It makes me sick to my stomach to ask, but I have to think about Ben. I don’t want my parents to start fighting all over again. And if Dad was having an affair, that’s something I don’t think anyone can get past, no matter how hard they try. Once the trust is broken, it’s gone forever.
“That’s not something I’m comfortable discussing with you, Charlie. Now let’s get you cleaned up for that boyfriend of yours.” She helps me out of bed.
“How come I have the impression you don’t like Troy very much?”
“He took Ben bungee jumping without asking us first, for starters.”
“Ben already told you that he lied to Troy and bribed the operator to let him jump without parental consent.”
I can’t believe he’d do something reckless like that, but considering the shitty situation at home, it’s not completely surprising. Ben was only trying to forget about the fighting for a while.
“It doesn’t matter. He should have confirmed with us.”
Gee, when Mom wants to be stubborn, she’s worse than me.
“Well, you’d better get used to him. He’s not going anywhere.”
Mom locks her eyes with mine. “You love him, don’t you?”
“Yes I do.”
“I hope he’s worth it.”
It’s impossible to miss the bitterness in my mother’s tone. It makes me angry that she can’t accept my happiness because her marriage is on the rocks.
“He is, Mom. Troy is worth everything.”
An hour later, we’re finally heading out of the house. My stomach is glued together already, making me regret I ever suggested going out for breakfast. Every little task takes forever with me hopping on one foot. I’m still getting used to my crutches, and Troy doesn’t know if he should help or laugh.
“At that pace, we’ll get there for lunch,” Ben pipes up.
“I don’t know, buddy. I think dinner,” Troy piles on.
I scowl at them. “Shut up, you two. This is hard.”
“Do you want help, honey?” Dad steps closer, but I shrug his outstretched hand off.
“No, I have to practice. I don’t plan to sit around the house until the cast is off. I have classes to attend.”
“Maybe we should take two cars,” Mom says as she joins us outside. “More room for you in the back, Charlie.”
I open my mouth to protest, but Troy cuts me off. “I’ll take my car.”
“Then I’m coming with you,” I say, earning a disapproving glance from both my parents.
“Me too,” Ben chimes in.
I can see them both gearing up for an argument, but the sound of a car fast approaching draws our attention to the road. This is a residential street; the speed limit is only thirty. Who’s driving like this is a Formula One track?
A red sportscar stops in front of our house, burning rubber as it comes to a halt too abruptly.
“Son of a bitch,” Troy mutters.
Dad takes a step forward, and a second later, a blonde hurricane exits the vehicle. Troy’s mother.
What the hell is she doing here? Looking for him?
“Elaine, what are you doing here?” Dad asks her. He sounds nervous.
She laughs derisively. “Isn’t this the picture-perfect image? Jason Fontaine, going out with his precious family.” She staggers on her high heels, highly intoxicated, judging by her slurred speech.
“Elaine, you need to leave. Now!” Dad grabs her arm and tries to steer her back to her car.
“No!” She breaks free. “I’m not leaving until I tell everyone what a coward you are.”
“I can’t believe this,” Mom grits out. “Is she the woman you were screwing, Jason?”
My stomach bottoms out. Troy’s mother is my father’s mistress?
I glance at Troy, imagining his shock is the same as mine. But he doesn’t look surprised. His gaze is anguished and filled with guilt when our eyes lock.
“I’m sorry, Charlie,” he says softly.
“You knew?” I ask, not daring to believe the truth that’s right in front of my face.
“Oh yes, Troy’s known for a while, right, son?” his odious mother replies. “But instead of standing by me, you betrayed me. You picked his side just so you could keep fucking his daughter.”
“Mother! That’s enough.” Troy grips his mother’s arm and drags her to his car. “I’m taking you home.”
She doesn’t fight him, but even if she did, it wouldn’t matter. The damage is done.
I turn around too fast, needing to get away from this scene, and almost fall on my face. Ben reaches for my arm just in time and steadies me. My parents start to argue, but I block them out. I just want to get out of here. With Ben’s