Page 95 of Snapping the Ice

After lunch, I’d texted Mason and set up a call with him and my parents. This call caused me the most anxiety. I hurried into my apartment and shut the door behind me.

“Dude, how the hell did you manage to fuck up your first day in the NAPH?” Snorting a laugh, Evan sat at the dinette, his laptop open on the table. “You’re all over these blogs. And your Instagram stalker, Brittany? She’s furious.”

“Fuck her. I have bigger things to deal with. I have to talk to my parents.” As a wave of panic rolled over me, my knees buckled. Fuck, get a grip, Lucas. I strode into the main room and sank into the couch.

Evan’s smile fell. “Let me know if I can do anything. Seriously, man.”

Raking my fingers through my hair, I held my phone to my face. “Just be quiet while I have this call.” We were doing it over FaceTime. I called Mason.

The phone picked up, and Mason’s face entered the screen. “Little dude, guess us Hopkins like to make a bang when we hit the NAPH.” He snickered.

“Mason, he’s been through enough today. Don’t chirp on him.” Jett’s voice carried through the connection.

“Aw, come on.” He scoffed. “Let me add Mom’scell to this call. I told them about the bullshit Tate pulled, so you don’t have to rehash that nightmare. But fuck, I almost lost my hearing when I spoke to them earlier.”

“What? Why?” Was Mom upset about this? The phone rang and Mom and Dad came into view in a single box, the kitchen cupboards showing behind them.

“Lucas? Are you gay like your brother?” Mom, her graying dark hair cut at her shoulders, arched a brow.

Dad scoffed, rubbing his eyes under his thick black glasses.

“Way to go, Mom. I told you to let him talk.” Mason huffed.

“I uh…” Fuck, here we go. “I’m bisexual. I’ve never been with a guy before Ezra.” My heart thumped into my ears. Was she upset? She hadn’t been upset about Mason.

“Oh, okay.” She pursed her lips. “So, do you love this boy?”

“Jennifer, he’s probably just experimenting.” Dad turned his head, his profile showing.

“Oh, boy…” Mason rolled his eyes.

“I’m not experimenting. I love him. We have plans to move in together when…when I’m permanently playing with the Cardinals.” I glanced at Mason, his face reddening. I knew that look. He was getting pissed.

“Oh…” Mom set her hand on Dad’s shoulder. “Scott, we need to be supportive here.”

“Yeah, Dad. Lucas is already under enough pressure from that asshole Tate.” Mason growled. “This isn’t Lucas’s fault. He planned on doing this the proper way.”

Dad’s face came into view. “Yeah, okay. It’s just a shock.” Dad shifted his gaze. “I didn’t expect this from Lucas. You, Mason, fuck, I don’t know.” He rubbed his forehead.

“Yeah, I know. I’m special.” Mason gave a toothy grin. “Anyhow, let’s move this along. Lucas has shit to do.”

“Lucas? I love you, dear. You know you have our support.”A warm grin crept over Mom’s mouth. “And let us know when we can meet this fine young man.”

“I will, Mom.” I forced a smile. “He’s a great guy, you’ll see.” Boy, this would surprise the hell out of him when I saw him.

CHAPTER 20

EZRA

After spending the day at the botanical gardens in Phoenix, taking pre-wedding shots of a bride and groom, I sat at my desk, editing a few of the photos. Today, the sun was strong, and the bride had insisted on standing under trees. I hoped I could fix some of this lighting with my editing software.

Pounding split through the studio. My eyes burst open. Fuck, was it Tate? Who else would knock that hard?

“Ezra? Open up. It’s Lucas.”

“Oh, shit.” I jumped from my chair and ran to the door. Had something happened? It had to for him to be here instead of calling. I flung the door open. “What’s wrong?”

He threw his arms around me and hugged me to his chest, burying his head in my neck. “Fuck, I love you.” He kissed my cheek and freed me.