Page 67 of Playing Rough

But London's family—they're a lifeline I sorely need. Aubrey welcomed me without question or judgment. And Leo—he looks up to his brother like the damn sun rises and sets on him. Having their blessing, their unconditional support—it's invaluable. Means we've got somewhere safe to land when the rest of the world inevitably tries to tear us apart.

So yeah, warmth blooms in my chest hearing how readily they accept London and me together. How fiercely they're in our corner. Reminds me that family isn’t always just the blood you're born to—sometimes it's the people you choose instead. The ones who really see you. And who never let you down.

“Thanks, Leo,” I say, hoping he understands how much his support means. “We’re still figuring things out, but your brother means everything to me. I’m not going anywhere.”

London’s eyes shine, even as he shakes his head in amusement. “You two are gonna turn me into a sappy little bitch. C’mere.”

He pulls me close, kissing me in front of his brother and everyone. I hear Leo make an exaggerated gagging sound, but don't care. This is us, out in the open, unashamed. And it's fucking incredible.

When we finally break apart, London's eyes gleam with mischief. "You know, Leo... Riot's a pretty decent hockey player. He might be able to give you some pointers." He smirks at me. "And he's got a wicked slapshot."

He pulls Leo in, ruffling his hair. The easy affection between them makes me ache for my own family. I haven’t spoken to them in weeks, not since my asshole sperm donor decided to show up here and tell me I need therapy to get over my feelings for London. What a dick. But dwelling on family drama will have to wait for another day. Right now, I’m exactly where I want to be.

Outside the café, we spot Deck and Knight across the street. They seem to be arguing about something, both tense. I wonder if it has to do with our conversation this morning. Before we can intervene, Knight storms off and Deck scrubs a hand over his face tiredly.

London frowns after them. “Should we go over there?”

I hesitate, thinking of Deck’s advice earlier. “Let’s give them some space. Whatever’s going on between them, we shouldn't get involved unless asked.”

Though my protective instincts chafe at doing nothing, we have more than enough problems of our own. Forcing the issue will only make things worse. Knight will talk when he’s ready.

We say goodbye to Leo, making plans to meet up again soon for that lesson London volunteered me for. Watching his car disappear down the road, London sighs.

“It was great to see my brother, but now I gotta tell Mom about us before he spills the beans. She needs to hear it from me.” He glances at me uncertainly. “You okay with me calling her now?”

My gut knots at the thought of London coming out to his mom—especially after the way my jackass of a father reacted. But London’s right—his mom deserves to learn about us from him directly.

“Of course,” I say. “I’ll be right by your side through it.” I take his hand, hoping he can sense my support and not the way I’m freaking the fuck out. What if she disowns him, too? I can handle being thrown away by my parents, but London’s family is everything to him.

London exhales harshly and pulls out his phone with a slightly shaky hand. He taps his mom's contact, putting the call on speaker.

It rings only twice before she picks up. “London? Everything okay?” Aubrey sounds mildly concerned about getting a call at this hour and with Leo on the road I bet she’s starting to freak out.

“Everything’s fine, Mom, don’t worry.” London closes his eyes briefly, as if bracing himself. “Just wanted to talk to you about something. You got time?”

“For you? Always.” Her voice softens. “What’s going on, sweetheart?”

London glances at me one more time, squeezing my fingers.

I nod encouragingly, trying to convey that he can do this. That he's not alone.

London takes a deep breath. "Mom, Riot and I... we're together." He hesitates, licking his lips. "And it's not just some fling or whatever. I love him."

Aubrey doesn’t let him finish before squealing loudly enough that we both wince.

“Oh my god, it’s finally happened! I owe Leo ten dollars.” She laughs. Her elation is impossible to miss, even through the phone. “I knew you two would figure it out eventually if you just pulled your heads out of your—”

“Okay, okay!” London rushes to cut her off, flushing. He laughs softly, the sound filled with relief. “So, you’re really okay with this?”

“Okay with it? Baby, I’m thrilled!” She makes an excited noise. “Riot’s a lovely young man. And I can tell he makes you happier than I’ve ever seen.” Her voice turns serious. “The world may not always understand, but your family does. And we support you one hundred percent.”

Emotion clogs my throat, hearing the unconditional love and acceptance in her tone. Knowing we have her blessing means everything, not just to my boyfriend, but to me, too. After a few apathetic voicemails from my mom begging me to reconsider and call the therapist she found for me, I haven’t heard anything from my parents, and I kind of hope I never do.

London’s blinking fast, like he’s trying to process or he might cry. “Thanks, Mom. You have no idea how much that means to us.” He looks at me and I squeeze his hand in silent support. At this point, my fingers are numb. I don’t give a fuck.

“Of course, sweetheart.” Aubrey hesitates. “Have you told your parents yet, Riot?”

I tense, the warm glow vanishing. “Yeah. It… didn’t go well.”

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