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The thought is a pleasant one, but I know it doesn’t work like that

I half expect mom to ask if I want to speak with round, but she doesn’t

Making a quick excuse to go, she hangs up I guess now it’s my turn to worry about her

“Everything alright?” Michael asks Not turning until I tell him it’s fine

He turns slowly, and taking a seat opposite, heface

The face that tellsto say a word

The face of a man ants to tell both my parents all about us

No secrets

No hiding

Just open, honest, and wholeso

Probably like they had in the good old days

Crap

Chapter Twenty

Michael

I was going to keep o check on the beach where those punks were es that

I take a seat opposite her, studying her for a ’s okay with her and her mom

Then I have to ask her the obvious question The one she keeps hinting at when it comes to herself

“Are you asha her expression shift instantly

“Of course not,” she says without hesitating

Turning down the sides of my mouth, I nod

I didn’t think she was

“And you know I’ht?” I ask, just so we’re clear

I watch her s hard because she knohere I’ with all this

“Michael…” she says, but I hold up my hand

“I’m not ashamed of you at all Natasha Yes, I’ll admit I’ll crush anyone who looks at you funny or disrespects you in any way And I’m in no way ashamed to be seen with you” I inform her calmly

“So… why do you want to keep me a secret from your mom, from your family?” I ask