---- Book 1 Chapter 23 Book 1 Chapter 23 Chapter 23 Thelped my mother prepare dinner while Eli and Cyrus were playing at the table with Maya, and I was a little surprised to see how good they were with her, not like their usual intimidating selves I was so used to. They almost looked relaxed; Eli definitely did while he drew on some paper alongside her, Cyrus commenting on her artwork but more or less just reading a magazine my mother had left out as he flicked through the pages. Helping my mother, I dumped the onion and mushroom into the frypan with some butter. Then I realized I hadn't asked if they were allergic to anything. The last thing I needed was one of them dropping dead on my floor. Just as I went to ask, my mother did, having the same thought. Do you have food allergies? Cyrus grinned at her question, like he thought 1t was funny. No, Debbie, no allergies. Want a hand? he asked. 1/7 ---- Book 1 Chapter 23 No, we are alright, she said, turning back to me and chucking the mince 1n the pan. I turned the other element on, and she dropped the pasta in a pot of water, placing it on the stove before whispering to me. They seem very attached to you. Are you sleeping with them, too? Mom! I whisper-yelled at her, knowing they could possibly overhear her. No, I am not. l was just asking, geez. You know I dont care. They are both fine-looking men, she said, and I snorted. I looked over my shoulder at them and found Cyrus had a sly smile on his face he was trying to conceal. How old are they? she asked, and I chuckled, shaking my head. Are you asking for me or yourself? I replied, and she elbowed me and giggled. Elijah is 33, Cyrus said behind us, and now I knew he'd overheard my mothers not-so-quiet whispers. I looked over my shoulder at him and noticed Eli was 2/7 ---- Book 1 Chapter 23 gone with Maya before I heard Shimmer Shine on the TV. Maya is showing him some cartoons, he answered when I looked toward the hallway. You seem very open with your mother, Cyrus said, and my mother turned around to face him. Yes, we are very close, she told him. Would you have a problem with her being in a relationship with two men? he asked curiously. Nope, as long as she is happy, I dont care who she is with, she answered. Cyrus smiled at her and gave her a nod while I gaped at him. Told you, she said, nudging me with her elbow just as Eli walked back and sat at the table. What happened? he asked, looking at Cyrus, missing half the conversation. Cyrus shook his head before looking at my mother. We were asking her about this person, Sam. Do you know him? he asked. God, he was a daring asshole. I wanted to smack him. 3/7 ---- Book 1 Chapter 23 Yes, lovely guy. Bit of a player, though, she answered. She liked Sam but knew he only called me when he was in town and looking for bedroom comforts. Mom, they are my bosses, I squeaked. What? He asked. I ain't going to lie to him, and by the looks on their faces, they dont think of you just as an employee, she answered. God, please let the floor open up and swallow me. I internally facepalmed and cringed at her words. They are married to each other, I stated. They are gay? she asked, shocked. Damn, the hot ones are always gay, she said, making me chuckle. We aren't gay. What's the term they use? Bisexual? Cyrus asked, looking to Eli for confirmation. So, then what's the deal with my daughter? Surely I didnt imagine your interest in her, my mother asked, now confused. We like your daughter, Mrs. Paisley, Eli said, and 4/7 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!