My words were cutting. Cruel. Inwardly, the teenage version of myself flinched, readying himself for the backlash.
But Frank just nodded. “You’re right there. Why don’t you have a seat and I’ll make us some tea.”
I suspected it was sheer shock that had me doing as he suggested. I didn’t sink into the comfy sofa though, instead perching on the edge. I wasn’t relaxing. I couldn’t. Not here. Not around him.
Even the distant sound of him bustling around the kitchen was unfamiliar. As was the quiet tune he was humming as he went about making us tea.
Tea.
Like he was a normal father. Like I was a normal son.
What the fuck is happening?
With shaking fingers, I pulled my phone out and shot off a text to Ryan.
DOM
I’m here. What the fuck happened while I was gone? I feel like I’ve stepped into a parallel universe.
I didn’t expect a response. Ryan was spending the day with Xander. But to my surprise, a message came through almost immediately.
SHADOW
You’re at Frank’s? Holy shit.
I smiled a little.
DOM
You asked me to, remember?
SHADOW
Well, obviously. I wasn’t expecting you to go, though. Certainly not this soon.
DOM
Told you I’ll do whatever you ask of me, Shadow.
SHADOW
You might not believe me now, but I’m asking you to do this because it’ll be good for you in the long run.
Trust me, Dom.
DOM
I do. That’s the only reason I’m here.
SHADOW
I’m proud of you.
I rubbed my throat as a lump appeared. When was the last time someone had told me that?
DOM
Don’t be too proud of me. There’s every chance he’ll say something to piss me off and I’ll lamp him one.