Page 77 of Sapphire

When I open my eyes, my parents look shocked. The moments tick by, and I have to double-check that the internet is still connected as they are so quiet.

“Two men?” Dad finally says.

Mum is still stunned, which is a first.

“Like I said, it’s hard to explain.” I can feel embarrassment creeping over my skin.

“Are they good men?” Dad asks.

“Yes, they are the best,” Gracie interjects. “They look after Zoe like she is their queen.”

I give my sister a smile.

“It’s all very …” Dad trails off.

“Different,” Mum finishes. “I think the word you’re looking for, dear, isdifferent.”

“Yes,different,” Dad mumbles.

“They are amazing men—kind, handsome, smart, loyal.”

Silence filters through the computer again.

“It’s just a little … different,” Mum says again.

“Please, don’t hate me because of this.”

“Sweetheart, we could never hate you. We love you, we always will, no matter the choices you make. It’s unconventional …” She gives me a smile.

“And will we ever get to meet these men?” Dad asks.

“Yes, we’d like to thank them for rescuing you,” Mum adds.

“Traveling isn’t doable at the moment,” I tell them.

“Are they there in the home? Can we meet them now?” Mum asks.

Gracie and I look at each other. She gives me a shrug.

“Now?” This seems a little rushed.

“Yes, now. Why not get everything out on the table,” Mum adds.

“Um, okay, I’ll go grab them.” I jump up out of my seat and run through the house. I find them curled up on the sofa watching TV.

“Is everything okay?” Tomas asks.

“My parents want to meet you … and they know we’re in a relationship together.”

The smiles drop from their faces.

“And?” Tomas asks hesitantly.

“They were shocked, but I think they’re okay. They just want to meet the two men who rescued me.”

They follow me back to Tomas’s office, and I don’t blame them for being a little hesitant.

“Mum, Dad, I would like to introduce you to Mateo and Tomas.”

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