“Germany?” Viktor scoffed. “Your grandfather is still separating me from you, even dead.”
Adrik leaned back, studying him. “Why do you hate him?”
Viktor stared into his glass, jaw tightening again. “Because he took my childhood.”
Adrik waited, but Viktor didn’t elaborate. He never did. Always half-truths, always secrets, and always full control.
And sitting there across from him, Adrik realized something: he wasn’t afraid of Viktor anymore. He was tired. Bone-deep tired. And he wanted out—out of this family, out ofthis legacy, out of this endless cycle of violence and loyalty and disappointment.
He wanted Hans. He wanted peace.
But peace and Viktor had never belonged in the same room.
“Why did you lie to me?” After his second drink, Adrik got bolder.
“Regarding what?”
“My grandfather.”
“Let me tell you about him. He was a cruel father. He forced me to work with him instead of growing up playing sports like Burian. He didn’t allow me to move without his presence. He dictated everything from early morning until I went to bed. The man hated me.”
“You did the same thing to me. How are you any different?” Adrik tried to understand, but his father left out too many details.
“I gave you everything, Adrik. I spoiled you. You got to attend college away from home. If you asked for anything, I got it for you. How is that like your grandfather?”
“He never treated me like that.”
“Listen to the facts and stop being blinded by his charm.”
“I saw firsthand how he treated me.”
“Do you know why you were his favorite?”
“No.”
“He was gay. That’s why he thought I couldn’t raise you. Now, do you understand?”
Adrik was stunned.
“That’s why I thought. And because he knew you were gay, he wanted you with him.”
“I’m not gay. I’m bisexual.”
“Same thing.”
“No, it’s not. Take a class and learn the difference.”
“Where’s your wife then?”
“No wife. I have a boyfriend.”
“Oh, in Germany?”
“That’s right.”
“Then move him to New York with you too. At this point, I don’t care who you fuck or who fucks you. Just want my son in New York.”
“I don’t think that will work.” Adrik didn’t believe him and would never subject Hans to his father.
