Page 92 of Don't Love the Boy Next Door
His footsteps are hesitant as he makes his way downstairs. He looks at Dad like he’s not sure if he’s seeing the real thing or a ghost. “Oh, so you finally decided to show up.”
Dad’s lips falter a little, but then he beams again. “You’re one fine-looking young man, Ethan. Both of you. My boys have grown up to fine young men.”
“What are you doing here?” Ethan demands.
“He’s here for the concert,” I tell him.
“What concert?” Ethan asks.
“Yours, of course.”
Ethan stares at him and then bursts out laughing. “Funny.”
“I’m serious.”
“You’re telling me that you ditched your tour to come see us perform?”
“I didn’t ditch the tour,” Dad says. “We’re on a small break.”
“Right, of course. Going to my room.” He disappears up the stairs.
Dad watches him go and sighs.
“He’ll come around,” I say. Then I want to kick myself. Why do I always lie when it comes to Ethan and my dad?
Dad smiles. “Thanks, kiddo.”
“Eric?” Mom’s voice says.
I turn around and find her standing there, blinking at Dad.
“Miles?” she asks.
“Hi, Sandra.”
“What…?” She glances between the two of us. “What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to surprise my boys by coming to their concert.”
“I see. How long do you plan to stay?”
“Just the weekend. If that’s all right.”
“I’ll make up the guest room.”
“I’ll help,” I offer.
Mom doesn’t say anything as we grab some linen and dress the bed. But her demeanor says enough. She’s a little shaken by Dad’s sudden arrival.
“You okay?” I ask as I fluff a pillow.
She puts on a brave smile, like she always does. “Of course, sweetie.”
“He doesn’t have to stay here,” I say. “We can ask him to sleep at a hotel.”
“Nonsense, he’s your father.”
“But he’s your ex-husband.”
