Page 94 of A Me and Him Thing
“Let’s go.”
I wish I could hold on to Ren. I’m feeling decidedly unsteady.
Chapter Twenty-six
BY THE TIMEwe reach Ren’s house in Canby, it’s past midnight. I’m worried about Ren. He looks ready to collapse.
I doubt he could sleep until he speaks with his father, though.
Ren parks, then kills the engine. “To be clear, I’m not accusing my dad of anything. I just want to hear his explanation.”
“Agreed.”
“I’m not sure anyone is still up. They go to bed early.”
But as we approach the door, it opens. Jack is still fully dressed, his hair ruffled, as though he’s been running his hands through it over and over.
“I knew you’d come,” he says, his voice downtrodden.
This is not angry Jack. This is defeated Jack.
Jack hugs Ren, emotion evident in his tight embrace, in the way he pats him on the back several times, and in the way he says, “I’m sorry, son. I’m sorry.”
When Jack faces me, he says, “Do you love my son?”
“Yes, I do. Very much.”
Jack nods. “I’m sorry I scared you today. I wouldn’t have hurt you. You need to know that.”
I remain quiet. I’m unsure of him.
Jack turns back to Ren. “Do you love Bree?”
“Yeah, I do.”
“Have you remained faithful to Allie?”
“Physically, yes I have. Emotionally, no.”
“After four long years, you’re allowed, son.” Jack motions with his head. “C’mon, there are things you need to know.”
We take our seats at the dining table, prepared to have a hard conversation.
Susan wanders out in her robe. “I thought I heard voices. What’s going on?”
“Susie, please join us. You need to hear this too, sweetheart.”
Ever the hostess, Susan quickly boils water for steaming mugs of herb tea for everyone. Some of us add creamer, some of us add a sugar-free sweetener.
The only sound in the room is our spoons tapping against the side of our mugs as we stir.
“Before you say anything, Ren, just hear me out. I can explain, I promise.”
“I’m not even sure what my questions are. I don’t understand what’s going on.” Ren’s voice is flat, as though he has no emotions. I think he’s in shock.
We nurse our hot drinks for a few moments until Jack starts to speak unprompted.
“I’d like to tell you a story, something I’ve never told anyone. It’s going to be tough for you to hear, Ren.”
