Page 470 of Seasons of Love
Gabe gave me a reassuring smile and went back inside.
I couldn’t face my uncle. Not before I apologized.
He sat next to me.
“Uncle Frank…I…I’m so sorry.” A lump formed in my throat, and I gripped the cup tighter. “I didn’t mean to lie or deceive you. I understand if you don’t believe me or trust me anymore.”
“Are you with Griff, Mal, or both?” he asked.
“Both. I’m with both…was…with both. I don’t know anymore.”
“Why?”
I met his eyes. The same hazel color as my mother’s and Gabe's. I’d always been the odd one out with clear blue eyes.
“All I’ve ever wanted was to work at the resort and make you proud, make you not regret taking me in. And I’ve thrown it all away. This…this thing with Mal and Griff. It could ruin your reputation. As it is right now, it means we’ll need to stay closed for longer or only keep part of the resort open.”
“The earthquake isn’t your fault, Jacob.”
“No, but everything else is. If I didn’t work at the resort, I wouldn’t have met them again. There would be no photos of us together, and John wouldn’t have pulled the contract.”
That was it. It all became clear at that moment. As painful as it was, it was the right thing to do.
“Uncle Frank, I’d like to resign.”
“What?”
“I resign.”
“Why?”
“Because without me, you don’t have to fire Mal. He’s a great manager, and I think he’s just what the resort needs.”
“Is that it?”
“I don’t want to disappoint you, Uncle Frank. You are like a father to me. If you want, I’ll give them up. We’ll go back to how it was, except I’ll look for another job.”
It was all so clear in my mind. So why did it hurt so much to say it?
Because I was lying again. I didn’t want to give them up. I wanted them as much as I’d ever wanted to make my uncle proud.
“Jacob, look at me. First of all, I don’t know what makes you think I’m firing Mal. Second, you could never disappoint me. Sometimes I wish you didn’t try so hard to be the perfect son. My love isn’t conditional. I’m not going to send you away. I am your father. Maybe not totally by blood, but one hundred percent in my heart.”
“I’m so sorry, Uncle Frank.” I cried in his arms.
“Me too, son. I’m sorry that what your mother did has stayed with you all this time.”
“I know she didn’t want to abandon me. Deep down, I know she loved me. She just didn’t know what to do with a child when her dreams were so big.”
He squeezed my shoulders. “It is possible to dream big and still love and care for your family, Jacob. This is all on your mother. I loved my sister dearly, but she failed us all. Wherever she is, this is something for her to carry. Our only job is to be happy in this life because it can be very short. Tell me, Jacob. How do you feel about Mal and Griff?”
Warmth spread through my chest.
“I love them. I never thought I’d love two men at the same time, but I do. I feel at home, safe, and loved every time I’m with them.”
“Do they love you back?”
I sighed. “Griff said he loves me, but Mal hasn’t said it yet.”
