A Test of Faith [bxb]

12. Celestial Glory Shall Be Mine

"This was a good idea, Luke," my mom said as she placed the final folded napkin on the dining table. "I've been meaning to invite them over."

I shrugged nonchalantly, trying to silence the butterflies in my stomach. The Hales would be here in five minutes. Ezra would be here in five minutes. "I don't think anyone's had them over yet. It must be hard enough being in a new ward as is." That was a lie, but my mom didn't need to know that. Ezra had told me that they'd had dinner with five different families so far.

"I'm going to grab your dad. Will you stay close, in case they knock?" I nodded at her as I placed the remaining water glass down. When she left the room, I allowed myself to breath.

I hadn't even looked his parents in the eye since I met them back at camp. The fact that they found us alone had definitely put me on their bad side; Brother Hale's glare had made that more than evident, though I had no idea why in the moment. Tonight would be an attempt to prove myself as nothing more than a friend to Ezra, even if it was far from the truth.

Ezra had grilled me over the phone the entire day before. No flirty looks. No secret touches. No whispering. No innuendos. Just two mormon boys sharing a pleasant Sunday dinner.

His younger siblings would be joining, and Ezra made sure to warn me about his brother. While Miracle was in the dark about why the family moved here, Isaiah knew everything. As a certified shithead — Ezra's words — there was a possibility that he would hint towards the scandal. I was supposed to know nothing about it, so I would play dumb.

It was too much. It was all too much. I found myself loosening my tie to allow some air flow back into my chest. If not for Ezra's sake, I'd cancel the whole ordeal; I could lock myself in my room or just run out the front door. I'd never have to officially meet his parents. I'd never have to pretend. But I'd never be able to kiss him again.

That was the only thing that kept me grounded, waiting and watching the door. Being able to see Ezra. And if I wanted to see more of him, I'd have to put on a straight face and, well, be straight.

A knock. A rhythmic beating tapped on the front door, mimicking the heartbeat that was now pounding in my ears. I pulled out my phone and checked myself in its camera. My hair was still gelled from church, and my cheeks were as red as when I first met Ezra. It'd be pointless to do anything at this point, so I straightened my tie and opened the front door.

I wished it was Ezra waiting on the other side. There'd be nothing that would soothe my nerves better than his arms around my waist. Instead, Brother and Sister Hale were standing with smiling faces and a floral casserole dish.

Their children were behind them. I hadn't seen them up close until now, and it wasn't surprising to see they all resembled their mother, just like Ezra. Ezra. His curls were tussled as if he'd run his hands through them a million times between church and this dinner. I couldn't blame him. He refused to meet my eyes, looking at his shoes instead with a hidden smile.

"Hi," I greeted with a smile plastered on my face. "It's nice to officially meet you." I stepped aside, holding the door open wide to allow them to enter.

"It's good to see you again, Luke," Brother Hale shook my hand firmly, his eyes not speculating — as they had been at camp — rather inviting. The oldest trick in the Book of Mormon.

Clicking of heels filled the foyer as my mom reemerged with my dad following closely behind. He must've been napping, because he hadn't bothered to put back on his tie or dress shoes. "Welcome! I'm so glad we were finally able to have you over," my mom smiled genuinely. She thanked them for the casserole dish, which apparently contained a dessert, and dismissed herself to put it in the kitchen.