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“No, I’m referring to the time we were just friends,” Dad corrects.
“With weird benefits,” Papa adds.
“Please, don’t tell me about your sexual escapades. I don’t need that.” I groan.
Papa has no filters, and he doesn’t believe in censoring his conversations. The last time they talked about his last tour it was at a family party. A family party where everyone learned about their threesomes and… I need bleach to scrub the images from my head.
“Listen, I just want to remind you that sometimes when your relationship—”
“Stay out of it.” I use a warning voice.
“We’re concerned about you,” Dad says, ignoring what I just told him.
“Also, about Tristan. He looks… broken,” Papa adds.
“And what do you want me to do? Forgive him for fucking with our relationship? Give him a medal for putting my happiness first?” I immediately shut my mouth because I sound like a selfish prick.
“He’s had a hard life,” Papa chimes in. “He’s used to disappearing from the crowd and putting other people’s needs before his. More so when those two people happen to be his partners. The loves of his life.”
“So, what am I supposed to do? Forget what happened and forgive—” I pause because I’m about to sound like an ass again.
And that’s when I finally understand. I’m furious with myself, not with Tristan nor my parents. I swore to protect Thea and Tristan’s hearts, to be gentle with them. I’ve been going to therapy to learn how to help them. Tristan has PTSD after being the victim of the cruelties of his parents and other adults, he’s used to containing himself in a small space.
He didn’t choose avoiding the press, he chose making sure Thea never relapses or gets hurt by anyone.Not once but several times, he warned us about his sister, and I should’ve taken that more seriously, protected him from her. Setting an alarm system after the fact was only for Thea’s sake and not even worth it.
“We love you,” Papa breaks the silence. “But your sister is right. You have emotional constipation. We thought it was getting better, but for some reason, you’re digressing. Maybe it’s time to dig deep and allow Tristan and Thea inside your heart. Let them all the way in, not just say they’re part of you, but show it to them.”
He’s right. Because I was hurt, I let Tristan go, and Thea asked for a break. I’ve been trying to make an effort with her, but it’s mediocre at best. They’re what makes me whole and I need them both in my life.
“Is it okay if I drop you by the door?” I ask as the gates of the mansion open.
Dad pats my arm. “We’ll be fine. Text if you’re not planning on coming home.”
When I enter Black Out, the party is still in full swing. Everyone is dancing, drinking, and celebrating. When Mark sees me, he shakes his head.“You’re too late.”
“Where is he?”
“He left ten minutes ago,” he answers.
“Do you know where he was going?”
“Probably the airport. His plane leaves for JFK at six in the morning. There’s no point in going home for just a couple of hours,” he answers.
“Are you sure?”
“It’s been his MO for the past couple of months. When you find him, take care of him. He’s about to have a nervous breakdown.” He gives me a disapproving glare before leaving me alone.
I press the bridge of my nose before turning around and leaving. Dropping by unannounced was a good idea, but I’m not going to play chase. Once I’m in the car, I call him. He doesn’t answer. I growl and try one more time before firing a text.
Matt: We need to talk.
Coop: I’m busy.
Matt: Where are you?
Coop: On my way to the airport.
Matt: Can we meet at your house?
