Page 96 of Tongue-Tied
Mom’s eyes soften. “So you two are officially dating?”
“We are,” I say proudly. “And I’m terrified but also so happy. The best part is that I still get to keep my best friend in the process.”
Mom claps and grins. “I’m thrilled for the two of you! Do your parents know yet, Austin?”
Austin’s face is flushed, which means he’s slightly embarrassed but also relieved. And that makes my heart balloon.
“I texted my parents last night, and they’re happy for us too.”
They also told us they’re not surprised.
“Guess we’re both lucky to have such supportive parents,” I tell Mom, and her smile says it all.
“You boys be good to each other.”
Once the call ends, we get in line for the bouncer at Shenanigans. That gives us enough time to process everything Mom told us.
Austin reaches for my hand and entangles our fingers. “I’m so thrilled your mom made those choices.”
“Me too.” Part of me wonders if Mom’s newfound outlook on relationships will last, but at least it’s a step in the right direction. And one she’s never taken before—at least not that I’ve heard of. If she continues to surround herself with supportive coworkers and friends, she just might buckle down and work on herself for a change. I was going to recommend she see a therapist too, but that’s a discussion for another day.
“I’m proud of you too, you know,” Austin says close to my ear.
“For what?”
“For setting boundaries with your mom. That must be hard.”
“It is.” Whether or not I’ll stick to them remains to be seen. Had the conversation not taken the turn it did, I might be feeling pretty glum right now. “But I feel so much lighter. Maybe the two of us can work on our relationship too.”
“So that you’re not always in the parent role?” Austin asks, and I stifle a gasp, not having realized he was aware I felt that way.
“Yeah.” I blow out a breath.
“It’s time to let someone take care of you for a change.”
“Oh yeah? How exactly do you plan to take care of me?” I ask in a flirty voice.
“Guess you’ll have to wait and see.” Austin winks, and I admit I like this confident side of him. The introverted side too. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
When we get inside and head toward the stage, Kael flags us over. “It’s about time the two of you got here.”
Milo smirks and throws us a knowing glance.
“Bruh, why do I have a feeling you two have been ragging on us this whole time?”
“Guess you need to get here on time to know for sure,” Kael teases. “Better hurry and sign up before the list fills up.”
I find Austin’s ear. “You don’t have to join me tonight if you don’t want. I know how much socializing takes out of you. I’m just happy to be out with you and, later, go home with you.”
“Damn, you’re good to me.” He pecks my lips. “I’m willing to do one song, and this time, I’m gonna choose it.”
I smile as I watch him go off to sign us up and select the music. I’m going to guess that this time, we’re not going to struggle through an Adele song.
We chat with Milo and Craig for a while and make fun of Carson pretending to look cool on an air guitar next to the girl he brought along on a karaoke date. She’s laughing instead of rolling her eyes, so I guess that’s a good sign.
We cheer loudly and act like idiots when Kael and Angelica take their turn, and then we’re on deck. I’m suddenly nervous, wondering what Austin chose. Hopefully, it’s not some sappy ballad they play at wedding receptions. One I’ve heard way too many times. If Austin and I ever get married, I will veto the kind of reception I’m stuck working.
To my utter surprise, Austin chose something upbeat but totally cheesy. It’s a 90s hip-hop song by the Kris Kross duo.