“Yeah, yeah, I was kidding. Those social media edits of you two are something else, though—” She pauses abruptly. “Hang on. You said you met him in Canada? You moved back inOctober.”
My parents choose that moment to come home, and then I have three pairs of eyes boring into me.
Trying to project an air of confidence, I stand up straighter. “Yeah. We’re doing long distance for now.”
Eva breaks the silence that’s blanketing the house. “You said his name is Luke, right?”
“Uh-huh. What are you doing?”
She grabs her phone. “Following him on social media. I’m assuming the only Luke you follow is him.”
“Eva, no!” It’s too late.
“Ugh, he has a private account. Show me what he looks like!” she demands.
Chuckling, I open up the album on my phone that automatically collects every photo containing Luke. “Here you go.”
Eva accepts the phone and opens the first picture, which is the one Nils took of us when we visited Gamla Stan. “Aww, you guys are so cute together,” she says. “Wait. This is Stockholm.” Eva puts my phone down. “Hevisited.”
“He visited you?” Dad asks.
“He did. Anyway, what’s new with you, Eva? Are you ready for year-end exams?” My attempt at diverting the conversation is totally weak, but it’s worth a try.
“Not so fast,” says Dad. “I think we all want to know more about Luke.”
I groan. “Why is this turning into an interrogation?”
Mom speaks up. “You were sad and mopey when you came back because you had to leave him, and now we find out that he visited you and that you’re together. Excuse us for being interested.” She’s smiling, even though her words are serious.
Eva gasps, and it’s one of those over-the-top reactions that’s done more for effect than anything else. “You liked him for so long and now you’re finally together! That’s so sweet!” She jumps up and runs over to me, giving me a violent, shaky hug.
“Oh, come on, it isn’t that dramatic,” I counter, even though I know the way Luke and I started dating might be a tad dramatic.
“Wait a second.” Mom pours herself a glass of wine. “Does that mean you’re trying to move back to Canada?”
“Not really. I mean, I wouldn’t turn down an NHL contract, but that’s not on the cards. He’s trying to come here.”
“He’s moving here foryou?” Eva asks.
I scoff. “Hey! What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Well, I’ve always seen you as my sweaty older brother who’d inhale food and plod around the house at strange hours. Not an ideal candidate for a swoony romance.”
“Well, that sweaty older brother has a boyfriend and you’re still single, so shove it.”
“Ugh, fine. For real though, I’m happy you found someone. I thought you never would.”
Taken aback, I look to my parents for support, only to find them nodding along with Eva.
“I’m so glad to find out that myown familyhas such little faith in my dating life,” I grumble.
Mom takes a sip of wine. “Erik, you’re a handsome young man?—”
Eva interrupts. “Yeah, if you ask his fan account.”
“No.” I cut in. “We donottalk about the stupid fan account.”
“What fan account?” Dad asks, and Eva hovers her phone in front of him, presumably with the offending page pulled up. If I have a stalker who wants to murder me, now is the ideal time for them to strike.
