Page 125 of Under Southern Stars
“The original video? I don’t know, a week ago? But this supercut thing is getting millions of views.” Madison sinks deeper into the sofa. “I’m going to die. What if someone from school recognizes him as my dad?”
An uncomfortable knot forms in my stomach as I watch more of the supercut. “What was he ‘canceled’ for exactly?”
“I have no idea,” Madison says, reclaiming her phone. “Probably just being his usual cringey self. But now he’s the ‘hostage video guy’ on TikTok.” She scrolls through comments. “People are saying he looks like he’s being held at gunpoint while reading a ransom note.”
Despite myself, I feel a surge of vicarious embarrassment. Even after everything Troy had put me through, there is something deeply uncomfortable about seeing him become aninternet laughingstock. And beneath the embarrassment lurks a more troubling thought—what would have prompted Troy to make the original video in the first place?
“The comments are brutal,” Madison continues, grimacing. “Someone said he looks like ‘Jordan Peterson if he ate nothing but alpha male podcasts and protein powder.’”
“Madison, maybe that’s enough internet for today,” I suggest, suddenly not wanting to see any more of Troy’s humiliation, regardless of how deserved it might be.
She nods, looking relieved to have an excuse to stop watching. “It’s just so weird. Like, I’m used to Dad being embarrassing, but not…internet famous embarrassing.”
I consider whether to pursue this topic further…but looking at Madison’s genuinely disturbed expression, I decide against it. Whatever Troy has done, dragging Madison further into it would only cause her pain.
“Let’s forget about that,” I say, rising from my chair. “We should start getting ready for dinner at the main house.”
Madison looks grateful for the change of subject. “Emma says she’s going to show me more rugby techniques after dinner.”
“That sounds fun,” I say, forcing enthusiasm I don’t entirely feel. The thought of Madison engaged in a high-contact sport wasn’t exactly comforting to my maternal instincts, but her excitement is infectious.
As Madison disappears into her room, I can’t help but think about the irony of my situation. Here I am, still reeling from Jack’s deception about his wealth, while simultaneouslywondering what Troy has done that led to his “cancelation.” The universe certainly has a twisted sense of humor.
???
At the main house, Madison gravitates immediately to Emma, the two of them deep in rugby strategy by the time I arrive in the sitting room. Jack is nowhere to be seen, which is both a relief and, strangely, a disappointment.
“Red or white?” Lily asks, appearing beside me with two glasses of wine.
“Red, please,” I say gratefully. After the day’s events—the miraculous and terrifying childbirth on the boat, the unwelcome reminder of Troy’s existence—alcohol seems necessary.
“You look preoccupied,” Lily observes, her keen eyes studying my face. “Still processing the excitement from Milford Sound?”
“Partly,” I admit. “It’s been a…full day.”
“Did Jack tell you the mum and baby are back at Queenstown and both doing splendidly?”
“He didn’t mention it,” I say, surprised to realize Jack hadn’t texted me with the update.
“He’s trying to respect your boundaries,” Lily says gently. “Even when it means not sharing good news he knows you’d want to hear.”
Before I can respond, Madison’s voice rises above the quiet conversations. “Mom, Emma says I have natural talent for rugby. She thinks I could make a high school team back home if I wanted.”
“That’s wonderful, sweetie,” I say, forcing enthusiasm I don’t quite feel.
“Troy would hate it,” Madison adds with a hint of teenage defiance. “He thinks girls should stick to ‘aesthetic’ sports.”
Emma’s eyebrows shoot up. “Did he actually say that?”
“Yeah, like last month when I mentioned wanting to try out for the football team.” Madison rolls her eyes. “He said soccer was fine for girls because it was ‘flowing and graceful,’ but I shouldn’t play anything where I might get bruises or ‘look unladylike.’”
Emma’s expression darkens. “Sounds like Troy has some…interesting views on women in sports.”
“That’s putting it mildly,” I mutter, taking a sip of wine.
“Men, right?” Emma says with a significant look my way.
“Speaking of men with opinions,” I say, lowering my voice as Madison becomes distracted by Lily showing her something on her phone, “Madison just showed me a viral video of Troy having a meltdown about being ‘canceled by the woke mob.’ Any idea what that’s about?”
