Page 67 of Roommate Wars
“It’s a sight,” I said. “With my mom in her twenty-year-old muumuu and Kitty in her designer dresses. They absolutely love their ‘dates.’ I told Jack we should introduce his dad to them and bring all the parents together.”
Jack’s eyes grew round. “Don’t you dare introduce them to my innocent dad. He’s still getting over his illness.”
“What illness?” Max said.
I looked to see Jack’s response, because as far as I knew, he hadn’t shared his dad’s diagnosis with anyone.
Jack appeared cagey for a moment, before he cleared his throat and said, “He’s recovering from cancer.”
ChapterTwenty-Eight
Jack
Max leaned forward,his expression shocked. “Cancer? You never said anything about your dad being sick.”
I glanced at Elise. Having her here—reminding me that my dad was still alive and laughing at reality TV—made it easier to address what I’d locked away. “I should have said something. A part of me was in denial. It’s one of the reasons I’ve been a hermit this last year.”
Max dropped his head in his hand.
“But I thought you were a hermit because of your ex?” Lizzie said. “Why would you be afraid to tell us about your dad?”
“It’scancer,” Max said, raising his head and looking at Lizzie.
“Oh—ohhh,” Lizzie said. “Jack, you should have come to us. Why would you push us away?”
“Wasn’t pushing you away,” I said. “Just wasn’t talking about it. I was too busy freaking the fuck out over possibly losing him.”
“I should have reached out to Tom.” Max’s expression was self-loathing.
“You didn’t know,” I said, realizing how messed up it was for me to have kept this to myself.
“It’s been too long,” Max said. “I haven’t seen or spoken to your dad in months, and he’s like a father to me. I should have known something was wrong.”
Max had spent more time at my house growing up than his own. I felt ashamed that I hadn’t told him. If I had, my dad could have had more emotional support. “There’s no excuse for me not telling you, other than cancer being a trigger. I’m still worried about it, but—” I glanced at Elise, realized what I was doing, then looked down. “It’s been easier to open up lately.”
The mood had changed, grown somber, when this was the first time we’d been together in ages and it should have been a time to celebrate.
“I’ll let you know the next time I’m headed over and see if you’re available.”
Max glared halfheartedly. “You better, asshole. I love your dad too.”
“I’m going as well,” Lizzie said. “You can’t leave me out.”
I smiled. “I’ll message via a group chat and you two can argue about the details of executing the get-together.”
“See that you do,” Lizzie said, all proper, though the chip clip she’d stolen to contain her hair was listing to the side and sliding off, putting her professionalism in question.
“Don’t leave without giving me back that clip,” I ordered. “I hate stale crackers.”
She rolled her eyes.
The party started to break up after that, with Max and Sophia saying their goodbyes and making their way to the door.
Sophia gave me a hug. “Let us know if we can do anything for your dad. Bring by food, clean his place—anything.”
“I’ve got that covered, but he’d love to see you. Your sister has him wrapped around her finger, and he’s eager to meet you as well.”
“Elise has met him?”
