Page 48 of Fractured Hope
“Nope!” He popped thepbefore chuckling. “And with Lyric in your life, Atty will never live down that he startled you in the first place.”
“Lyric does like to stir shit up, doesn’t he?”
“It’s what he’s known for.” Kay smiled, thinking of some Lyric shenanigans, no doubt. “Although, I will say he’s been less flighty and spontaneous lately. I’m usually along for the ride with whatever he’s up to, but lately, he’s been distant. I can’t remember the last time we even went out.” He scratched down his scruff, looking worried. “Do you think he could’ve met someone? But why wouldn’t he tell me?”
“I’m sure if Lyric met someone, we wouldallknow about it. I can’t imagine him being able to keep something like that quiet. He’s too loud and theatrical for that.” I reached over to pat Kay’s hand reassuringly. “I know Atticus had spoken to him about his role at work and what he wants for his future, so maybe he took their talk to heart. He’s been at work early most days, which from what Seb’s said, is very out of the ordinary. Maybe he’s growing up.”
“Maybe.” Kay smiled at me in thanks.
“So, are all the brothers gay?” I asked, trying to change the topic. “You mentioned Theo finding that bar, so I’m curious.”
“Not all gay per se.” Kay smirked. “Theo was actually the first to come out at fifteen at a weekday family dinner. We found out later that Atticus had been agonizing over coming out for ages, like years, and being the oldest he was nervous about verbalizing it. But once Theo opened the door, that started the domino effect all in one night. Poor Kat and Orion, that’s their Pa’s name, didn’t really know what to do. Once Theo blurted out that he was gay, everyone froze. Then Atticus awkwardly interrupts to say he is, too. Then Lyric pipes up, from his seat next to me, that he doesn’t just like girls. Kat thought her chances of having a daughter-in-law were disappearing before her eyes. She was very dramatic about it.” Kay paused to catch his breath for a moment, chuckling as he tried to finish the story. “But they love their kids and acceptance was never a question.”
“That sounds like Kat,” I said with a chuckle. “Kat and Yaya are so full of love. I’m guessing Orion was, too. I wish I could have met him. So, he was okay with Atty and Theo liking men?”
“Oh yes! He actually admitted he was dating a guy when he met Kat, and that was a total shock to Atty and all the boys. You should have seen their faces. It was hilarious.” Kay burst into a fit of laughter at the treasured memory.
“Really! I would have liked to be a fly on the wall for that conversation.”
“It was great! It’s one thing to think of your parents being together.” Kay paused to shudder for dramatic effect. “It’s a whole other thing to think they had a romantic life before they met. I think Orion had been saving that story in hopes he could blindside the boys and have some fun with it. He was like that, always joking around, starting all sorts of shenanigans. It’s totally where Lyric gets it from.”
“I could see that. And to think I thought Lyric was just one of a kind.” I shook my head at the idea of another Lyric.
“He is one of a kind but has so much of Orion in him. They were two peas in a pod when Lyric was a little kid.” Kay’s smile turned a little sad. “It was really hard for Lyric, and all the boys, to lose their dad so suddenly. He was such a loud and rambunctious person that he left a gaping hole in that family. It’s taken a long time for each of them to find a way to move forward. We all miss him.”
I placed my hand on Kay’s. We paused, and a thoughtful look passed over Kay’s face. I took a moment to think of all the Papadakises had been through. They were so strong and full of love and compassion. They banded together to heal. They were a realfamily.
“How old were you when this coming out dinner occurred?” I asked.
Kay chuckled. “I think Lyric and I were only eleven or twelve at the time. So, just old enough to understand the implications of the conversation and definitely old enough to enjoy the looks of shock and bewilderment from Atty, Seb, and Theo as they squirmed at Orion’s suggested sex life. It was fantastic. All the boys kept looking from Orion to Kat and back, not knowing what to say. And of course, Yaya was there and interrupted with something likeI’ve known my boys were queer from birth. It’s not that shocking.Then everyone burst into laughter.”
“Trust Yaya to break any perceived tension. What about Seb? And from that night Lyric knew he was bi?” I asked, once we’d both stopped snickering.
“Seb? He didn’t announce anything that night, and he only dated girls in school. He’s known to flirt with anyone who catches his eye, so I’m not sure. Lyric isn’t one for labels. He has since referred to himself as fluid and free. He said he’s into the people, not the parts when I’ve asked him, so I guess that wouldmake him pansexual,” Kay concluded with a shrug. “I’ll listen if and when he decides on a label for himself. He would know best.”
“Labels don’t really matter, as long as the person is happy.” I grinned at Kay.
“True.” Kay returned my smile.
Talking about Lyric and all the Papadakises had broken my mood, and I realized I was hungry. Checking my phone, I noticed it was lunchtime. I hadn’t really eaten anything today. It had been a while since Atticus’s last message, so I sent him a quick text to see if he wanted me to order him anything for lunch. I figured he must be finishing up at the garage and would be here any minute.
“What do the boys usually get for lunch? Maybe we could take them something. Is Lyric working today?” I asked.
“Those boys eat anything. No, Lyric’s off today, but Theo should be back by now.”
“I’ve heard about this other brother, but I haven’t met him yet. Doesn’t he work in the city?”
“Yeah, he’s training to be an EMT. He spends most of his time in the city learning and training. He tries to come home every second weekend or so. He’s quieter than the other brothers. You’ll like him. Let’s just make some sandwiches and go meet them?” Kay said.
“Sounds good.”
Once we had the sandwiches wrapped up and a few bottles of juice to go with them, we headed down Main Street to the garage. Seb was polishing up a beautiful old-style car when we walked in.
“Hey! What are you guys doing here?” He was happy to see us, but overly cautious, too. He quickly moved to greet us and ushered us inside into the break room.
“We brought lunch.” I held up the bag of sandwiches. “Where’s Atticus? Is he in the office?” I headed in that direction.
“Atticus isn’t here. He took a truck for a test drive.” Flicking his wrist to move his watch, he checked the time. “He should’ve been done by now unless there was an issue with the suspension.”
