Page 30 of Loving Lauren
Sierra’s smile felt like sunshine. “Thanks, you beautiful nerd.”
“Anytime, you marshmallow.”
Their laughter mingled and faded, and Sierra was settling into the peaceful quiet when her doorbell rang. Salem shot upright, ears pricked, while Sierra groaned and hauled herself off the floor.
She opened the door to find Tobias standing on her doorstep, still in his work clothes but with that familiar lopsided grin that meant he was up to something. Her brother had an uncanny ability to show up exactly when she least expected it, and somehow always when she most needed it.
“Hey, stranger.” He held up a bag from their favorite Thai place. “Thought you might be hungry. Also, we need to talk.”
Sierra’s stomach dropped even as the smell of pad thai made her mouth water. “About what?”
“Oh, you know.” Tobias pushed past her into the apartment, Salem immediately winding around his legs in greeting. “Just saw something interesting on your social media profile. Someone I know looked absolutely smitten.”
Heat flooded Sierra’s cheeks as she closed the door. “Tobias...”
“Relax, I come bearing spring rolls and zero judgment.” He set the food on her kitchen counter and turned to face her, expression softening. “Though I’ve gotta admit, I’m a little hurt you didn’t tell me you were seeing someone. We tell each other everything, remember?”
Sierra suddenly felt like she was fifteen again. “It’s complicated.” She sank onto her couch.
“How complicated can it be? You look happy. Like, disgustingly, radiantly happy.” Tobias flopped down beside her, his lanky frame taking up half the couch. “Lauren seems to havea great smile, clearly adores you, and anyone who can make my sister glow like that gets my automatic approval.”
“You don’t understand.”
“Then explain it to me. What’s got you all twisted up?” His voice was gentle now, the teasing edge gone.
Sierra stared at her hands, trying to find the words. “Lauren is transgender. I checked with them. They’re okay with my telling my siblings.” She took a shaky breath. “Lauren prefers the pronouns they/them. But Mom and Dad...” She trailed off, the weight of unspoken fears settling between them.
Tobias was quiet for a long moment, and Sierra braced herself for awkwardness or confusion. Instead, he reached over and squeezed her shoulder.
“Okay. What else?”
“What else?”
“What’s the problem? You’re happy, they’re clearly crazy about you, and from their posts they seem funny and kind and...” He paused, studying Sierra’s face. “Oh. You’re worried about Mom and Dad.”
Sierra nodded miserably. “I can already see Dad’s face. That polite, uncomfortable expression he gets when he doesn’t know how to react to something, and Mom will probably start researching like it’s a problem she needs to solve.”
“Hey.” Tobias turned to face her fully, his expression serious but warm. “Remember when I brought home that girlfriend who was training to be a circus performer? And she kept practicing her aerial routine in their living room?”
Despite her anxiety, Sierra snorted. “Mom made Dad move all the furniture.”
“Exactly. They adapted. They always do, even when they need time to catch up.” He bumped his shoulder against hers. “Besides, have you seen how Lauren looks at you in these photos? Anyone with functioning eyeballs can see they’re head-over-heels. Mom and Dad want you happy more than anything else.”
“But what if...”
“Nope.” Tobias held up a hand. “No what-ifs. Look, I’m not gonna lie and say it’ll be smooth sailing. They will need some time to adjust, ask some awkward questions, maybe say the wrong thing while they’re figuring it out. But, Sierra, they love you. That doesn’t change.”
Sierra felt tears prick at her eyes. “When did you get so wise?”
“Duh, I’ve always been wise.” He grinned sheepishly.
“You’re such a dork.” But Sierra was laughing now, the tight knot in her chest loosening.
“I’m your dork, and I’m team Sierra-and-Lauren all the way.” He stood up and headed for the kitchen. “Now come on, let’s eat this food before it gets cold, and you can tell me everything about how you two met. I want details. Did they sweep you off your feet? Was there dramatic eye contact? Please tell me there was dramatic eye contact.”
As Sierra followed him into the kitchen, Salem purring around their ankles, she felt something shift inside her chest. Maybe telling her parents wouldn’t be as terrifying as she’d imagined. And maybe, with her siblings in her corner, she was stronger than she’d given herself credit for.
Outside Sierra’s window, the sky blushed deep rose, which felt like a promise of the days ahead.
