I roll my eyes and get out of the car. Jamie’s at my side in seconds, hooking his arm through mine to lead me up the stairs to my house. A wave of heat smacks me in the face when we step inside. It’s a welcome relief from the chill that was causing my teeth to chatter.
My dad is in the recliner in the corner. His head is tilted to the side to watch the television. Mom has her head down, eyes focused on the paperback book in her hand.
“I’m home,” I say to get their attention. When my parents glance in my direction, I point at Jamie. “This is Jamie, my boyfriend.”
My dad’s eyebrows rise in confusion as they should. I never told my parents about Jamie. In fact, I don’t offer much of my life outside of the mundane conversation about work and school.
“Boyfriend?” Dad’s tone indicates a question.
“Yeah.” I tug on Jamie’s hand for him to follow behind me over to the recliner.
Jamie stretches out his hand to my father.
“I’m Jamie O’Connor, sir. Nice to meet you.”
“You know the game I play every night with Cameron,” I say to my dad. “The one you’re kind of addicted to now.”
“Mage… ugh, what’s it called again? The one with the swords and magic spells.”
“Mage Wars,” I finish for him with a nod. “Jamie’s dad created it.”
My dad narrows his eyes at me before refocusing his gaze on Jamie. “Is that so? Then, I guess you’re the one I should blame for frying my son’s brain.” He chuckles and then gets up from the recliner to shake Jamie’s hand again. “You need to show me how to get the Elixir of Life before you leave.”
“Dad,” I groan.
He shrugs. “You’re not here all the time with Cam. He can’t advance to the next level without it.”
“I know but—”
“I don’t mind,” Jamie interrupts. “I have time.”
My dad taps Jamie on the back leading him upstairs to Cameron’s bedroom. Jamie looks over his shoulder as we descend the stairs and winks at me.
I already know without him saying that my dad thinks Jamie’s a keeper. And that’s what scares me most about our relationship. Because I fear losing him. I’m terrified of what my life will be like without him in it.
Where does the fear even come from? My past, I suppose. A man like Jamie is almost too good to be true. And somehow, I’ve managed to get him all to myself.
Chapter Twelve
Jamie
The convention center is packed, full of gamers and super fans. I spot several women dressed as Leto, the wife of Magnus, the Grand Mage from my father’s Universe. Thin fabric drapes over their shoulders barely covering their breasts. They look like the Greek goddess my dad named her after. Their robes are black and gold with slits running up each side of their togas.
The few female characters in The Fallen Universe are hot. All of them have long hair, big tits, and curves for days, never dressed in more than what could pass for shredded rags. At every event, at least one of the girlfriends or wives of a gamer is dressed as Magnus’ counterpart.
Helping my older brother get ready for the demonstration, I sit behind one of the long tables in our raised booth and finish the audio and video preparations. Mike is a control freak. He’s been up my ass since the minute we were escorted to our large section of the 10X Gaming Con.
Kevin Carmichael, Cece’s father and owner of 10X Games, runs the convention. Even though he’s our competition, every video game company worth a damn has a booth at the event. We have to play the game. It’s all part of the show.
My family has to pretend to like the Carmichaels, despite what Cece has done to me. My dad can’t stand her dad, but he says it’s better to befriend the enemy. He’s a better man than me. I never hide my hatred for Cece and her family, not when she tried to ruin my life.
Kevin asked my dad to give the keynote speech on the future of role-playing games. Of course, he said yes. And now my entire family is stuck pretending we’re happy to be here. It’s considered an honor to attend the 10X Games Con because who wouldn’t want to be a 10Xer?
“All set,” I say to Mike.
He steals his gaze away from the large projection screen spanning one wall of our booth to look at me. “Did you check the video feed?”
I roll my eyes, hating the fact he always treats me like a child. “Yes. I did that first.”
He shoves his hands into the pockets of his dark slacks and sighs. “How does the audio sound?”
I hold up my hand and give him a thumbs up with a mocking expression on my face.