Page 72 of Beyond the Hate

“What?” she asks as she releases Paisley. “I’m being welcoming to your girlfriend.”

“She’s not his girlfriend. She’s his special lady friend,” Miles says.

Mom ignores Miles. “It’s lovely to meet you, Paisley. I thought my boys were never going to settle down.”

Paisley stiffens and I rub a hand down her back. I wanted Paisley to meet my family because her family are a bunch of assholes. I didn’t think Mom would jump straight to weddings and babies. She should know better. I don’t plan on ever getting married.

Stuart offers Paisley his hand. “I’m Stuart, Jessica’s husband. Welcome to the mad house.”

“I thought we agreed on the term asylum,” Kai mutters.

Miles rubs his hands together. “Did everyone wear their swimming trunks? I think I’ve decided our first ride isGrotto Rapids.”

“I didn’t bring a swimming suit,” Paisley says.

“Too bad since the rule states you have to go on every ride I go on.”

“And what happens if I don’t?”

“You don’t get to pick a location for your all day birthday celebration.” He points to me. “You can join Mr. Fuddy Duddy. He never celebrates his birthday.”

“What if I want to celebrate my birthday by parachuting out of an airplane?” Paisley asks.

“Awesome,” Kai says. “I think I love you already.”

I growl at him and he raises his hands in the air. “What? Do you not want me to like your special lady friend?”

“I want you to stop referring to her as my special lady friend,” I grit out.

Paisley elbows me. “Why? Am I not special? Am I not a lady? Am I not your friend?”

“You’re as bad as the rest of them.”

“My best friends are Sophia, Chloe, Nova, and Maya. What did you expect?” Her eyes light up. “We should totally ask them to join us.”

“Next time. Today is Miles’ day.”

“Sorry Miles. I didn’t mean to distract from your day in the spotlight.”

“You didn’t. In fact,” his eyes sparkle in challenge, “since you’re not afraid of heights, why don’t we start today’s adventure withKraken’s Drop.”

Kraken’s Dropis a drop tower ride in the shape of a giant sea monster.

“I bet I can ride it more times than you before you vomit,” Paisley challenges.

“You’re on.” They shake hands before hurrying off toward the entrance.

I start to follow but Mom threads her arm through my elbow to slow me down.

“I like her for you, Eli.”

“I like her, too.”

“Good.” She smiles. “I’m glad you’re finally over your fear that no woman will stick around. I was worried you were going to die alone.”

“Eli!” Miles shouts from up ahead. “We need the tickets.”

I grab at the excuse to get away from Mom and her insightfulness.

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