Page 51 of Loving Lauren
“Damn right we do. Now tell me everything about dinner. Did Thalia have to physically restrain your dad from asking inappropriate questions?”
Despite everything, Sierra laughed. “She basically did! She jumped in when Dad started getting confused about the whole pansexual thing. And then she backed me up when I told them about Lauren. I don’t think I could have done it without her there. Tobias, too.”
“Thalia’s always been your secret weapon.”
“I wish your mom’s reaction was different.” Her voice grew softer. “And I’m sorry again about... walking in on you and Ellis.”
“Remember how I said I can’t imagine wanting anyone else? I still feel that way. Which makes what my mom said hurt even more, because this isn’t just some fling for me.”
“She’ll come around. She has to. Anyone who sees you two together can tell this is real.”
“I hope so. And, Sierra? Even though tonight sucked for me, I’m happy for you. You deserved to have parents who see how amazing you are.”
Sierra could feel tears welling. “I love you, you know that?”
“I love you, too. And hey, next family dinner, you’re bringing Lauren and I’m bringing Ellis. We’ll show them what happy looks like.”
“Deal. But I’m making sure Thalia and Tobias will be there for moral support. Maybe Calliope and Raven, too.”
“Obviously. The Chaos Coven provides backup for all major family events. It’s in our charter. And, Sierra? Next time you think I’m in mortal danger, maybe try calling first?”
“Noted. Though in my defense, you two were being very loud.”
“I’m hanging up now.”
“Tell Ellis I said hi and that I’ll never make eye contact with him again!”
After they hung up, Sierra sat in her car outside Jett’s apartment, drained but oddly peaceful. One scary conversation down, one mortifying walk-in she’d never live down, but still, authenticity for a lifetime lay ahead of her.
Chapter 29
When Sierra got to Lauren’s place, it smelled incredible. Like someone had gone overboard with garlic, which was exactly what Sierra needed right now. Lauren was bouncing around their cramped kitchen in bike shorts and a ridiculous oversized shirt that said, “Allergic to Mediocrity.” They had their game face on, stirring whatever was in that pot as if their life depended on it.
“Fair warning. I’m feeling emotional today, so there’s a decent chance I might cry over this pasta sauce. Or literally nothing at all.”
Sierra grinned and slipped her arms around Lauren’s waist from behind, pressing a kiss to their shoulder. “Noted and prepared for all emotional possibilities. Speaking of emotional things, family dinner went okay.”
Lauren turned in their arms, eyebrow slightly raised. “Just okay? That doesn’t sound super encouraging.”
“Honestly? They’re disappointed. They made it pretty clear they think I’m making a mistake, that this isn’t what they wantedfor me. But Dad said I’m still his daughter, even if he needs time to process it. It’s not acceptance, but it’s not total rejection either.”
Lauren’s face saddened. “Did you tell them about me?”
“I told them I met someone named Lauren who makes me ridiculously happy. That’s about it.”
Lauren hesitated, and something unreadable flickered across their face. “Did they ask questions about me specifically?”
Sierra shook her head immediately and firmly. “No. I wouldn’t have given them more if they did. Your story is not mine to tell. It’s nobody’s business but yours.”
Lauren exhaled and leaned their forehead against Sierra’s. “Thank you. Seriously. That means everything to me.”
The rest of the evening was cozy but oddly quiet. Lauren was still affectionate, still Lauren, but their usual bright energy seemed dimmed somehow. Sierra noticed the change, but she didn’t want to push. Instead, she offered gentle kisses and soft touches.
As they were getting ready to leave, she asked, “Do you want to come back to my place tonight?”
Lauren nodded without hesitation. “Yeah. I missed Salem.”
Sierra raised an eyebrow with exaggerated offense. “That’s it?”
