CHAPTERTWENTY
Shane
“You wanted to see me?” Ariel asks.
I called her to work out my feelings. I don’t want to bother the others with this. I’m also confused, so talking to my best friend-slash-boyfriend wouldn’t help. I mean, can I even say that?
“Yeah.” I clear my throat and gesture to the study.
“Ah, I figured this would happen.” She gives me a knowing smile.
“You did?” I take a seat at my desk, and she sits in the chair across from me.
“Snow has been at odds with her feelings as well. I’m not supposed to talk about other clients, but you guys are family, and I won’t say anything. If you need to talk, I’m here.”
“I’m confused.”
“About your feelings for London?” Ariel asks, slightly leaning forward in her seat.
“Yes. Am I gay?” I rake my hand down my face, unsure how to handle the answer to this question.
“Does it matter?” She tilts her head, studying my reaction.
“No. Yes. No.” I’m so damn confused, I don’t even know.
“Love doesn’t have labels.” She sits back, meeting my gaze.
“Then what am I?”
“You’re someone who cares deeply for two people.”
“Isn’t that wrong?” It goes against everything I’ve ever known.
“You can love two people. Or more,” she says with a wave of her hand.
“Won’t people think it’s weird?” I rub the back of my neck nervously.
“Again, does it matter? It shouldn’t. You shouldn’t care what others think. You should enjoy what you have with Snow and London. And as your family, we only want to see you happy. If you’re with two people, so be it. They’re family, too.”
“So, not weird.”
“No, not weird. It’s you.”
“But is it too soon?” I think this might be the real issue. What’s bothering me more than being with two people—Ivy hasn’t been gone that long.
“Ever and I have talked about this. And this isn’t me as a soon-to-be therapist, this is as your friend—you hadn’t been happy for a long time, and we could all see that. If Snow and London make you happy, then we’re happy for you. So, no, it’s not too soon. Listen to your heart.”
I sigh. “Thank you.”
“Anytime. I expect payment in the form of food.” She snorts.
“I knew that would happen. I made a whole bunch of different things you can take home. It must be hard with six people.”
“Ralston doesn’t really eat with all of us. He enjoys the quiet of his garden, and when it’s colder, he likes the greenhouse Linc and Brick built for him.”
“He’s a nice guy. We knew each other when we were younger but went in different directions once we graduated. I’m glad he found his way back to the family. Bring him by sometime when we have a BBQ.”
“I will. He was talking about your rodeo and football days in high school.”