Chapter 80

That had sounded great on paper. He hadn’t predicted how hard it would be in reality.

“Um,” Jo said. “Are you going to do this, or are we going to stand in the kitchen while your mother and Declan think we’re making out?”

He winced. “Sorry. I think what I’m about to say will clear up any doubts your boy might have.”

“I think so, too, but if you’re going to do it, maybe…”

He laughed. “Maybe hurry it up?”

“Yeah.”

Terrell hugged her. He likedhaving a person who knew the real him. He wanted a whole lot more of that. He was tired of showing people only small pieces of his life. A boyfriend who could never come home and meet his mom. A mother who liked fantasizing about how he’d meet a nice girl one day and impress her with his cooking. A cousin who wondered why he knew so much about queer theory, but didn’t question him too hard about it. It was time to bring his worlds together.

He nodded toward one of the mixing bowls. “Grab that salad, will you?”