Tethered (Book Two of The Invisible String Series)

Forever With You: Part One

I give the girl under my arm a light squeeze, kind of happy that she hasn't moved away from me yet, even though we've made it past the worst of the crowds. I was kind of worried that we would never have the same relationship that she and Y/N have, and while I am in no way jealous of my girlfriend for that, I do kind of feel like Liv's mom. So it's these little moments when she seems to actually like being around me that make me feel elated. "Thank you. You don't happen to know about this party Y/N's throwing for me, do you?"

I watch as the girl's eyes widen slightly before she tries to school her features, which only causes me to narrow my eyes. Tough luck, little girl. I'm an actress and I can see right through that facade of yours. "Uh, no not really. I just know that your all's friends and family are coming."

She definitely knows something more, but I don't push the subject any further. I'm actually enjoying my time with her and I don't want to ruin it, but I try and wrack my brain to think what my love could be planning. The only thing I can really think of is a surprise party, since today is my birthday but shrug the idea off. She wouldn't have told me about it if it was a surprise party.

Oh, well. I'm sure I'll find out later on today just what that annoying little shit that I love with every fiber of my being had planned. Briefly my mind wanders back to Valentine's Day, and that moment in the front seat of my car and I feel myself blush. I wonder if I'll be able to convince Y/N to bring my new favorite toy back out for a little birthday celebration of our own later tonight, after everyone else has left.

"Hey, Lizzie? Can I talk to you about something?"

I force those very adult thoughts out of my mind- because there's time to think about that later, Lizzie and certainly not in the presence of my teenage child. "Of course, sweetheart. You can talk to me about anything."

Olivia seems to be struggling with her thoughts, so I keep quiet and let her gather them on her own. Whatever it is she wants to discuss, I want her to feel comfortable enough to tell me without prompt.

"I'm gay."

Well that certainly hadn't been what I was expecting the girl to say, but I nod nonetheless and pause the both of us. I'm well aware that we're in the middle of a busy department store, and that if I stand still for too long I'll most likely be recognized, but my child just came out to me and I'll be damned if that doesn't warrant my full attention.

I remove my arm from the girl's shoulder and instead pull her into a tight hug, kissing the top of her head. "Oh, my sweet girl. Thank you for feeling comfortable enough to tell me that."

The sixteen-year-old returns my hug just as tightly, and I have to will my tears not to fall because she trusted me with that and that must mean I'm doing something right. Right? "Y/N said the exact same thing."

I can't help but roll my eyes, because of course Y/N would. I don't think there's a single part of Y/N that isn't supportive or caring. It's just one of the many reasons why I love her so damn much. "Well, you know what they say. Great minds do think alike."

That earns me a light laugh out of the teenager and I feel slightly accomplished at that. We're definitely getting somewhere.

The rest of our day is filled with my sisters and Scarlett dragging me in and out of every single store in the mall. I don't think I've ever tried on so many clothes in my life, and that's saying something considering my older sisters are fashion designers and they often like to force me to model their clothes for them. I do end up buying a few things for myself, and also have a few things for Y/N I came across as well. I even purchased Olivia a few things, mostly just random items that she'll eventually use to decorate her room back at home. I also make a mental note to speak to Y/N about taking her to get a few more things later on.