Page 106 of One Wrong Step
His laugh is harsh. “Vivian changes his interests and his boyfriends constantly. He’ll get bored with you. But until that happens, I want to make sure he doesn’t give up on his dreams.”
His words are designed to hurt me. But I don’t even feel them. He doesn’t know Vivian at all.
“How dare you.” My dad’s voice shocks me out of my staring match with Vivian’s dad. His face is bright red, and I’m not sure if it’s from anger or the heat. Dad shakes his finger at Mr. Beauchesne. “You know nothing about either of these boys. Vivian is a great kid.”
“This isn’t any of your business?—”
“Like hell it isn’t. Vivian is my stepson. And I want to thank you for sending him to us. He’s a joy to have around.” Dad takes a deep breath, still not looking at me. “And don’t you dare say another word against my son. I may not understand everything that’s going on, but he’s a good man. Loyal. Protective. I have no doubt he’ll make Vivian happy.” He shakes his head. “You don’t have the right to judge them. And neither do I.” He finally looks at me. “I’m sorry, Jonah. I reacted badly. I love both you boys?—”
“How touching.” Mr. Beauchesne tugs on his sleeves.
“Some things never change, Renato. You’re just as much a prick as you were when we were married.” Carolynda gives him a disgusted look and then turns to Dad. “George? Are you okay?” She takes his hand.
He looks like he’s about to cry. “I’m sorry.”
“We’re okay.” She kisses his cheek. And then she gives Mr. Beauchesne her full attention. “Why are you here?”
“Not that it’s any of your business, but I’m here to support my son.”
“That’s a first, isn’t it?”
He sneers at her. “Vivian doesn’t need his mother to fight his battles for him.”
My hands tighten into fists. I am not one for violence, but this man could use being taken down a peg or two.
“You’re right, Father. I don’t need anyone to fight for me.”
My head jerks up. Vivian is glaring at his father, and Frankie is holding a tired-looking Maisy in her arms.
“But it is nice to have backup. Carry on, Mom.”
His father sneers at him. “You were always weak?—”
“That’s where you’re wrong. Others standing up for me, having my back, doesn’t make me weak. It makes me stronger.”
“I am not releasing your trust fund?—”
“I’m done with that threat, Father. Don’t release the money. The only reason I ever cared about it is because Uncle Henri wanted me to have it. So do what you want. Either way, I’m finding a lawyer.”
“You can’t afford one, and no one here is in any position to help you.”
“This is where friends come in handy.” He ignores his dad and reaches for my hand. “Are you okay?”
I nod and kiss him. His father makes a disgusted noise and stomps off. Good riddance. “You know lawyers?”
“Roz said they could help me find someone.”
I grin. “Look at you making friends.”
Dad approaches us like he does a mare after it births a new foal. Very carefully. “I’m sorry. I overreacted.”
“You also told off my father. That was impressive.”
Dad rubs the back of his neck. “You heard that?”
“I did.”
“Well, he was being a jerk. And so was I.”
