Page 69 of Save the Drama for your Mama
“You started this, Mr. Giggles,” Chad said, glaring across the table at me. “Let’s hear it. What’s your favorite comedy movie?”
I shrugged. “No contest.Shrek.”
Chad wagged his finger at me. “No—you can’t choose a cartoon. You need to choose an actual movie.”
“What does that even mean?” I asked. “It’s an animated film, which is a real movie. And it’s funny as hell. It’s got something for kidsandadults. It’s the best of both worlds.”
“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that.” Marilyn gestured to Melody, who had been keeping quiet, with a big smile on her face. “What about you? What’s your favorite comedy? Help me out here.”
Melody smirked. “Sorry to burst your bubbles, people, but nothing compares toMonty Python and the Holy Grail. That movie was pure genius and the funniest thing I have ever seen.”
I nodded. “Not a bad choice at all.”
“Can I take some of these plates from you?” the server asked.
We told him yes, and I used that break in the conversation as my chance to have that private chat with my brother that I had been waiting for.
“Hey Chad, take a quick walk with me,” I said. “I need to talk with you about something important.”
Chad shrugged. “Sure, why not?”
“I’ll take care of the check,” Marilyn said to me and Melody. “Chad and I are treating.”
“Thank you,” Melody and I said at the same time.
“We’ll be right back, ladies.” Chad kissed Marilyn on the cheek and then followed me outside to the path along the sand.
I shoved my hands in my pockets as we walked, suddenly nervous.
How would Chad react to the news I was about to share?
“So, what’s up?” Chad asked, stopping to face me. “Don’t tell me there are problems with the renovation and you did not want to say anything in front of Melody.”
I took a deep breath. “No, nothing like that. The house is coming along great. This is about something else. I learned recently that, well, I don’t know how to say this but, we don’t actually have the same dad.”
For a long moment, Chad just stared at me, mouth agape.
Then he burst out laughing. “Good one, Coop! You almost had me there.” When I didn’t join in the laughter, his face fell. “Wait, you’re serious?” He took a step back and just stared at me.
I just nodded.
“How is that even possible?" Chad asked. “Did Mom cheat on Dad? Wait, who’s my father then? Start from the beginning; what the hell is going on?”
“Your father is still Dad—Craig,” I said. “I’m the one who has a different dad. Alive. James. It’s a long story.”
“Give me the short version,” Chad said.
I shared with him the details about finding the old love letters from James, the diary entries, the newspaper article and the boating accident that changed everything, the framed photos. I even brought the engagement ring to show him, pulling it out of my pocket and handing it to him.
“Unbelievable,” Chad said, handing the ring back to me.
I nodded, slipped the ring back in my pocket, then pulled out my phone to show him the picture of me with James.
Chad took the phone from me, squinting. “You’re practically twins. This is unbelievable. James is really your father.”
I nodded. “I know it’s a lot to take in. But I tracked him down in San Clemente yesterday and we met him for lunch. Melody came with me.”
Chad lowered himself to sit in the sand, shoulders slumped. “We’re not brothers anymore . . .”
