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Clearing my throat, I turn away and head down to the elevator. I’m glad he doesn’t tease me about staring because I know that would ruin the night before it even started.
The ride there is spent talking about practice. He’s chatting away, laughing, smiling, holding the conversation all on his own.
I don’t remember the last time I’ve seen him like this. It’s different. But it’s helping to ease the awkwardness between us. If anything, it's like none of that even happened. At least, for him. Maybe, just for tonight, I can forget about it too and just enjoy a night with Toby and my brothers.
“Toby!” Raiden and Isaiah cheer, rushing towards the car as Toby exits.
When he hears them, he runs over to the twins, shouting, “Hey, little dudes!” He picks them both up and spins them around.
I follow after going over to my parents, who are standing by the front door watching Toby with an odd expression. “Hey.”
“Hey, Lillypad. Thanks for watching the boys,” Theo says, giving me a quick hug and kiss on top of my head. “We’ll see you when we get back.”
He heads over to Toby just as he puts the twins down. They go running back into the house, but I stand there and watch as Theo and Toby start having a heated discussion.
“Hey, sweetheart, why don’t you come inside?” Mom suggests, wrapping her arm around my shoulder and urging me toward the front door.
“Oh-okay,” I say hesitantly, my eyes still on Toby. He looks pissed, getting in his dad’s face. “What's that about?”
“Oh, nothing, just boy stuff.”
I love my mom, but is she for real right now? I’m not stupid, and I know when people are keeping things from me. However, now is not the time to be bringing that up.
“Hey, Benny,” I greet my little brother when I find him sitting at the kitchen island eating an apple.
“Lilly!” My heart clenches when I see how happy he is to see me. He gives me a big hug, and I hold him tightly, hoping he always remembers I’m a safe place if he needs it.
“Hey, kiddo,” Chase says, his blond hair styled back.
“Hey, Dad. Are you going to audition to be a part of the band or what?” I giggle at how decked out he is.
“Just looking good, baby girl.” He winks. “Your mom loves it.”
“Eww.” I scrunch up my nose.
“Don’t scar the kid, Chase.” Brody slaps him on the shoulder lightly as he passes.
“Oh, you already have.” I laugh. “No way that doesn’t happen living with a poly family.”
“What happened that made you scarred?” Bennett asks, looking at us.
“If you have to ask, you're lucky kid.” I laugh. “Just... if you hear noises coming from their room, run the other way.”
His face morphs into horror. “Oh, god.” He shakes his head. “Gross!” He takes off running and Chase cackles.
“Sex is a perfectly normal and healthy thing, Bennett!”
“Oh, so you do know what that word means?” I laugh, crossing my arms and giving him a look.
His laughter stops, and he shoots me a glare. “Nope. Don’t know the word. Not when it comes to you. It doesn’t exist and neither does the action. Be good tonight, and no boys over.”
I roll my eyes as he leaves to go join Mom and Rain by the front door.
“That man, I swear he will forever be a man child.” Brody shakes his head.
“You all love it.” I giggle. “And I know Mom wouldn’t change it for the world.” Chase wraps Mom up in his arms from behind, pulling her close, and peppering kisses all over her face. She giggles, smiling wide.
I want that. I want love like my parents have. Every one of their relationships is different but the one thing they all have in common is how madly in love they are with each other.
