Page 108 of The Fake Divination Offense
“No,” I snap. “No, he’s not fighting anyone.” For fuck’s sake. “I’ve already handled the press. We’re good to leave. It’s done.”
Bel looks up at me, defiant. “Someone hurt you.On purpose. Maybe I want to hurt him.On purpose.”
I swear lovebirds circle my mom’s head.
“Oh, Orok,” she coos. “You’ve picked a good one.”
I clamp my jaw shut.
Well.
I wanted my parents to like the first person I ever introduced them to, didn’t I?
Chapter Fourteen
We have reservations to grab a late lunch at a place within walking distance of my apartment, so I’m able to lure my mom and Bel away from any fight challenges by reminding them that we’ll be late. My mom, especially, doesn’t want to miss the photo op.
Photographers pack the sidewalk in front of the restaurant. Which makes it easier to remember there are parts of this that need toremainstaged. Bel’s identity, of course; but also my true feelings about Urzoth.
We’re seated at a table by the window. Bel pulls the chair out for me and I flex my good hand at him.
“Still got a few functioning appendages, sweetheart.”
He sticks his chin up. “I’m allowed to baby you. You got hurt. Sit your butt down.”
Mom and Dad, already seated across from us, watch this exchange in horror. Well, Mom watches it in horror; Dad’s studying the menu like it’s a fascinating read.
“Alexo,” Mom says through her teeth, then smiles, remembering the cameras. “Orok isn’t reallyhurt.” She gives me a look. “I can’t believe you’re clinging to this charade, Orok. What is this doing for your image? For Urzoth’s image?Take off the sling.”
I sit, and Bel follows me into his own chair, his face wound with barely repressed anger.
I refuse to let dangerous lulls in the conversation happen. “Mom, I didn’t actually introduce you. This is Alexo. Alexo, this is my mom, Ghorza, and my dad, Dave.”
Mom gets a knowing smile on her face. “And Alexo is your…?”
I take Bel’s hand under the table.
“I moved into Orok’s apartment,” Bel offers.
“Oh yes, Orok told methat.” Mom bats her hand. “I meant what label are you using now. I don’t see a ring?”
Bel makes a strangled squeak.
“Mom,” I say, and she shrugs.
“What? You need to lock this one down, Orok. He’s so much better for you than Sebastian.”
I bristle. “Seb and I were never together. And there’s nothing wrong with him.”
Mom hums, unconvinced, and opens her menu with a flourish.
Thankfully, the waiter comes, and we all order drinks. I’m not even sure what I ask for, my hand cramping around Bel’s.
Once the waiter leaves, Mom props her elbows on the table, making herself look bigger. An intimidation tactic I’m not even sure she knows she’s doing, it’s so ingrained in most Urzoth worshippers.
Bel is unfazed. He moves my arm from holding hands to looped around his shoulders and settles into my side, his palm dropping to rest on my thigh.
“So, Alexo,” Mom starts. “What are you doing about this awful Galaxrien business?”
