Page 545 of End Game

“But I don't think I've explained it very well.”

Another pause.

“Alright.”

I lean back against the counter.

Through the kitchen doorway I can see Dex is sprawled upside down on the couch with his feet over the back cushion, earbuds in. Micah is next to him, drawing. Ronan disappeared to his room twenty minutes ago with a book and a glass of scotch.

Normal.

Our normal.

“What do you want to explain?” Mom asks.

I don't really know how to answer that without making it sound like a PowerPoint.

Then she does it for me. “I know you love her, Griff.”

“I do.”

“And I know you said you're okay with everything.”

Okay with.

Like Cami bought a couch I hate and I'm learning to live with it.

“That's part of why I'm calling.”

Mom is quiet.

“I need you to stop thinking I'm tolerating this for her.”

“I don't think that.”

“You do a little.”

She sighs. “Honey.”

“Mom.”

“I am trying.”

“I know.”

That matters.

So I let the silence sit for a second instead of pushing into it.

Finally, she says, “I was raised to believe marriage means two people.”

“Yeah.”

“You choose one person. That's the commitment.”

“I know.”

“And I understand things are different now. I understand people live differently. I just…” Her voice trails off. “You're my son.”