“Where’s Mom?”
“Volunteering for hospice.”
I sigh deeply, feeling like I’m seeing my father for the first time. His salt-and-pepper hair is starting to thin. He’s got crinkles beside his eyes and lines on his forehead. The expectant look he’s giving me—brows arched impatiently—has always made me hop to. But this time, it just aggravates my already raw nerves.
“Dad…” I swallow hard, steeling myself. “What would you say if I told you I was having an affair with a married man?”
He narrows his eyes. “I’d say it’s political suicide. Are you out of your fucking mind, Reagan?”
“Areyou?”
“Excuse me?” His low, ominous tone makes me laugh bitterly.
“I’m not having an affair with a married man, Dad. Apparently, I got Mom’s integrity rather than yours.”
“How dare you—”
I take a step toward him. “No, how dareyou? I saw the photos. Don’t even try to deny it.”
“What photos? I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
My heart is racing, the image of him giving that woman a tender look seared into my consciousness. “How old is she, Dad? She looks my age. All those lectures on putting family first and marrying your great love… You’re nothing but a fraud.”
The anger slowly slides away from his expression, and he draws his brows together with concern. “Tell me what’s going on, Reagan.”
“How many affairs have you had?”
He doesn’t move a muscle.
“How many, Dad?” I slowly repeat.
“What is it you think you know?”
“Don’t play games with me. Don’t pull your politician bullshit and answer a question with a question. Have a little integrity, Dad. You’re caught. Man up and own it.”
His nod is almost imperceptible. “Just one.”
“Justone? You have the nerve to call itjustone?” I’m yelling now. “You betrayed Mom, and you think it was okay because it wasjustonce?”
“I don’t think it was okay.”
“Does Mom know?”
“No.”
I shake my head in disgust. “She’s so good to you. So much more than you deserve, and you’re running around with a woman half her age?”
“You’re mistaken.”
“Like hell I am.”
He rubs his temple, concern etched on his face. “What photos are you referring to? Who has them?”
“The Titan campaign.”
“Then how did you hear about it? Have they already been released to the press?” I see fear in his expression.
“No. But I could give a shit about your damage control right now. You need to tell Mom.”
