Chapter Thirty
Jonah
Dad stares at me like I’m a monster, his voice full of anger. Disgust. “What is wrong with you?” He points at Vivian. “He’s your brother.”
People are turning to stare, and my face heats up. I’m frozen. Can’t move. Can’t speak. Dread heavy in my stomach. First, my mom. Now my dad.
“Stepbrother,” Vivian says. His voice is calm. His chin raised. “George, listen?—”
“I don’t want to hear from you.” The look he gives Vivian is like a slap to the face. And it wakes me up.
“Dad, stop.” I can’t believe this is happening. How can I be deliriously happy one moment and destroyed the next? I hate hurting Dad, but I can’t let him take this out on Vivian. “This isn’t Vivian’s fault.” I try to pull Vivian behind me, but he isn’t budging.
“You’re wrong. He did this?—”
“George.” Carolynda’s voice is like steel. “You need to think carefully about what you say next.” Her voice lowers. “I understand you’re upset. But some things can’t be unsaid.”
He folds his arms over his stomach, and his chin drops as he visibly tries to pull himself together. Then he nods once and gives Carolynda a weak smile. “Excuse me.” He walks away without a glance at Vivian or me.
A sob escapes me, and I dash at the tears on my face. How could he walk away? The disgust in his eyes—my throat tightens, and I can’t breathe.
And then Vivian is there, wrapping his arms around me. “It’s going to be okay.”
I nod, giving him a grateful smile. As hard as that was…as hard as it might still be, we never have to hide again. The relief makes me lightheaded.
Carolynda touches my shoulder. “I’m sorry, Jonah. He’ll come around.” Her eyes are sad, but there’s none of the disgust I saw from my dad. “I wish George had reacted differently, but— No, I’m not going to excuse his behavior. Just know that I’m thrilled for you both.”
“You are?”
Her smile is genuine. “I’ve never seen either of you so happy.”
I feel a surge of affection for Carolyna. She’s the opposite of my mom, who sometimes forgets to return my calls. “Thank you, Carolynda. That means a lot.”
But there’s still a giant hole in my stomach. I’ve always wanted to protect my dad from the pain my mom caused. And now I’m the one causing him pain.
Carolynda places her hands on my biceps and then pulls me in for a hug. And I’m so startled that I don’t move. I’ve seen her hug Maisy, so I know it’s possible, but—and then I shut off my brain and hug her back. Vivian sobs and wraps his arms around both of us.
“Me too,” Maisy says, squeezing her way in.
I laugh and pick her up. After another quick family—minus Dad—hug, Carolynda dusts off her shorts.
“Here’s what we’re going to do. Maisy and I will get something to eat and visit theDragon Princessbooth.” Maisy’s eyes widen, and she squeals. It sounds eerily like Frankie. “You and Vivian take some time for yourselves. You both have performances today.” She glances at the path Dad took. “And we’ll let your dad feel his feelings for a while.”
Vivian and I hold hands while we check out a few booths. One booth has an interesting array of handcuffs and collars. It’s a little scary but very exciting. And a good reminder that enjoying a D/s dynamic is nothing to be ashamed of. We buy a few things for later, and something in me settles. There is a later for us. Dad will come around. Or he won’t. And I’m not sure what later will look like for Vivian and me, but knowing there will be one is enough. I kiss Vivian. “You’re amazing.”
“Glad you finally noticed,” he says with a wink.
I grin. “Oh, I’ve noticed.”
We wander down to the stage. It’s big but not as intimidating as I expected. People mill around, checking microphones and speakers and other things I have no idea about.
“Are you ready for his?” Vivian asks.
“The jury is still out.” Even if I’m not quite ready, I’m going to do this. It’s not for me. I don’t care about the prize money. This performance is for Vivian.
“Jonah?”
I spin around. Roz stands in full makeup and costume, even in this heat, with a smile on their face. Their manager, Levor, is beside them. He’s an older man with dark skin. I think he’s Jamaican.
