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“I’m getting better at remembering to take it with me. Now I have to remember to check messages.”
“Baby steps.”
“Jack, did you already season this?” one of their friends called.
“Uhh…yes? Maybe not enough.”
“I’m going to let you get back to your cooking party.”
“I’m glad you came to see me. I’ve been worried.” They sighed. “I should have known you’d be okay. Even though I’m not your ‘therapist’ anymore, you’re welcome here anytime, just like before. You’re the best thing that’s ever happenedto me, Loïc Leduc.”
I pressed my lips together, unsure of what to say. “I wouldn’t have made it this far if it wasn’t for you.”
“If you have your heart set on Valor and Tarryn, they should count themselves lucky, but if they don’t want to pursue things, you need to walk away.”
“I know.”
Saying that, it was hard not to think about the fact that I had marked them both permanently as mine without even asking them. Jack would thoroughly disapprove.
“Can you stay for dinner while we have our meeting? I know the others have been wanting to meet you.”
I grimaced, bemused. “Me? Why?”
“Because I’ve told them how cool you are.”
“Why are you lying to your friends?”
“Oh, Loïc. Just come and meet them.”
“Do I have to act like a normal person?”
“Do any of us look like we expect that from you, or from each other for that matter?”
True. Between their colorful plumage, piercings, tattoos, and odd clothing choices, maybe I’d fit in here without faking too much.
“What’s for dinner?”
“I think they’re making tofu stir-fry for tonight.”
“I’ve never eaten tofu before. What kind of meat is that?”
Jack cackled. “Tofu isn’t meat.”
“Vegan. Right.”
“I’m glad you remember at least some of the things I tell you.” They got to their feet and hauled me up, urging me toward their friends.
Jack’s friends introduced themselves. Their joking and camaraderie were disarming, and soon I felt like part of the group rather than a guest. It reminded me of being at my brother’s house, but with more people.
I relaxed and enjoyed the evening, ecstatic Jack had a family to thrive in, rather than being lonely between my self-serving visits.
Much later, on my way out, I dropped a billfold of cash behind their couch, making sure no one noticed. When Jack found it in a few days, they’d be irritated, but that was okay. They’d know it meant that I loved them.
Chapter Eleven: Loïc
Every child Minnow Solis-Leduc creates is a gift to the future of humanity.
I love each one of them dearly.
