Lucky Number Four by Amanda Jason Page A

happy
that I’m living what he calls normal living conditions.”
    I adore Jeff’s parents. They are truly
wonderful people and my family enjoys their company. No, we haven’t
had them over for any of our dreaded Sunday dinners with everyone,
thank goodness. So, they still live under the impression that I
have a somewhat average family. When his parents are in town, we
all meet up at a restaurant and hang out. They know that Jeff is
gay, but it makes no difference to them. They just want him to be
happy.
    “Don’t worry Jeff, the next few weeks will be
anything but normal.”
    He grins, oh how I love his grin.

The ride to Papa’s is kind of awkward. Drew
is driving, since his car is the only four-seater of the house, and
Liam sits up front with him. Jeff and I sit in the back. From my
position, I see Drew glancing back continuously. I guess his gaydar
is off and he thinks Jeff and I are an item. I can’t believe Drew
might be interested in me. I know, I need to quit putting myself
down, but let’s be honest.
    “Have you heard from Colin lately?” Liam
asks, and I immediately sit up and take notice.
    “Yeah, everything’s cool now. He should be
back in a few days. Life throws some wicked curve balls,” Drew
replies.
    Great, so much for getting the deets on
what’s going on. “Life throws wicked curves balls.” What the hell
is up with that? That doesn’t tell me crap I could have said shit , but Henry would probably tell on me, and I’d be in big
trouble. Per my mom, I have to be a role model for my younger
siblings, and apparently real women don’t cuss, except for Julie,
who my mom gives a pass to. Really, I don’t know why she gives
Julie a pass. Not fair in my book. Not that I would cuss much, but
it might be nice in certain circumstances.
    As always, Papa’s smells heavenly. With me
leading the way inside, we’re spotted immediately by Mama, who
rushes forward and engulfs me in one of her famous bear hugs. It
takes seconds for Papa to notice us, and I’m swallowed up by both
of their round bodies at once.
    “My bella, Dora, it is witha much delight
that I welcome you home. I see you havea brought a stranger.
Jeffrey, we have missed you, you handsome boy.” Mama reaches out
and drags Jeff into the hugfest.
    “Ah, Mama, look, she broughta old friends.
Liam and Drew, welcome. We’re so honored to have you back in our
small establishment.”
    Liam’s smile is friendly and sincere, but
Drew’s seems to lack the warmth it normally has. What is up with
that? Could he be jealous, like Jeff said? I hope not, because I
don’t get the warm fuzzies with him like I do with Colin. Warm
fuzzies—yeah, right. More like rip-his-clothes-off fuzzies.
    I end up sitting with Drew on one side and
Jeff on the other. Liam sits opposite us with Mama and Papa. I hear
a squeal and Julie and Kevin arrive at our table, causing another
hugfest. I envy my friends, their faces glowing with happiness,
something that seems so unobtainable to me. More chairs are added
and questions fly about. Aromatic pizzas and ice-cold beers and
wine soon appear on the table. My glum thoughts turn to happy ones
as I’m surrounded by the warmth of my friends and food.
    Okay, I’ve apparently drunk a little too much
wine again, so sue me. I work hard and I need to let my hair down
once in a while. So I can’t walk. It’s my shoes, I swear. I have
three guys, each willing to help me, but there’s only one of me and
I’m giggling watching the testosterone-laden men, aka Drew and
Jeff, fight over carrying me. Without a word, Liam pushes them
aside and scoops me up into his arms while walking toward the
elevator, leaving the other two speechless. The giggle monster
won’t let go of me as we ride the elevator to our floor. Drew opens
the front door and steps aside to let Liam carry me over the
threshold.
    “I’m away for a few days and it looks like
you guys have been having fun without me.” The familiar British
accent sends a shiver of