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I look intently at both of them. “And he has love in his life. I almost had it too, but now that’s gone. I’ve lost everything, and so when I talk to Hayden tomorrow, the gloves are off, which may mean that video gets released.”
“Is that why you came over here tonight, son? To embarrass your mother and me? To make everything we did to raise you and make you a good upstanding citizen be for nothing?” My father’s voice is low but menacing.
“I came here as your son to let you know that I’m struggling, but also knowing that you wouldn’t give a fuck.”
My mother gasps and staggers back in shock at my use of the F-word.
“And to warn you about the video.” I put my glass on a side table and make my way to the door, knowing that my dinner invite will shortly be revoked.
“Oliver,” my mother calls after me.
I stop in the doorway between the sitting room and the lobby. “Your father and I do care. Maybe we can help you. We know people.”
I turn to look at her over my shoulder. “Are you going to go to your people and tell them to help you with your son who was secretly filmed having sex?”
She flinches.
“I didn’t think so.”
I leave my parents’ house and decide to drive to the beach. When I arrive, it’s dark out and the moon is casting a lovely light over the water. The romantic setting makes me yearn for Charlotte. For a moment, I wonder if it’s too late to change my mind. But I know the thought is selfish. I can’t be with her without risking tainting her with Hayden and the video.
Deciding I like the beach, I find an available Airbnb, and rent it through Christmas. I have a moment to realize that Charlotte will be alone for the holiday and I hate myself even more for leaving her.
Later in the evening, I call Theo to let him know where I am, what I’m doing, how Mom and Dad haven’t changed, and then ask if he might invite Charlotte to spend Christmas with them. It’s a huge ask on Madeline’s family, and I suspect that Charlotte will decline, but I have to do something so that she doesn’t have to be alone.
I end the evening preparing for my conversation with Hayden and the potential fallout that might occur.
