Page 74 of Can't Kiss the Chef

Lola

What in the reality show did I just witness? I’m left in the entryway stunned. All I have to offer is a small smile and way too much cream cheese.

I catch up to Byron right before he storms into what I assume is his childhood bedroom.

When his hand grips the door, I let out a quick, “I’m behind you.” Knowing that if he slammed the door in my face, he’d let the guilt eat him alive. He doesn’t need to add another drop to the emotional rollercoaster he is on right now.

“Oh, hey,” he whispers. I gently place my hand in his. It’s clammy and shakes as I walk him to the bed. I place my hands on his shoulders, and encourage him to sit. When he is settled onthe blue and gray checkered comforter, I make a place for myself between his legs.

“We’ve had an interesting day, haven’t we?” I brush his shaggy blonde hair away from his eyes patiently waiting for him to say something.

Byron wraps his hand around my waist and tugs me into his lap. When I’m firmly settled over one of his legs he drops his head to my shoulder.

“So, maybe surprising my Mom wasn’t the best idea.”

My genuine laugh breaks the tension. I quickly bring my hands to my mouth, not wanting Byron to think his feelings don’t matter to me, especially after how great he was on the car ride down here.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to laugh, I just didn’t expect that to be the first thing that came out your mouth.”

He picks his head up off my shoulder before he runs his thumb over the apple of my cheek.

“Well, I may have been a little shocked to see my parents cuddled up on the couch.”

“You really didn’t know your parents were seeing each other again?”

His thumb freezes on my cheek. Stunned by the fact that he really is shocked by the idea that his parents might be together.

“I hate to break it to you, but I think your parents are dating.”

“What would make you think that?” He’s serious. He’s not fully processing what we just walked into.

“He looked very comfortable in the apartment, and they were cuddling watching TV.”

“Oh my god.”

“When was the last time you’ve seen your dad?”

“Like five years ago. He comes around every few years for a weekend or two, then disappears again.”

I lay my head on his shoulder. His fingers start to wonder up and down my back.

“What do you want to do? I can head to Ivy and Jalen’s if you want to talk to your parents.”

“The conversation won’t be long. Why don’t you stay in here and then we can head over there together,” Byron says wryly.

I wait a few seconds after Byron closes the door before I press my ear to it. I’m not normally one for gossip, but I want to make sure this conversation goes smoothly. He is the human manifestation of a golden retriever and it just feels wrong when he is sad. I really don’t like it.

I can’t hear much, but between the muffled words, I make out a few things.

Byron confirms that he did say he was coming home tomorrow.

That I am Lola, and yes, I’m the same Lola that he was dating last year.

Then, after a few minutes of conversation I can’t make out, Byron gets the confirmation that I think we both suspected. His parents have been dating for the last four months.

The thump of Byron’s Jordan’s against the hardwood is getting louder, so I hurry to resume the position he left me in on his bed.

“How much of that did you hear?” He asks me without any judgment of my assumed eavesdropping.

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