Page 64 of Their Cruel Play
When I sit beside my mom, the guys squeeze in around the table on some folding chairs Mom must have pulled out for tonight. They leave the chair next to me open for Luke.
Mom clears her throat. “I’m hoping to understand what you’re doing with my daughter, but I understand you’re adults and can make your own decisions.”
Eli straightens. “We know you might be worried, but we’re all very honest about what we want from Harper. As long as we continue to be open about what we’re doing, we feel there won’t be any issues.”
Mom takes a bite and chews for a second. “So are you guys together too?”
“No, they aren’t, but they’re friends.” I swallow some soda.
“I’m the only one who’s bisexual, but I’ve promised to only be with Harper.” Jack glances my way, and I give him a soft smile. He didn’t have to tell my mom that, but like me, she appreciates honesty.
“Have you decided what to call this? Or is labeling it not something you want to do?” Mom’s gaze goes around the table.
“We’ve had a conversation.” Caden doesn’t drop his gaze. “To clarify to everyone, we’ve decided to call Harper our girlfriend, and she can call all of us her boyfriends.”
Mom blinks and then blows out a breath. “You know, of all the problems I thought you might have in high school, five boyfriends at once wasn’t one of them.”
I shrug. It really wasn’t my call in the beginning, but again red flags bad for parent. “I’m not looking for a relationship to last forever right now. Not when I’m eighteen. I like these guys, and I only want to date them for now.”
I avoid Caden’s eyes because I know he has issues with me saying this will end, but I don’t know how it can realistically continue especially after high school. The likelihood we find a college to take all of us that I can actually afford is minimal. Add to that how we would continually have to fight off people who want one of them...
This year is going to be bad enough.
“I know you’ve been protective of Harper.” My mom sets her fork down. “I’m grateful she has you to look out for her, but I’m not a hundred percent sure you’ve thought this through. Maybe you’re just dating and it will stay casual enough that no one’s feelings will get hurt.
“But when feelings get involved, what do you do then?” Mom doesn’t drop her gaze from meeting each of theirs.
Caden looks around at the others before he settles on my mom’s gaze. “Feelings are already involved, Ms. Davidson. We didn’t make this decision lightly. Harper is special to us. To all of us. None of us are willing to walk away from her. I’ve told her I want this to keep going after high school.”
My mouth opens, but he keeps talking. My pulse quickens with his every word.
“I’m not looking at this relationship with an expiration date.” Caden’s eyes lock on mine. “Harper is the one who put limitations on our relationship, and that’s fine. But if she’s looking for more, I don’t think any of us would turn her down.”
Mom nods. “As long as you understand that what Harper wants is what’s key to this, I think you’ll do fine.”
I almost laugh atwhat Harper wants. It’s almost never been about what I wanted.Theyclaimed me.Theypushed me into a physical relationship with them. I wanted them to let me go.
But now?
I sigh softly as they talk about school with my mom. The classes they’re taking. The top rankings in our class. The stars of the football field. The guys who are perfect on paper.
The chair beside me remains empty. I can’t help but wonder what’s keeping him.
“Are we officially down one?” Mom asks, acknowledging the empty chair.
“Luke’s dad is in town. He might not have been able to get away.” Eli sounds almost like a politician.
Mom’s lips press together but she nods. “His father isn’t in town often?”
“No. His business usually keeps him busy out of town.” Eli’s gaze flashes to me, and I see the concern lingering in his eyes. My heart stalls. Is he worried about Luke?
“So he’s left alone?” Mom’s fingers touch her necklace. If these guys ever wondered where I got my soft heart, she’s answering the question right now.
“He’s used to it, but when he was younger, he used to stay with one of us.” Eli sets his fork across his plate. “This was an amazing meal, Ms. Davidson.”
Everyone murmurs something about the meal. Mom smiles.
“Thank you.” She glances at her watch. “I need to get ready for work.”
