Page 95 of Bazooka
“Nolan and Mal couldn’t make it,” my mother said, feeling my discomfort. “They’re at combat training or whatever it’s called.”
I stood up and extended my arm for a handshake. “It’s nice to meet you, Rose.”
“Same here,” Rose said, shaking my hand energetically. “I heard so much about you.”
So, not a bigot?
“And this is…?” she said, looking at Bazooka.
“He’s my boyfriend,” I replied.
I looked at my father, daring him to speak. I said it only to provoke him and make him stop pretending to be a good father. Bazooka was silent, letting it play out. My mother bowed her head, probably because she didn’t dare say anything for fear of my father.
“My son was absent from home for far too long,” my father said, clearing his throat. “But I’m glad he’s here now with his partner.”
I blinked in shock. What? Surely, I heard him wrong, but the silence in the room said otherwise. No, this was some kind of ploy of his. I couldn’t figure out what game he was playing, but I wanted no part of it. This day turned out to be nothing like I expected, and I needed time to figure things out.
I stood up abruptly, needing to get out of there.
“I think it’s time for me to go,” I muttered. “Erm… thanks for the food.”
“I’ll call for the chauffeur,” my father said, glancing at Bazooka. “Or perhaps you wish to return together?”
I whined internally. Why would he say something like that?
Bazooka stood up. “Of course. I mean, if it’s okay with Luz, I’ll drive him back.”
I couldn’t refuse. I wanted to, but I couldn’t do it. Wild horses wouldn’t drag me into refusing it. So, I relented.
“Mikolaj, please come back soon,” my mother said, hugging me tight. “You will visit me again, won’t you?”
I said nothing while she gave me too many kisses before both my parents walked us to the door. Awkward goodbyes were exchanged after which Bazooka and I were on our merry way.
We drove for a while in silence, but staying silent wasn’t my strongest suit. Did I even have one?
“I didn’t mean what I said back there,” I finally blurted out.
“What?” Bazooka said without taking his eyes from the road.
“That boyfriend thing. I said it only to piss off my father.”
“I know.”
“In fact, I met someone.”
He stiffened in his seat but remained silent. I was biting my tongue to stop myself from talking when Bazooka spoke.
“I would like to apologize for keeping things from you. I would never have done it if it weren’t in your best interest. To tell you the truth, Luz, I would do it again if it kept you safe. For that, I’m not sorry.”
I kept my eyes on my lap, staring at my ruined cuticle. He wasn’t even jealous.
“I was never paid, and I would never take payment for something like that,” Bazooka added. “I think you know me well enough to believe me. I did it only because I care about you… in my own way.”
I rolled my eyes. Of course, he had to ruin it.
“Fine,” I grumbled without looking at him. “We don’t have to talk about it anymore.”
The rest of our drive passed by in silence until the bright lights of Smitsville appeared in the distance.
