yesterday, but he’s great.”
I nod. “Yeah, he is.”
“Have you told him how you feel?”
“Not those three words, no. I’ve told him how much I like him…and I do, Court. So fucking much.” I rub a hand over my face. “Clearly, I’m in love with the guy, and it’s not like me to hold that back. I just don’t want to push him too far too fast. He’s been through a lot…with his family situation, men. He hasn’t had a lot of people see his worth, so he struggles to see it.”
She takes my hand. “You see it.”
“I do.”
“And he trusts you. He knows the kind of man you are. He knows you won’t hurt him.”
“Knowing things and allowing yourself to believe them, or hell, just not to be scared, isn’t always the same.”
“He should be scared. You should be too. It’s normal to be afraid, little bro. Being in love is the best feeling in the whole fucking world, but it can also be devastating. And there are no promises. I would say for a relationship to last there should be a healthy sort of fear there, and what matters is how you respond to that fear. Keeping the lines of communication open, talking to each other, being truthful and supporting each other. There’s not a doubt in my mind you will both do that.”
I let out a deep breath, sinking into the back of the couch. She’s right. I know she is.
“You know, it takes a special person for me to believe they’re worthy of you. You’re my favorite person,” she tells me.
“Other than Aline, of course,” I joke.
“Obviously. She’s in a world of her own. But you’re so good, Kase. Better than anyone has a right to be, really. Sometimes it’s a bit annoying, but I digress.”
I chuckle.
“Seriously, though, it’s not easy to deserve you, but he does. You should tell him how you feel. I can see how strong he wants to appear, how strong he wants to be, but I think he might need to hear it from you first.”
I agree with her. Plus, I don’t want to keep anything from Anthony. I’ve been honest about how I feel since our dating debacle, and changing that up now won’t do us any good. “I will.” I pat her thigh.
“Good. You should always listen to your big sister. I know everything.”
I roll my eyes at her playfully. “Thanks, Court. You’re the best. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
I give Dad and Anthony about half an hour before I join them. Dad is talking his ear off, the Traveling Wilburys playing in the background. Anthony seems to be enjoying their discussion, so I sit back and watch them, revel in seeing the two of them together, my boyfriend bonding with my dad.
Eventually, Dad says, “I suppose I’ve chatted long enough. I could talk about music all day.”