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Regardless of my decision, I had to come clean with Alessandra and Smith.

Chapter Eighteen

Demetrius

“You texted your sister about moving?” I sat across from Keegan and Cody in the latter’s office. The bright-blue paint reminded me of the lake, and the painted forest scene could’ve felt juvenile—except it didn’t. The entire room reflected the nature just outside the windows.

“You didn’t say I couldn’t.” Keegan held my stare.

For about ten seconds.

Then he looked away.

“Sure…but…” I gazed beseechingly at Cody.

Who offered a sympathetic smile. “I think what your dad is trying to say, Keegan, is that he would’ve preferred to speak to your sister first.”

I nodded. “She was supposed to be out of touch for another two days.” I thought I had two days to figure out what to say. How to broach this subject.

Well, I actually thought I had six days because I’d wanted to do this in person. More fool me for thinking Keegan wouldn’t jump the gun.

He raised his chin. “I just wanted to find out what she thought. I didn’t say weweremoving here.”

“Maybe not.”

Memories of Alaina’s call returned to me with full force. Heroh God, this is the best news everstill ringing in my ear.

“I still believe it should’ve come from me. I am, supposedly, the adult in this relationship.”

Both Cody and Keegan smiled.

Undoubtedly for different reasons.

“Dad…” Keegan sighed. “I just wanted to ask her what she thought.”

“You attempted to influence her.”

He shook his head vigorously. “I didn’t. I swear. I just said she’d be near Glynnis and wouldn’t that be awesome?”

“She’s eleven, Keegan. Of course being near her best friend would beawesome.But there are serious issues that I, as the adult, need to work out. It’s not as simple as packing a bag and moving fifty miles.”

“Dad…” Keegan gave me what I thought of as his puppy-dog eyes. Something I was entirely powerless to ignore—try as I might.

“Yes?”

“I know there is grown-up stuff. Like where will we live and which school will we go to and…” He flailed his arms.

“Selling the old condo, arranging school records, finding extra-curricular programs Alaina will like, figuring out if moving to the Bible Belt of Cedar Valley is really the best thing for you.” I eyed Cody.

He smiled. “Life isn’t perfect anywhere. And just because Cedar Valley—and Mission City—has plenty of religious folk”—his smile didn’t waver—“of all faiths, I might add, doesn’t mean LGBTQ people aren’t as safe as in Vancouver. There are bigots everywhere.”

“And bullies.” Keegan raised his chin—daring me to argue.

“Vancouver has more resources.”

“Cody says I can keep seeing him. That there’s a group of kids at the high school who are queer or queer-friendly. There are a lot of good things here.” He blinked. “I like the friends I’ve made. You can work from anywhere—”

“Keegan.”