Page 84 of Complete Me

“What? It’s a legitimate question, given that you emphasized romantically.”

I rub my temple. Is it any wonder that I find Bjorn’s sense of humor annoying and endearing at the same time? “Okay, I’m in a relationship in every sense of that word. Romantically, physically, sexually, spiritually, whatever. We’re together.”

“So, a throuple.”

I stop my pacing. “How do you even know that term, Mom?”

“Xander, I have Facebook and Instagram. I follow people.”

Oh, dear god. “I love you, Mom, but I don’t want to know. Anyway, now that I’m sticking around this part of Seattle, I’ll be moving in with Bjorn. Kaino says they’re still not ready, and we respect that, but I am. So I’ll give my landlord notice and be out in about a month. I’ll be sure to send you the address.”

“Dear, don’t be angry when I ask, but since we hadn’t heard anything, we assumed things hadn’t panned out with Bjorn or Kaino.” I am such a bad, bad son. “So, how long have you been together?”

“Ten weeks.” I try not to sound defensive. I’m a grown-ass man, and I can determine when something is right for me. There’s no timeline for knowing that. And I’m in a throuple, for god’s sake. Who cares if nothing about this relationship is typical?

“And when do we get to meet them?”

That’s it? No judgment? No comments about it being too soon? Sagging with relief, I accept the gift of her silence on the subject. “Um, I don’t know. But I’ll ask them as soon as we hang up and give you a call this weekend.” The timing is good for a meetup. I’m off on summer break, and Bjorn is between careers. The only one we’d need to coordinate with is Kaino.

Bjorn steps up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist. “Ask us about what, babe?”

I glance around and see Kaino sitting on the back of the couch. “My parents want to meet you.”

“So put them on video chat. They can meet us now. Though I met them once before.” A very long time ago.

I glance at Kaino, who nods. “Hey Mom, I’m going to switch to video chat so everyone can say hello.” Without waiting for a reply, I pull the phone from my ear and hit the video icon. There’s a sound of fumbling on the other end, and then my mom’s face appears. She’s a beautiful woman, with long white and silver hair, light blue eyes like mine, model cheekbones, and the kindest smile you’ll ever see. “Hi, Mom.”

She beams at us. “Oh my, that looks like trouble.”

I snort. “You’re not kidding. Anyway, you remember Bjorn.” I gesture to him.

My mother’s eyes sparkle, and she nods. “I certainly do. It’s nice to see you again, Bjorn.”

“Good to see you again, Pia.” She moves the phone to include my father. “Anker, good to see you again, too.”

My father waves. “Hello, Bjorn.” He points at the screen. “And by process of elimination, you must be Kaino. It’s very good to meet you.”

Kaino raises their hand in greeting. “Good to meet you both.”

There’s a sparkle in my mother’s eyes that has me preparing for who knows what. “I’d say we’ve heard a lot about you, but Alexander has kept your relationship very hush-hush. But I’m happy to know that he’s found such polite and handsome partners.” She winks. “They are very good looking, Xander.”

“Mom.” At forty-one, I should be past being embarrassed by my parents. They’re really good at it, though.

She waves me off. “Hush, Xander. Let me enjoy this moment.” Her eyes get a little watery. “My baby is all grown up.” She presses her fingertips to her lips and then fans her face.

Good grief. I guess moms being emotional over their children never ends either. “Anyway, I love you guys.”

“We love you too, son. Your mom’s a little verklempt at the moment, but in a good way. She’s feeling all her feelings right now.” I snort because that’s something my mom would say. “Maybe give us a call when you know about your schedule, and we’ll figure out timing.”

Before I can reply, Bjorn cuts in. “Timing for what? Are you guys coming out to visit? You’re more than welcome. You could even stay here. There’s plenty of room.”

The gesture is so sweet, and totally Bjorn, and I’m blaming that for what I blurt out next. “I could give you a tour of the campus. And you could meet Bjorn’s siblings.”

My father’s grin is wide, and he winks at my mother. “We’d love that, son. I’ll have a talk with your mom, and we’ll figure out a date and let you know.”

“Sounds great, Dad. We should go, though.”

My dad chuckles. “We don’t need details. Have fun. Bjorn, Kaino, it was very nice to meet you. We’ll do that again in person soon. Love you, son.”

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