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“Where is your other novio?” Paloma asked. “I’m offended that you would think I’m so close-minded that I wouldn’t accept the fact that you’ve fallen for two men.”
Stunned, Izel’s hand slipped away. He wasn’t the only one. Orion looked as if his eyes would pop out of his head at any second. “For real?”
She waved his confusion away. “My uncle shared his home with two men. My family didn’t bat an eye. They just said he had a lot of passion to share. I grew up thinking it was normal.”
“There’s nothing wrong with it.” Cormac grabbed a plate from the cupboard and helped himself to a large heaping of paella then tossed five churros onto the plate. He sat next to Milly and grinned. “It’s refreshing to see someone else keep you guys in line.”
“He’s upstairs,” Duncan said. “Our relationship isn’t traditional, so Orion feared you would disapprove.”
“Being gay isn’t traditional, but those who frown upon it need to mind their own business,” Paloma retorted. “You’ve made me feel foolish, Orion. You lied to me and thought so little of me that you had to hide your other novio.”
“I’m…I’m sorry, Mom.” Orion looked like he would burst into tears at any second. He was probably still overwhelmed from being yanked into the forest and being at the Slayer’s mercy.
Unable to stand it any longer, Izel stepped out of the room, made sure no one could see him, and materialized. He summoned charcoal-gray slacks, a soft shirt, and stylish boots before he rejoined them.
“What is all the noise?” he asked, feigning ignorance.
“Paloma, this is Izel,” Duncan said. “Our other half, or third, I should say.”
Paloma’s eyes widened as she looked up at Izel. “Mercy. You’re even taller than Duncan.”
“I am six-seven, señora.” Izel bowed slightly, his hand on his chest, and then switched to Spanish. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you. Orion has told me so many wonderful things about you. I have to say, his description of you was not doing you justice.”
“You’re Latino, too?” she asked.
“My lineage is Toltec,” Izel said as he stitched back to English. “My ancestors lived in an isolated village, which, from what I am told, was ruled by a selfish leader who was so power-hungry he abused his eldest son.”
Duncan cleared his throat as Orion looked seconds away from shedding tears. That was not Izel’s intention. He simply told the truth, even if he made it seem as if that had happened to an ancestor instead of him.
“I don’t love that story,” Paloma admitted, “but I do love that you know so much about your family’s history.”
“Family is everything,” Izel replied.
“Great, both of you like laying it on thick,” Orion groaned. “You’ve just made my mom your fangirl, too.”
“Isn’t that better than disapproval?” she asked Orion.
“Way better.” Duncan grinned. “Can I get some of that paella, Paloma?”
“He didn’t share,” Orion told her. “He took his container upstairs and wouldn’t let anyone have any.”
“He shared a tiny portion with me,” Izel said.
“I shared my smaller bowl with three people.” Orion crossed his arms.
Paloma kissed her son’s cheek. “That’s because I raised you right.” She waggled a finger at Duncan, which made Duncan lean back as if she was about to tell him off. Then she smiled. “That’s a huge compliment to my cooking that you wanted it all to yourself. It’s about time I have someone to feed who will eat all of it!”
“I swear I can’t win,” Orion grumbled.
Izel smiled as he slid an arm around Orion. “You win with me.”
“This really is delicious, Paloma,” Cormac said as he piled his plate again.
“I agree,” Milly said. “I’ll have to make you my paella one day.”
“I would love that!” Poloma smiled. “Your kitchen is so much bigger than mine.”
“You are welcome here anytime to cook with me,” Milly offered.
