Yes, she also said a few other things, but her “Can’t wait for tomorrow, baby” had me beaming at the screen. The happy look faded as soon as I saw my family’s confused, yet slightly amused expressions.
“Hay fever?” Cameron asks, his Australian accent thick as he addresses everyone but me.
“Maybe. There’s definitely something wrong with his head so it has to be fever-related,” Leonard chimes in, and I think about flipping both of them off for a moment.
“No, there is only one logical explanation,” James says, bouncing his son on his knee. “This isn’t Adrian. The real Adrian was kidnapped, and we have some kind of shapeshifter in front of us.”
Oh my fucking God, they can’t be serious. I smiled at my goddamn phone, it’s not a big deal. Even if it is. Even if I’m a completely different man when it comes to love and romance now.
“Careful, boys, this shapeshifter can do more than put on the face of the most handsome man on planet Earth,” I say, and they all let out a laugh that sends a wave of happiness through me.
“At least he’s still as arrogant as before, maybe more so now after convincing one of the most beautiful and fascinating people in the world that dating him was a good idea,” Cameron adds, and I roll my eyes at all of them.
I don’t understand why it’s so surprising that Nevaeh would choose me… am Ithatwrong for her? I don’t think so. I hope not. I’ve done everything in my power to give her the world so far, but maybe it’s my way of lying to myself. Maybe I’m just wrong in every way, and I’ve managed to convince everyone I’m not. Oh God, my brain hurts from overthinking the most ridiculous things.
Nevaeh is happy with me. I’m good for her as long as I keep her this way. Right? Fuck. Relationships are so stressful.
“Oh no, now he’s thinking. Don’t hurt yourself, mate,” Cameron says, and I stand up, walking into my kitchen while they chuckle at my expense.
Why the hell did I invite them over again? Oh yeah, I missed them. Silly me.
“Come on now, Adrian, don’t pout. We’re glad you managed to rip yourself out of Nevaeh’s arms long enough to spend some time with us,” Leonard explains, and, although I want to tell him how ridiculous that is, he’s right.
I haven’t given them much of my time. They’ve asked me to, but I had no interest in leaving my girlfriend’s side. I still don’t, but she put the phone into my hand a few days ago, dialed James’ number, and told me to have a night with my friends. I tried to argue that she’s also my friend and should stay, but then she told me about her family visiting and Val inviting them all over for dinner.
If anyone is ever going to be a threat to my relationship with Nevaeh, it’s my sister. I’d laugh at the thought if it weren’t an actual concern at this point.
“Yeah, I’m hooked. I like her so much, it fucking hurts to be away from her. The last time I checked, every single one of you feels the same, except James of course,” I add the last part with an apologetic smile, but he shrugs off my comment, looking into his son’s eyes with a warmth like no other. He’s also holding his ears closed because I’m swearing, and he doesn’t want his son to adopt that “filthy” habit, as he put it.
“We do feel the same,” Gabriel says, grinning now. “Which is why we’re teasing you. It’s too much fun when we know how accurate our jokes are.” I roll my eyes again.
“Can we get to the part of this evening I invited you all for?” I ask, settling back down in my chair. Five sets of eyes are on me again, and I let out a long, hard sigh. “Fine, you freaking butt faces, ask your god darn questions,” I say, and James gives me an appreciative smile.
The rest of the group has curiosity spilling onto their faces like blush would on Nevaeh’s cheeks. Cameron is the first to speak.
“Are you actually making plans for your future with her? I remember you telling me that’s the last thing you’d ever want with someone.” Fuck no, I’m going to have to tell them corny shit, don’t I? No, I don’t. I’ll answer, but my cheesiness is only meant for Nevaeh.
“Yes, I am.” Three words, enough to answer his question, but he pries because he knows he can.
“One kid? Two kids? Five? None? Settle down here in Monaco or somewhere else? Big wedding or small ceremony? Big house or small apartment? Any pets?” Man, he’s annoying.
So why the hell do I answer all of this?
“However many kids Nevaeh wants. Wherever Nevaeh wants to grow old. The biggest or smallest ceremony she could ever dream of. A mansion or a shoebox, anywhere with her. Lots of pets because she loves animals. Happy?” None of them expected me to give them this much, to be so vulnerable without hesitation.
“Son of a bench, you’re in love,” Leonard says, and panic creeps into my chest.
“No, I'm not,” I argue, even though I have no idea how to describe what I feel. It’s more than like, but I’ve never been in love before, so how the hell would I know what it feels like? “Am I?” I find myself asking. All four men across from me look at each other before bringing their gazes back to me.
“Only you can answer that question,” Gabriel says, but Leonard snorts.
“Of course, you’re in love, you idiot. It’s so obvious.” I let out a pretend shocked gasp.
“No need to get so rude,” I say and place a hand on my chest in mock offense. Leonard scowls at me, but the familiar half-smile he’s given me for years tugs at the right side of his mouth.
“Alright now, let’s give Adrian what he wants. We came here for game night, not to tease him about his sappy behavior,” Gabriel says, but Cameron snorts.
“Speak for yourself. I’ll do both, you’ll see.”
