Angel (Fallen Angel, #3)(11)

“Because…” Just do it. Tell them. “Because it’s a man. A bandmate of mine, actually. Viper.”

It was as if someone had pushed pause, because my parents didn’t move a muscle. No blinking, no eye twitching, nothing. They sat frozen, looking at me with blank expressions.

I felt like I needed to say something, anything, so I cleared my throat and continued. “I know this is unexpected—believe me, I was more surprised than anyone. I mean, I’ve never, you know. Dated a…guy. Or looked at one like that, really. But Viper, he’s…he’s…”

“Different?” Mom said, slowly coming out of her shock.

“In more ways than one. But once you get to know him, I swear you’ll fall in love with him too—”

“You’re in love with Viper?” Mom said. “And he’s…in love with you?”

I could feel the heat in my cheeks, but for once I didn’t care. “Yes. And yes.”

“Oh…” Mom began to finger the collar of her shirt again, her other hand still firmly on mine. “Okay.” She looked like she wanted to say more but couldn’t find the words, and then she looked at my dad. “Larry? Is there something you’d like to say?”

“Uh…” He seemed just as dumbstruck as Mom, and a little bit confused. I didn’t think I’d ever seen the two of them so quiet before, and if it hadn’t been such a serious topic, I might’ve laughed. “You’re happy with this…guy?” he finally said.

“I’ve never been happier in my life.” I couldn’t hold back the smile. Viper had flipped my world upside down, inside out, and had made me crazy half the time. But he’d also opened himself up to me and given over a heart that had been long closed off. “He’s amazing. You’ll see.”

My parents looked at each other, and a million words seemed to pass between them, none of which I understood, and then I saw Dad give an almost imperceptible nod before they both turned my way.

“You’ve definitely given us a shock this morning,” Dad said, running his hand through his short curls. “You always dated…well…girls.”

“I know.”

He tapped his fingers on the arm of his chair. “Well, son, if you’re happy, then that’s all we want for you.”

This time, I was the one shocked into stillness, because a ready acceptance was not what I’d been expecting. Hell, I didn’t know what I’d been expecting, exactly. Maybe more of a protest that I couldn’t possibly love a man or be with one? Maybe a few curse words thrown in for good measure?

“I think you’ve shocked him,” Mom said, giving my hand a squeeze. “You okay, sweetie? Want me to get you some tea—”

I lunged forward, wrapping her in a fierce hug, and she let out a surprised chuckle. My eyes burned, and I lowered my head down to her shoulder, keeping my arms locked tight.

She ran a soothing hand up and down my back, letting me hold on for as long as I wanted.

“I love you, Halo,” she said into my hair. “You know we’ll support whatever you do. Whoever you choose.”

I squeezed my eyes shut, willing tears to go away. How was it fair that I was sitting here with both my parents open and willing to accept the person I’d chosen, and Viper’s father hadn’t? How could he have turned away from someone so incredible, to shun them completely because of who they were? I felt lucky, grateful, and relieved all at the same time.

From behind me, a strong pair of arms wrapped around me and my mom, holding us all together.

“We’re here for you, kiddo.” Dad pressed a kiss to my head. “But your mom may have to be the one to help you with the boyfriend advice. Can’t say I know much about it.”

A chuckle escaped as we all sat back up, and I wiped my wet eyes. “Noted.”

“Do we get to meet him?” Mom asked. She brushed at the corner of her eyes and then reached over the couch for a tissue on the end table.

“Viper? Of course. And actually, he’s a big fan of yours.”

Mom’s eyebrows shot up. “Of mine?”

“His mom used to take him to all your concerts. He practically fell over himself when he found out we’re related.”

“Oh, well,” she said, sitting up and smoothing a hand over her hair. “I think I’m beginning to like this Viper boy already.”

I laughed as Dad groaned beside me.

“Flattery will get him everywhere,” he said.

“I’m sure he loves your work too, Dad.”

Dad pretended to straighten his tie. “Well then, I suppose we’ll have to have him over for dinner, won’t we?”

Oh God. Viper was totally in for it whenever he decided he was ready to meet my parents. They may end up adopting him instead.

“I do have one question, though,” Mom said. “Is Viper his real name? Or is it something he calls himself like you did?”

“You’ll have to ask him,” I said.

“You don’t know?”

“I know, but I had to give up my real name, and now that he’s got that info, I don’t want to give him any ammo.”

Mom’s jaw dropped. “What’s wrong with Howard Allen? It’s a lovely name. A mature, handsome name.”