Page 39 of Traitor

"Hey son, happy birthday."

"Thanks, Pop."

"You heard from your siblings yet?"

"I'm sure they have better things to do. I'll talk to them later."

"Hmph, slackers."

"We're excited to see you guys perform!" My mom shouts, much louder than needed. I pull my phone from my ear and cringe.

I got lucky with my parents support of my music. I don't know how they'll feel after I come out to them at the concert, but they've always supported my work.

They've always supported me.

That eases some of my tension. They love me. Maybe it won't be so bad, or they'll come around if it is.

I finish the conversation, and our espressos are gone so we head back for our rental property, much to Echos dismay.

"We're rich! We can Uber!"

"Walking is good for you."

"I wish I was small like Oliver so you could carry me."

I eye him, "I could carry you."

"Then do that!"

"No way! You're not a pocket sized angel, I'll lose my breath before we make it another block."

"You said you can."

"There's a difference between can and should. You can't goad me, Echo Vasilyev."

"You say my name a lot."

"What do you mean?"

"Every other sentence you say to me ends in my name. Like you forget who you're talking to and need the reminder."

I stop walking, turning around to face him. I can't let this line of thought continue for a second. "Maybe the reminder is for you. Maybe I like the way your name tastes. It's like a song. The best one I've ever heard."

"Maybe you need reassurance, and saying your name asserts exactly who I'm talking to when I say I want you. When I say you're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. When I say I love you, Echo."

His eyes glitter in the sun, opening and shutting to push the emotion away.

Echo grabs my sleeve, pulling me to walk again. "C'mon."

"Wait!" Echo says before I can enter my room.

"I'm just going in my room, Echo. I'm not leavin'."

"I know that. Just… come here." He gestures toward his door. "I have something for you." he mumbles

Oh, this I gotta see. I was happy with the cake, which ended up being delicious, but I won't pass up this opportunity.

Two gifts in one day? I must be in heaven.

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