Page 58 of Fortunate Miracles
“Yes.”
My father sighs loudly, looking weary. “I am so sorry, Alex. We will take care of the engagement first thing tomorrow.”
“But the public scandal, Father.”
“Doesn’t matter, Alex. Your happiness is, and always will be, far more important to me. It’s my fault that you don’t know that. Now. I’ve heard many unpleasant things about my wife. I need you to be completely honest with me and tell me what you've been dealingwith these past few years. It’s not your job to protect me, son, so please start talking.”
Shock causes me to stay silent for minutes before I begin. I cannot deny him. As requested, I tell him everything. We take an hour to discuss the most important issues regarding Alicia. My dad seems horrified at what she has done. It is nice to talk so openly like this after all these years.
“I’m sorry, Alex. I lost my way after your mother passed and threw myself into work. Alicia seemed fun and interesting, and I missed having someone. There’s no excuse for leaving you alone and for having to deal with her. I was secretly hoping Summer was exaggerating when we talked.”
“Afraid not, Father.” He orders dinner, and we spend the evening truly talking for the first time in years. He is the same person I remember from when Mom was alive. I tell him about E and his inheritance issues, Nick leaving, Summer and Jake, Bay and Seb. Everything. He is attentive and asks appropriate questions when needed. Before we realize it, it is after 10pm.
“How do you feel about taking tomorrow off school, Alex? There’s much to be done, and I’ll need your help with some of it,” he asks.
“Of course,” I agree easily.
“Wonderful. I still have a few phone calls to make tonight. I’m staying indefinitely, so we can chat more later. Is the diner your mother loved still open?”
“Yes, it is.”
“Let’s plan on breakfast there in the morning, say 8am?”
“Great,” I smile. “See you in the morning.”
“Goodnight, son,” he smiles as I get up to leave.
Heading upstairs, I sit down on the couch to review all we discussed. The false engagement will be ended. Alicia will be removed. My father will be around more. Summer was correct; thestandards I was upholding for myself were self-inflicted. I pull my phone out and call her. “Hi Alex,” she answers.
“Hello Summer. It seems you have been busy lately.”
“So your dad told you,” she groans. “Sorry Alex. I needed to do something, and my gut said he would care more about you than society. Are you mad? Did it go bad?”
“You were correct about everything, Summer. Thank you.” I summarize our conversation regarding Alicia and Reesa for her.
“I’m so happy for you, Alex, and relieved. Call if you need anything, okay?”
“I will. I am skipping school to help my father tomorrow and will text everyone now. Goodnight Summer.”
“Night, Alex.”
Seb, E, and Bay are quick to answer my text. They are happy and unsurprised. I cannot believe I was so wrong about family expectations and put myself through so much stress with Reesa and Alicia. If it was not for Summer, I hate to think how far this would have gone. I will need to find a way to thank her properly.
Chapter 33
Alex
The next morning, my father is waiting by the front door at 8am. "Good morning."
"Morning, son. Ready to eat?"
"Yes," I smile at him.
"Care to drive? I should get my car checked. It's probably seized up from sitting so long," he chuckles.
"It is ready to drive. I have it serviced every three months."
"Really? Well, thank you for that. Maybe I'll take it for a spin later."
