Page 150 of Clean Slade
“Wait, what? So you don’t want to meet them?” I asked.
Why were they being so weird? And where the hell were they? Even if they were in Central Park, there would be a hint of the metropolis they lived in behind them.
“Sure we do,” he said and hung up.
“What the hell? I don’t know what’s gotten into them.”
I looked at both King and Mac in utter disbelief. So much for the big moment to bring us all together.
“Hm…maybe something happened, and they couldn’t—” King started when the doorbell rang. “Couldn’t talk.” He finished his sentence and got up. “Grams probably forgot something.”
He left the kitchen and went to answer the door, and I turned to Mac.
“I swear they’re better than that,” I told her.
“It’s okay, Slade. Maybe next time they’ll be nicer.”
They better, or there would be hell to pay.
“Um…Slade.” King returned to the kitchen, looking both sheepish and amused. “Someone’s here to see you.”
As he walked in, another man followed behind him. And then a woman.
“Mom! Rhett! What-what are you doing here?” I sprung from my chair and looked around in disbelief.
Had I fallen asleep? Was this a nap dream?
“Taking matters into my own hands.” Mom raised an eyebrow, putting a few bags on the table before turning and grabbing King’s hands. “You must be the boyfriend!”
“I am. I’m King,” King smiled.
“Oh yeah. Mom, Rhett, King, Mac,” I pointed at everyone.
Mom drew in a breath and pulled him into her arms with a big smile.
“You’re real. Hallelujah!” she exclaimed.
“You thought I wasn’t?” King laughed.
“I was starting to have doubts.” She let go of him but cupped his cheek and gave him a full body check. “You’re quite the catch, aren’t you? Although very skinny. Doesn’t my son feed you?”
King chuckled and shook his head.
“Clearly not enough.”
“And you, you must be my new granddaughter!” Mom turned to Mac, and Mac waved at her.
“I’m real too.”
Everyone laughed.
Everyone but me.
I still had no idea what was going on.
“Look at you, gorgeous girl. Welcome to the family.” Mom pulled her into her arms as Rhett shook King’s hand.
“Sorry. She’s a major drama queen sometimes,” he whispered.
