I stood across from her, hyperaware of my body language. Was I standing too close to James? Too far away? Was I looking at him too much? Not enough? Every movement felt calculated and unnatural.
“So,” I said, taking a bite of toast to give myself something to do. “Dad’s been having an affair?”
Stacey’s face fell slightly. “Yes. With his secretary.”
“Classic,” I muttered, unable to keep the bitterness from my voice. “I’m not surprised. He’s always been selfish.”
“Kent,” James said softly, and I could hear the warning in his tone. Don’t make this harder for her.
“No, it’s alright,” Stacey said, stirring her coffee absently. “Kent’s right. Your father has always been...difficult. I just kept hoping he’d change.”
“People like him don’t change,” I said, thinking of how I’d been before James. How I’d nearly followed in my father’s footsteps. “I’m sorry, Stacey. You deserved better.”
She looked up, surprised by my words. “Thank you, Kent. That means a lot coming from you.”
I felt James’s foot tap gently against behind the counter. It was a small gesture of approval that no one else could see. I fought the urge to smile.
“So what’s your plan?” I asked, focusing on my eggs. “James mentioned you have a place lined up for today?”
“Yes, my friend Carol has a guest room. I’ll stay with her until I figure out next steps.” She took a sip of coffee. “I’ve already spoken to a lawyer. Your father won’t know what hit him.”
That did make me smile. “Good. Take him for everything.”
“I don’t even care about the money,” she said, her voice hardening. “I just want him to realize what he’s thrown away.”
An awkward silence fell over the table. I couldn’t help wondering what this meant for James and me. With our parents divorcing, we wouldn’t technically be stepbrothers anymore. The thought made something loosen in my chest. It was one less complication, one less reason to hide.
“Have you told Brittany yet?” Stacey asked suddenly, looking at me with concern. “I know you two broke up, but she always liked your father. She might be upset.”
I nearly choked on my coffee. James tensed beside me.
“No, I haven’t spoken to Brittany in weeks,” I said carefully. “We’re completely done.”
“That’s such a shame,” Stacey sighed. “You two seemed perfect together. Maybe once things settle down, you could reach out to her? She called me last week, you know. She misses you.”
I felt James go completely still beside me. I wanted to reach for his hand, to reassure him, but I couldn’t.
“I’m not getting back together with Brittany,” I said firmly. “Ever. That relationship is over.”
“But—”
“Mom,” James interrupted, his voice strained. “Kent’s made his decision. Let’s respect that.”
Stacey looked between us, clearly sensing the tension but misreading its cause. “Of course. I’m sorry, Kent. I didn’t mean to push.”
“It’s fine,” I muttered, even though it wasn’t. The last thing I needed was Stacey playing matchmaker with my ex while the man I actually wanted was sitting right beside me.
James cleared his throat. “What time is Carol picking you up?”
“Around noon,” Stacey replied, seemingly grateful for the change of subject. “I should probably start getting ready soon.”
“Take your time,” James said. “We’ve got nowhere to be today.”
The rest of breakfast passed in strained small talk and long silences where everyone was engrossed with their phones. When all the food had grown cold, I helped clear the dishes while James showed his mom where the shower was and got her a fresh towel. When she disappeared into the bathroom, I finally had a moment alone with him.
“You okay?” I whispered, standing close enough to feel his warmth but not touching.
“Yeah,” he replied, though his eyes told a different story. “Just didn’t expect her to bring up Brittany.”
