Page 15 of Night and Day
Izzy cast her a firm look. No shit? This felt invasive.
Shasa’s apologetic smiles mirrored those of his mother’s. They all cared about him, but they didn’t understand. He had a plan, and it simply didn’t include mindless socialising, dating or starting a family. Not yet. Right now, he was ready to sacrifice everything, save every penny, and put it towards the film project he was working on. On some days, his life felt empty, even unreal, but when he stepped into a world of his own creation, it all made sense.
“I’m okay, mum,” he said quietly, holding her gaze. “I don’t intend to stay here forever and I will join the living. I’ve just been busy working on something and I’m quite excited about it.”
“Is it that suicide story?” A deep V appeared between Mac’s eyebrows.
Izzy shot silent daggers at his brother. Wording it like that did him no favours. “It’s a paranormal thriller. Constantine meets Mad Men in hell.”
Sue’s face turned white. Izzy clamped his lips, sighing from frustration. Scandalising his deeply religious parents didn’t help his case. He loved them, but at that moment, he felt like he couldn’t breathe. He had to get them out of the house. Or at least out of this room.
He jumped to his feet. “Coffee or tea, anyone?”
Not waiting for a reply, he headed up the stairs. His family followed, congregating around the dining table as he served cups of tea to his mother and father. Mac and Shasa declined.
“I really hope we haven’t offended you.” Sue fiddled with her spoon.
Izzy smiled. “It’s okay. What I was trying to say is”—he filled the teacups with steaming water—“You don’t have to worry about me. I’m fine. I know I’ve spent a lot of time in the basement lately, but I’m not a total hermit. I’m ... seeing someone.”
The lie left his lips before his mind could reel it in. His mother’s face lit up with relief.
Mac threw out his arms. “You are? Since when?”
“It’s new.” Izzy swallowed down the acidy taste rising in his mouth.
“We’d love to meet her!” Mum enthused, and the others nodded along.
“I’m sure you’ll meet her one day,” Izzy replied obligingly. Obviously, this fake relationship would crash and burn before that day ever arrived.
While dishonesty niggled his conscience, the lie worked better than Izzy had dared to hope. His parents finished their tea and got to their feet, looking far more relaxed than they’d done on their arrival. He walked them to the door, making multiple promises to introduce his girlfriend when the time was right.
He could understand their worries, and maybe that was the worst part. It wasn’t like he’d set out to become a social outcast. Had it been possible to have it all, he would have. He got lonely and tired of his own hand. His instant physical reaction to Mia bore evidence to the long drought. Of course, he’d rather be with a woman, but everything came at a price. He would have had to put his dreams aside and focus on making himself and his life presentable to the opposite sex. The thought exhausted him. It didn’t mean he was punishing himself for anything, did it? He simply preferred his life this way, without the demands and distractions of civilised society. Staying in his own, tiny kingdom, he could pour all his energy into creative projects and achieve something.
“Was great to see you, bro! Are you coming for Sunday lunch? We’re test driving the new barbecue.” Mac gave him a quick hug.
“Sure, maybe. I’ll let you know.”
His brother cast him one last look that said ‘I’ll hold you to that’, then released him with a smile and turned to Shasa. “Let’s go, before the babysitter burns down the house.”
After everyone else left, his mum lingered at the doorway, a dreamy look in her eyes. “What’s her name?”
Izzy’s mouth went dry as his mind went blank.
“Mia,” he finally answered. “Her name is Mia.”
Satisfied with his answer, Mum skipped down the driveway. Izzy blew out a breath, discomfort tightening his guts. It was the natural solution, wasn’t it? If he could get his surprise house guest to agree to this ruse, he could get his family off his back. Some peace and quiet without any interventions or matchmaking.
If Mia said no, he’d invent a really bad stomach flu and cancel last minute. Izzy stepped back into his house, his nerves vibrating. The poor woman had lost everything. How could he ask her for this?
