Page 126 of Over Time Advantage

It sounds familiar, but I can’t place him. I run through the husbands of Ginny’s friends. Then I run through Kennedy’s teachers. No, I don’t remember a Nick. There was only one Nick I can ever⁠—

My eyes widen as it hits me. “Your boyfriend? That older college guy you were dating, who I wanted to choke to death every time he walked into the house with a smug smile like it was normal for a twenty-year-old to date a sixteen-year-old?” I fucking hated that pompous kid.

She slowly nods. “Ding, ding, ding. You’ve won a prize. I didn’t walk into my house, my safe haven, my home, and see my mother having sex with a stranger. I walked in and found her getting railed from behind by my boyfriend. On my kitchen table. The same place I used to do my homework. The same guy I lost my virginity to a few weeks earlier.”

I can feel Fallon trembling next to me. I look at her and see tears streaming down her face. She’s in shock, as am I.

Tears begin to fall down my cheeks as Kennedy turns blurry. I suddenly see her as a little girl being betrayed by the people who are supposed to protect her. My hands begin shaking.

I run through my conversations with Ginny after this traumatic event. Not once did she mention who it was. Not once did she mention it was someone Kennedy knew, let alone her boyfriend.

I open and close my mouth a few times, having no words for this. Did Kennedy think I knew about this for all these years? That I did nothing about it? That no one protected her or cared enough to help her?

Eventually, I croak out, “I know I wasn’t a great father to you. I know I let my own demons take over and wasn’t around like I should have been. I’m so sorry for that. You’ll never know just how much I regret the way I acted. I’ve tried my best to be there for Pierce in all the ways I failed you. I’ve tried to make it up to you as best as I can. But I swear to you, Kennedy, I didn’t realize just how horrific it was for you.” I continue to rack my brain for exactly what Ginny said to me after that day. “Your mother told me you caught her in bed with another man, but that I shouldn’t bring it up to you because it would be like reliving the trauma all over again. I wanted to kick her out right away, but she said you’d blame yourself for our divorce and that we should stick it out until you left for college. It made sense, so I agreed to it. I had no idea how bad it was.” A bubble lodges in my throat, and I cover my mouth in horror. My head is spinning. “My poor little girl. You’ve lost so much. Even more than I ever knew.”

Fallon leans into me, offering me comfort. I think she’s the only reason I can still sit upright. I’ve never been in more shock in my life.

Kennedy carefully assesses us before her face finally softens and she leans back in her chair. “Frankly, it makes perfect sense. I never understood why you didn’t react like you are right now. Now I get it. You didn’t know. She lied to me about having told you because I threatened that I would if she didn’t. I’ll never forgive her for any of it, and I’ll never have a relationship with her, but I don’t feel that way about you, Dad. I want you in my life. I need you in my life. I want to move past the painful memories and look toward a more positive future, one I hope you’ll be a part of.”

There’s a softness to her right now I’m not sure I’ve ever seen before. I don’t know the reason, but I’m thankful for it.

I want to go to her, but I’m naked beneath this blanket. Fallon starts sobbing, so I hold her close, wishing I could do the same to Kennedy.

Kennedy walks over to Fallon and pulls her away from me into a hug, offering her a level of compassion I didn’t know she was capable of. Their heads are down as Kennedy continues to provide love to my girl. I briefly take in the beauty of the moment. The two most important women in my life embracing each other in their respective times of need.

But as I watch them, what Ginny didn’t provide floods my brain. What she did to our daughter without taking any accountability is unforgivable. No wonder Kennedy hates her so much. It all makes sense now.

Rage begins to infiltrate my body. A rage I’m not sure I’ve ever felt before. How could Ginny do this to Kennedy? How could she keep this from me?

While they continue hugging, I take the opportunity to quickly grab my clothes and discreetly slip into them.

Through gritted teeth, I tell them I’m leaving. I may not have protected my daughter then, but I will now.

It’s time for me to have a little chat with Ginny.

Kennedy looks up at me and her lips twitch in amusement. She stares but doesn’t stop me. My mission is clear as day. My daughter needs me to fight for her. To know I’m in her corner and always will be.

It’s fucking go time, Virginia Jeffries. You’re about to get your due.

I practically stomp into the house to find my keys and wallet. Before I leave, I turn to check on my girls outside. Fallon now has the blanket wrapped around her, and they’re sitting together on the ground, shoulder to shoulder, as they both smile and laugh in such a familiar way. This is how it’s supposed to be between a mother and daughter.

Ten minutes later, I’m banging on Ginny’s door. While I have the code, I’m not just barging in for this conversation.

It takes a full minute, but she eventually opens the door in what is obviously a man’s T-shirt. A fraternity T-shirt. No pants, no shorts, just the oversized shirt.

“Put on some fucking clothes,” I grit out.

She pinches her eyebrows together. “What are you doing here? What’s wrong?”

“Clothes, Ginny. Now!” I yell in a manner I have never done with her before. She flinches in obvious shock and maybe a little fear.

“What’s going on, babe?” a young male voice says as he walks out with messy hair, in his boxer briefs, eating beef jerky.

I look at him. “Get the fuck out of here.”

Ginny crosses her arms. “You don’t get to tell him what to do in my house.”

My jaw tics. “Actually, it’s my house. I own it. You’re my tenant…for now.” Looking back at the frat guy, I scream, “Get. The. Fuck. Out. Now.”