Page 25 of Just Forever

“I don’t know. Not right now.” I lean back and drag my fingers through my hair. “I’m annoyed it’s a thing. I don’t wantto make a big deal out of this. I just want to live my life, play hockey, go back to school, and do it with Lake by my side without it being some kind of big deal.”

“I understand how that would feel unfair.”

I glance out the window.

“I’m not naive. I know people could turn out to be assholes.”

“Some will. A lot won’t,” Mom says after a moment.

I wave my hand toward her. “See? That’s supportive.”

“Yes, well, out of the minority, there’ll also be that very small percentage who are the worst type of people. Hateful and loud. Those are the ones that worry me.”

“I’m not letting those people dictate my life.”

“I’m not saying you should. I still worry.”

I nod. I can’t really do anything to combat those worries. I know Lake has them too. He thinks he’s hiding them, but I can see right through him.

“I’ll do better.” Mom sits up straighter. “I got into my own head last night. I honestly didn’t expect news like what you laid on me, but that’s not an excuse and not for you to worry about.” She leans forward, takes my hand in hers, and squeezes my fingers. “I’ll take a redo if you’ll give it to me.”

“Deal.”

She smiles at me. “So? How long has it been going on? Your relationship.”

“Umm. Two years?” I wince.

Her eyes widen. “Two years?” she repeats in a voice loud enough that it turns heads.

“It took some time to figure it all out.”

“Yes. I heard. Years.”

“You know what, go back to being worried about me,” I say.

“No, no. I’m more interested in this new revelation. Let’s discuss why it took you years to tell your mother about your relationship. I’m interested in that one.”

“Umm…” If she already looks upset about me hiding my relationship with Lake from her for this long, this next bit isn’t going to make her any happier. “Okay, try to remember you’re happy for me when I tell you the rest.”

She quirks one of her dark brown eyebrows. “There’s more?”

I give a careless wave that is a complete lie. “A few minor details.”

She blows out a breath and looks like she’s bracing herself. “Lay them on me.”

“Just… also try and remember that you love me.”

She throws me a pursed lips look. “Spit it out, son of mine.”

“The only son of yours. The only child of yours overall, so if you kill me there’ll be nobody to come and see you at the nursing home, so keep that in mind.”

She crosses her arms over her chest. “Uh-huh.”

I take a deep breath.

“Lake’s not just my boyfriend. He’s my husband.”

Mom just stares, completely frozen in her seat. The only sign that she heard me is that her mouth has dropped open, but otherwise she’s completely still.

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