Page 74 of Snapping the Ice

“One?” Planting my elbow on the desk, I rested my forehead in my fingers. That meant she was placating Maddy. Her heart wasn’t in it. My chest tensed and ached.

“She said if it makes sense to her, she’ll do more. I’m going with her.” She inhaled. “Ezra, it’s a start. She didn’t say no.”

“Okay.” I slumped and sighed. I’d allowed myself to get my hopes up despite knowing better. “When are you going?”

“This weekend. There’s a meeting on Saturday afternoon.”

“Well, let me know what she thinks about it.” It would be easier if I were with Lucas if Mom decided she didn’t like it. I opened my editing software. I could lose myself in other people’s smiling faces and happiness for a while.

“Ezra, she’s struggling with it, but she misses you.”

“Yeah, okay.” How fucking hard was it to accept your kid for who they were? I fisted my hand on the desk. “I need to go. I’ve got work.” And I didn’t want to hear any more.

“Sure. I’ll talk to you soon.” Her breath caught. “Ezra, what’s the latest with Lucas and Tate?”

I blew out a long breath. “Things are great with Lucas, and no, I’ve heard nothing from Tate.” I’d text Stella about that to be sure.

“Okay, good. I’ll talk to you soon, then. Bye.”

“Bye sis, and…thanks.” She was trying so hard. “Love you.”

“Love you too.” The call ended.

I opened my text app.

Ezra

Hi, it’s Ezra. Have you seen Tate around at all?

The dots blinked at me, and I held my breath.

Stella

No, it’s been quiet around here. I’ll let you know if he comes around.

A grin tugged at my lips. Maybe I was finally rid of him.

Ezra

Thank you. I’ll stop by when I’m home this week.

Stella

Looking forward to it

Warmth cradled my heart. She was such a pleasant woman. Too bad my mother wasn’t more like her.

The next few days were uneventful. I worked and spent quiet evenings at home with Lucas and sometimes with Evan. We all clicked, and once I received my test results, I was ready to go bareback with Lucas. Each night in his bedroom brought fresh adventures, and he was eager to try everything.

It was the night of the first home game against the San Diego Giants at Mullett arena and I waited at a back entrance for Jett and Mason. Because of their status, we had to be stealthy about their entrance. I gazed at the faraway mountain behind glass high rises off in the distance and the clear, dark sky beyond.

Mason and Jett, holding hands and looking larger than life in thin sweaters and designer jeans, strolled through the parking lot toward me.

I smiled and breathed in deeply, calming the butterflies inmy stomach. I’d met them over the phone, but this would be more intense. I wished Lucas were here.

“Hey, Ezra.” Mason opened his arms. “Can I give you a hug?”

“Sure.” I stepped into his arms, and he hugged me tightly, then patted my back.