“Don't you?” Ray looked at her.
Did she? It would make her hate herself less. And who was she kidding? She was curious. She'd been curious for two years, since Seb resurfaced. Maybe hearing it would cement her hatred of him, and she'd finally be over him?
“Okay, go ahead,” Emily said, nodding slowly.
“Seb's father was released on parole four years ago,” Ray said.
“Wasn't his dad dead?”
“No, just in jail,” Ray said.
“Well, there you go, then. Another deception. I feel like our entire relationship was just a series of them. It's good that it ended, whatever it was,” Emily said.
“Sure, you can think of it that way if it won't make everyone more miserable, or you can listen to the entire thing before making your decision," Ray chastised.
“Urgh, I hate it when you are reasonable,” Emily grumbled.
“Yeah, yeah. So he was an abusive asshole who was finally put behind bars with Miss Raux and Seb's testimony,” Ray said.
“Oh god,” Emily gasped.
“Yeah, so when they heard he was getting out with all the grudge he held for them, Seb had to leave the state with his mother,” Ray finished.
“But he could have told us and let us help, or at least texted me, ‘Abusive dad on the loose. Need to flee,’” Emily said.
“I agree, but Em, he was scared. He probably thought he was doing the right thing by keeping us out,” Ray said sympathetically.
“That's bullshit, Ray, you know that,” Emily said.
Their conversation was interrupted by the noise of a car entering Ray's driveway. “Are we expecting more people?” Emily asked.
Ray’s face turned guilty.
“Dude, you didn't,” Emily warned.
But of course she did. A minute later, she heard Seb’s voice talking merrily to Jess.
“We need to sort this out today, Em. I don't want this little kid's aunt and uncle to be fighting,” Ray said, moving her hand up and down her belly for added effect.
“You were right. It is great for emotional blackmail,” Emily nodded.
“Right?” Ray said.
When footsteps entered the dining space, Ray stood up and looked over Emily's head. Emily didn't stand up or look back as Ray hugged Seb, and he joined them at the table.
“Em,” he nodded once in greeting.
“Seb,” she repeated the gesture.
“So,” Ray clapped her hands. “Why don't you tell Em why you didn't tell her you were leaving to take care of your dad?” Ray got right to the point.
“Oh, wow. Okay.” Seb said, looking suddenly overwhelmed.
Emily looked at him. She was ready for an explanation. “Or any time after that,” Emily added.
“I tried! I texted, called. I even showed up at your apartment,” Seb argued.
“You did?” Ray asked.
