Page 54 of The Logic of Loyalty

“Totally. Let me help.” Bethany heads to the kitchen to grab a plate, and I decide to give him my glass of tea.

“I’ll just take these to him, and we’ll get right back to it, alright?”

“Sounds good. I’ll eat some of it too.”

“Knock, knock.” I push open his door and see my boy sitting up in his bed, a book in his hands. His little face is screwed up in concentration, but there’s something wrong with the picture. “Um, honey. The book is upside down.”

Jacob doesn’t say anything when he flips the book right-side-up. He continues to stare at it with furrowed brows. I step closer and take a quick scan of his room. “Oh, bud. You have got to clean your room.”

“Dad said he’d help me.”

“Hmm …” His eyes are fixed and unmoving on the book. I place my hand on it and lower it to get a better read of his face. I uncover his red eyes. He doesn’t want me to know he’s been crying. Crap. I clear my throat. “So, tell me, kid. How was your Aunt Beth visit?”

“It was fine.” He picks at his fingernail, and I let it slide.

“Can you tell me about it?” His eyes finally meet mine, and I feel like I was just punched in the heart. His little face looks anguished. “Oh, buddy.” I reach my hand out again, this time grabbing his. “Did something happen?”

His jaw tenses as his eyes get suspiciously shiny. “No.”

“Jacob Whitaker. I need you to be honest with me here. What happened last night?”

He huffs. “Mom, it’s not a big deal. Promise, okay?”

“Tell me.”

“Gosh. Okay, fine.” He places the book on his lap and folds his hands on top of it. I ignore their trembling. “I heard them. My—Dad’s parents.” His eyes drift over my head to the door, and his face falls further. I turn around to see Bethany, a look of concern on her face. “I’m sorry, Aunt Beth. I know you told me to stay in your rooms, but I got—I got—I got—” His voice rises in pitch as he fights to get the words out.

“Oh, no. Buddy!” Bethany comes barreling into the room and throws herself onto Jacob’s bed. “Shh, kiddo.” His tears break the barrier and slide down his face, and she smooshes him into her arms. He’s tense at first, like he’s still fighting it, but he slowly relaxes into her hold. At first, I think he’s mumbling sad, nonsensical things, but at Bethany’s tensing shoulders, I realize I need to listen closer.

“Wh-why d-don’t they l-l-like me? I d-didn’t do anything w-wrong.” The sadness in his voice steals the breath from my lungs, but Bethany’s mantra warms my heart.

“You’re perfect. It’s not about you. I promise. They aren’t very nice, buddy. I’m so sorry I wasn’t there. You didn’t do anything wrong. You’re wonderful.”

I join in with her words of affirmation, and we sit together on my son’s bed and try to ease the pain caused by Dick Shitaker and his horrible wife. I wrap these two beautiful souls in my arms and pray for strength as I begin the process of cutting the poison from our lives.

I used to believe that family was family, and we had such a small number of people we could count that cutting anyone made no sense. I wanted Dick to magically turn into a man who more closely resembles his son, but instead, I’m worried his son has started to echo the characteristics of his father.

It’s time for some uncomfortable changes.

“I want Dad. Is he going to be home soon?”

Shit. “I’ll call him, buddy. Don’t worry about it. Why don’t you tell Aunt Beth about your class you’re taking this summer?”

Bethany gives me an unreadable look, but lets him turn his brightening eyes on her and start talking with extreme detail all about the course.

I back out and walk down the steps to grab my phone and give him a call. Shit. Does he even have a phone? He was emailing me. Double shit. She and Trevor don’t like to be in the same space.”

The call goes to voicemail, so I call Billy, aware that Trevor stayed in the apartment, even if briefly.

“Yello.”

“Hey! Could you possibly get Trevor on the phone? His son needs him.” I wander to the front door, look out the window, and pause. “You know what, never mind. I think I found him.”

“Alright, sweetheart. Good luck.” He hangs up, so I toss my phone in my pocket and open the front door.

Trevor whips his head in my direction, and I get a face full of hope and heartache in one glance. “Paige.” My name sounds like an answered prayer and an apology.

“Jacob needs you. Can⁠—”