Page 43 of Mason Wilder
Kendall turned toward Mason and nodded. “Of course. That makes sense. The three of you grew up together. How wonderful.”
Muffled voices came from behind the apartment door and the doorknob jiggled. “That’s her now.”
When Tessa and Sindy walked into the apartment, Kendall smiled broadly. She didn’t wait for an introduction and went straight up to Sindy. “You must be Tessa. I love your bright hair. It’s so much fun!”
“I’m Sindy. Lucas’ girlfriend.”
“I’mTessa.” Tessa held out her hand and presented the most adorable smile.
Kendall turned toward Tessa as if she just noticed her in the room. Her head cocked to the side and she studied Tessa while her smile slowly faded. “You’re Lucas’ sister?”
Tessa nodded, her hand still extended in greeting. “Yes. It’s nice to finally meet you, Kendall.”
Mason moved to Tessa’s side and draped his arm over her shoulder as Kendall slowly shook Tessa’s hand, almost in a daze. An uneasy feeling crept over his skin as he watched the odd expression on Kendall’s face.
Kendall looked over her shoulder at Lucas, then returned her gaze to Tessa, clearly confused by their contrasting appearances. Lucas was blond and fair, while Tessa had dark hair and eyes with a glowing olive complexion.
“I know.” Tessa smiled. “We look nothing alike.”
Still lost in thought, Kendall acted as if she didn’t hear Tessa and continued to look back and forth at the siblings. “Is Angel Garcia your father?”
“He’s one of my two dads,” Tessa answered. “My parents have a polyamorous relationship.”
Tessa explained it as if it was the most natural thing in the world, something Mason had seen her do countless times. Her unfailing pride and support for her family continually invoked admiration.
Mason watched as Kendall peered at Tessa, moving closer an inch at a time until it grew uncomfortable and Tessa leaned back to create space between them. He was about to place his hand on Kendall’s shoulder when she gasped and covered her mouth.
“You’re Angel and Jessi’s daughter. Jessi had a baby with Angel?” Kendall blinked rapidly while her mouth opened and closed, as if unable to continue speaking.
Tessa glanced at Mason warily before she replied. “Yes. Angel Garcia is my biological father. Tommy Blade is Lucas’ biological father. Jessi Blade is our mother. I’m Tessa Blade Garcia.”
Kendall’s cheeks turned bright red, and she stumbled over something to say. Her words were a mashup of grunts and syllables.Mason exchanged a confused glance with Tessa, then returned his gaze to Kendall. “Is something wrong?”
Kendall shook her head to clear it and instantly regained her composure. “I’m so sorry. That was rude of me. I just had no idea.” She rubbed her throat as if helping herself to swallow, and then presented a warm smile to Tessa. “Your father and I used to be close. We go way back.”
Tessa paused, clearly uncomfortable with Kendall’s reaction. “Which one?”
“Angel. I’ve known him for a very long time. Since we were both young. Children, really.” Kendall looked back and forth between Mason and Tessa. “You two are a couple. That’s a lovely coincidence. Isn’t it?”
“Not really,” Tessa answered. “We’ve known each other our entire lives.”
“She’s the singer and bass player in Prodigy,” Mason boasted as he pulled Tessa a little closer.
“You sing?” Kendall’s face went blank for a brief moment before she masked it. “I guess that’s no surprise considering the talent your father brandishes. I used to sing. That’s how Angel and I met.” She paused. “Your parents, the three of them . . . are they still together? As a couple?”
Tessa glanced back at Mason again, and he could see her hackles rising. She was fiercely protective of her family. “Yes. They’re married.”
Kendall almost laughed. “How is that possible?”
“They had a civil ceremony before Lucas was born.It may not be legal in a court of law, but they’re married,” Tessa stressed.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Kendall touched Tessa’s arm. “I’m not mocking their ceremony. Not at all. I’m just a little surprised, that’s all. I can’t believe Jessi stuck it out.”
Tessa stiffened and her jaw tightened. “What do you mean, stuck it out?”
“Well, it was just very obvious how much Angel and Tommy loved each other. And Angel is gay. That’s why I’m so surprised about—”
“Stop.” Tessa’s eyes darted to Mason and stayed there for a moment, looking for support, or apologizing for something she was about to say. “You don’t know what you’re talking about. Both of my fathers love my mother, just as much as they love each other. There is no favoritism in my family.”
