“What sounds good for dinner?” I ask.
The shift works, and the tension eases a little. We agree on a nearby restaurant, something casual and fun. The rest of the evening is spent catching up, trading stories, laughing at old memories, and remembering what it was like to be brothers again.
The next morning, Jay heads down to the office to work, while I stay behind and make breakfast for everyone. James and Luke are sitting at the table, quietly drinking coffee, when James’ phone chimes with an alert.
“Holy shit,” he mutters.
His news alert, set to flag anything about our father, shows a story just posted by a national news agency with a bombshell. He reads the article aloud.
New York State Representative and conservative pastor Reginald Amato is under investigation for sexual misconduct. Following the recent revelation of an affair with a young woman on church property, at least five more claims have surfaced. One accuser, a former staff assistant within his Albany office, alleges that Amato threatened her job unless she submitted to his advances. No further details are available at this time, as the investigation is still ongoing. Amato holds a widely recognized position of strong opposition to same-sex marriage and LGBTQ+ rights in New York State.
James finishes reading, shaking his head. “This just keeps getting worse. We need to talk about Mom. She needs to file for divorce as soon as possible. I won’t let her go back to him.”
I place a hand on his shoulder. “You heard her yesterday. She needs to figure this out in her own time. Our job is to support her.”
James exhales hard. “I still think she needs to hear where we stand. She’s had no one in her corner, and I’ve let her down. I hate I wasn’t looking out for her.”
“You were a kid, James. None of this is your responsibility.” I meet his eyes, hoping he hears me. “She’s where she needs to be right now. Ronda’s been through a divorce, and she’s the best person to support her and help her make the right decision.”
He nods slowly. “I hope so,” he says before heading next door to wake up Shelly.
Luke’s been quiet. I nudge his foot under the table.
“Hey, you okay?”
He takes a moment to respond. Looking down at the table, a deep crease forms between his eyebrows.
“My life is a lie,” he whispers, his voice cracking as he chokes on the words, sounding utterly broken.
Then he completely falls apart, burying his face in his hands as sobs shake him, his body trembling. I move closer and wrap my arms around his shoulders. There’s nothing else I can do but let him get it all out.
Eventually, the sorrow eases, and he takes a deep, shuddering breath.
He lifts his head, his eyes swollen, and his voice raw. “Sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry,” I say softly. “You needed that.”
I get him a glass of water and a box of tissues to wipe the snot and tears from his face, giving him some space to pull himself together.
After a long pause, I ask, “Have you thought anymore about going to that retreat center?”
“I’m considering it,” he replies, still avoiding eye contact and picking at his nails.
I’ve noticed the anxious tells—fidgeting with his clothes, biting his nails, and the downcast eyes. This isn’t normal behavior. He’s unraveling.
“I think it could be good for you,” I say, trying to sound encouraging.
I looked up the place last night, and it seems reputable. Given Luke’s struggles, it could be a good fit for him.
He doesn’t respond, but he doesn’t shut it down either. For the moment, I’ll take that as a win.
We spend the next couple of days sightseeing around Astoria and exploring the coast. On Friday, Ronda and Heather bring my mom so that we can spend some time with her. That evening, we all pack into our living room.
She clears her throat and takes a deep breath, her voice steady. “After talking with Ronda, I realize not being honest with you boys about the state of my marriage was a mistake.”
I’m amazed at how confident and strong she is during all this. There’s a newfound resolve in her that wasn’t there before.
“She’s also helped me recognize that staying with your dad is not good for me. So, I’ve decided to file for divorce.”
