“Just a good day at work,” I replied, suddenly aware of how normal I sounded. Like I was just a regular guy buying wine to share with his boyfriend, not his stepbrother.
The drive home was quick, and I hummed along to the radio, already imagining Kent’s reaction to the news. He’d been so supportive through all my work stress lately. It was still surprising sometimes, this new version of him that cared aboutmy success, that wanted to hear about my day. He wasn’t the bully I grew up with anymore. He was quickly becoming my… well,everything.
I pulled into my usual parking spot, grabbing the wine and my laptop bag before heading up to the apartment. As I rounded the corner to my door, I stopped short.
My mother was standing there, a small suitcase at her feet, looking like she hadn’t slept in days.
“Mom?” I nearly dropped the wine. “What are you doing here?”
She looked up, her face a mixture of exhaustion and relief. “James, thank god. I’ve been trying to reach you.”
“I know, I’m sorry, I was at a client meeting and—” I cut myself off, suddenly terrified. “Is everything okay? Did something happen?”
She ran a hand through her disheveled hair. “Your stepdad and I... we’re getting a divorce.”
The words hung in the air between us. Kent’s father. They were divorcing. My mind immediately went to Kent. How would he react? What would this mean for us?
“I’m so sorry,” I managed. “What happened?”
“It’s a long story.” She glanced at the door. “Can we talk inside? I hate to impose, but all the hotels are booked because of that Halloween convention they do every year. I just need somewhere to stay tonight. I’ve already got a place for tomorrow onward.”
My heart rate doubled instantly. My mother. Staying here. Where Kent and I had been living together as much more than stepbrothers.
“O-Of course,” I said, fumbling for my keys. “Come in.”
As I opened the door to the apartment building, panic clawed at my throat. There was evidence of Kent everywhere in my studio apartment. His clothes were mixed with mine inthe laundry basket by the bathroom, his toothbrush was next to mine, and his pillow was on my bed. And Kent himself would be home from work in less than an hour.
We took the elevator up to my floor, then walked the long corridor in silence. I unlocked my door and pulled it open.
“Let me just...” I gestured vaguely as she stepped inside. “Clean up a bit. I wasn’t expecting company.”
She gave me a tired smile. “Don’t worry about me. I’m just grateful you’re here.”
I set the wine on the counter and pulled out my phone, typing frantically.
Me: CODE RED. My mom is here. At the apartment. She and your dad are getting divorced. She needs to stay the night.
I watched the three dots appear and disappear several times before Kent’s reply came through.
Kent: WHAT?? Are you serious? I’m leaving work now.
My mother had settled onto the couch, her eyes taking in the apartment. I tried to see it through her eyes. Were there obvious signs that Kent and I were sharing a bed rather than him sleeping on the couch? Had we left anything incriminating out?
“Can I get you something to drink?” I asked, trying to sound normal. “Water? Wine? I just picked up a bottle.”
“Water is fine for now,” she said, her voice small.
As I filled a glass in the kitchen, I scanned the apartment for anything that needed to be hidden. There was a pair of Kent’s boxers peeking out from under the bed. I casually walked over and nudged them underneath with my foot.
“So,” I said, handing her the water and sitting in the chair across from her. “Want to tell me what happened?”
She took a long sip before answering. “It’s been building for a while. You know how he is. He’s always working, and never present even when he’s home. And ever since Kent yelled at him he’s been…insufferable.” She twisted her wedding ring, which Inoticed was still on her finger. “And then, I found out he’s been having an affair with his secretary. Such a cliché, right?”
My stomach dropped. Kent’s father was cheating? No wonder she looked so destroyed.
“Jesus, Mom. I’m so sorry.”
“I confronted him last night,” she continued, staring at the floor. “He didn’t even deny it. Just said he wasn’t happy anymore and hadn’t been for years.” She glanced up at me. “He told me that he should’ve known we weren’t going to work out when I didn’t let him kick you out of the house.”
