Page 87 of Bro Amazing

It takes over an hour, and I'm starting to have to pee because I drank that entire thermos of coffee.

By the time Dad finally pulls into a parking lot, I'm ready to spring from the car to the nearest bathroom.

Until I look around and realize that we're in the packed parking lot of a community center.

And the sign over the entrance to the building announces that today is the town's comic convention.

"What are we doing here?" I ask, my voice sharper than usual and my eyes narrowed.

"Last time we visited, your roommates talked a lot about all these different comic things and shows and we didn't know any of them, so your mom and I thought it would be a fun family outing to learn more about that stuff."

"I'd rather go anywhere else." If I go in there, all I will be able to think about is my ex-boyfriends, and I miss them so muchthat if I see a TARDIS I'll probably burst into tears. "We could go bowling."

"I don't think this town has a bowling alley," says Mom, getting out of the car. "Besides, you've been complaining for the last ten minutes that you have to pee. Well, here's the bathroom."

"Fine." I really do have to pee. "But then we're leaving."

"Sure, yeah." Mom isn't really paying attention, instead looking around the parking lot as if it's the most fascinating thing she's ever seen.

I hurry us inside, because we need to make this quick for a number of reasons. As soon as I've used the bathroom, I'm forcing my parents to drive us anywhere else. I can't believe that the first time they pick something for us to do as a family, it's this. They could have picked anything. What a shit time for them to take an interest in my life.

When I come out of the bathroom and head for the exit, Mom slips her arm through mine and spins us around so we're entering the gym instead.

"I want to leave," I hiss, my voice low but insistent. I don't want everyone around us to think this is a kidnap situation. I mean, it kind of is, but not in the way they should panic about. "Where's Dad?"

"I just want to look around," she insists. "Besides, your dad already went inside, so we have to find him."

"One lap and we're out of here," I say. "No stopping at any tables, and no talking to anyone."

Mom ignores me and practically drags me up an aisle. She'd better not make this take forever. This is in and out.

I try to pay as little attention as possible to what's going on around us until Mom halts in the middle of an aisle, pointing at something up ahead.

There's a small rectangle taped off on the floor and in the middle stands all five of my ex-boyfriends.

My heart is trying to escape my chest, and I clutch Mom's arm tight. What are they doing here? I didn't want to come in because I didn't want to be reminded of them, but I didn't realize I should also be worried about running into them. There were no public appearances listed on their website. They shouldn't be here.

"What the hell?" I whisper, panic creeping in. I need to get out of here. But Mom's grip on me is tight, and I'm rooted to the spot.

As soon as they spot me, Miles picks up a microphone and says, "Thank you all for coming out for our little competition today. We're super excited to be here with people we care about." His eyes are locked on mine, even though he's talking to the entire room. "We're going to get our live stream going momentarily here, and you'll all get a chance to play against us."

"While you're waiting though, we recommend you browse all of the amazing vendors here today. And we'd like to give a very special recommendation for one booth in particular." Lionel gestures at the booth right next to them. "Our girlfriend is selling her romance book today, and she's even here to sign them for you."

"We should warn you," says Quintin, grabbing the mic from Lionel, "that we were the inspiration for a few of the scenes in there."

I force myself to pry my gaze from them and glance at the booth. Fuck me, there is Sasha, smiling and waving at the gathering crowd of readers.

She seriously texted me that shitty apology, then moved in with my ex-boyfriends? And now she has them promoting her and her romantasy books? This is not okay, and I want to be angry, but I can tell that crying is going to win.

Yanking my arm out of Mom's grip, I fight my way to the back of the crowd. I need to get out of here before the tears start to fall. If Mom and Dad want to look around, they can, but I'll hide in the bathroom until it's time to go. I'd hide in the car, but Dad has the keys and I'm not about to waste time looking for him.

There's a commotion, but I ignore it. All I can focus on right now is the exit and getting away from this gym.

"I got you. It's okay." Long arms wrap around me, holding me against a solid chest as they stroke my hair.

When I glance up, I'm looking up into Ethan's face, and I try to break away. But his hold is too strong.

"Sorry, but we're not letting you get away again," he says.

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