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That response seems to shock him.
“Oh my god! Was that insensitive? I didn’t mean it that way, I swear. I only meant that periods are theworst.”
He continues to stare, and my big mouth literally will not shut up. My brain is yelling at me to stop, but it won’t. The words just continue flying out of my mouth because awkward silence isnotmy thing.
“Okay, so forget that I said that. Anyway, how was the flight? I planned to make dinner for all of us tonight and get the stuff for a traditional Italian pasta my mother used to make. Then I realized I forgot to ask if you have any allergies or intolerances, and I never even thought to ask Adrian, so I have no idea if it’s going to be good enough. If it’s not, then that’s totally fine. I just need you to tell me so I can get something ordered in for dinner. This recipe contains a lot of cheese. Please don’t tell me Adrian is vegan. I have no idea how to cook vegan food.”
I take a deep breath feeling like a bug under a microscope right now with how he’s staring at me.
“What?” I finally ask, a little too loud when he still doesn’t say anything.
“I just told you I used to be a girl, and your first thought was to be jealous I could no longer have periods. Then your next biggest concern was dinner?”
His stunned expression has me confused.
“Yes. Is that not normal?”
“No.”
When he doesn’t elaborate, I babble some more because that’s what I do. I figure they are going to need things while they are here and jump right into the logistics.
“Anyway this side of the house does have its own kitchen, I had a few things I know you like stocked in the fridge and pantry but, again, I am an awful host who didn’t even ask about Adrian. We can have things ordered here or do a grocery run. Did you guys get a car while you’re here or do you need one? We have a few to go around, but Havoc is very picky about who drives his Aston Martin. And my G-Wagon is off limits unless it’s an emergency, but–”
“Laney.” Akio’s tone catches me off guard. His posture is stiff, and I feel like I’ve offended him.
“If you really want to drive the Aston Martin, I bet Havoc will let you if you just–”
My words are cut off when Akio wraps me in a tight hug. Not a simple friend hug. He crushes me to his chest like I’m a floatation device meant to save him from the rough sea.
When he pulls back, more tears are in his eyes.For F’s sake, why do I keep making this poor man cry. I am awful at this.
“Thank you,” he breathes.
“For what?” He doesn’t have to be this thankful over a car. I honestly don’t even know if Havoc will let him drive it.
“For not saying that I’m a complication. That my confusion has gotten too deep into my head. Or any of the other bullshit lines I have heard from the people who knew me before I transitioned.”
Now, it’s my turn to be shocked.
“You thought I wouldjudgeyou?”
Akio looks away from me, but I march right up to him and punch him in the shoulder. He winces as he looks down at me. “What was that for?”
“That was because ever since you called, I have been fuming. Like worse than a freaking volcano because someone judged you. Half of these chocolates were made when I threw things around the kitchen, ready to go to war because someone daredto call your identity one of confusion. And you thought I wouldjudgeyou? Do you not even know me?”
I look around and more of his thoughts become clear.
“You told Adrian not to bring the bags in until you talked to me, didn’t you?”
Now he looks kind of afraid.Good. He should be.
“Possibly.”
“Akio!” I have to take a breath so that I don’t storm out of the room. “Akio, I love you for exactly who you are. Nothing about that will ever change.”
His chin wobbles, and I step close enough to touch his face.
“You are welcome here for as long as you want to stay. Everything about you is welcome here.”
