Page 548 of End Game

“That's kind of the point.”

Another pause.

“I don't want to sleep with them, if that's what you're asking.”

“I wasn't going to ask that.”

“You were thinking it.”

“I was not.”

“You absolutely were.”

Her embarrassed silence confirms it.

I smile. “I'm straight, Mom.”

“I know.”

“But straight doesn't mean emotionally unavailable to every man on earth.”

“I didn't say that.”

“Ronan has been one of my closest friends for years. Micah is family. Dex is…” I watch him slide the rest of the way off the couch and hit the floor with a muffled curse. “Dex.”

I laugh.

“What are you laughing at?”

“He fell off the couch.”

“Is he alright?”

“Unfortunately.”

Mom laughs.

The sound loosens something in me.

“I want them happy,” I continue. “I care who they're with. I care if they're okay. They care if I'm okay.”

Her voice softens. “I think that's the part I don't understand.”

“Then come see it.”

“What?”

“Sunday. Early dinner.” I glance around the house again. “Come over. Luke too.”

“To meet everyone?”

“You've technically met Ronan before.”

“Have I?”

“That answers that question.”

She laughs. “I know who he is.”