Why a Popular Boy Brought My Daughter Home Five Minutes Before Midnight – America Focus PART 2
“No. It was just weird.”
Ryan came in behind her.
“Mom, something happened tonight.”
He was pale.
Iris dropped her shoes by the stairs. “Ryan’s stepdad showed up at prom.”
My stomach tightened.
“Okay. And?”
“He surprised Ryan. He flew back early from work because he wanted to see him in his tux before the night ended. It was sweet at first. Ryan introduced me, and his stepdad froze. Like, completely froze. He kept asking my name. Then he asked about you. Well, about my parents.”
My fingers curled around the doorframe.
“Ryan’s stepdad showed up at prom.”
“What was his name?”
Iris frowned. “Tony.”
The room narrowed.
“Mom?” Iris said.
“Sorry. I swallowed wrong.”
“No, you didn’t,” Ryan said, looking at me.
Iris glanced between us. “Ryan, do you want water? You have barely spoken since we left.”
“I’m fine, Iris. I think I’m just tired from dancing.”
“What was his name?”
“No, you’re not fine. I’ll get it.”
The moment she disappeared into the kitchen, Ryan lifted his head.
***
“You knew.”
“Ryan…”
“No. Don’t soften it. You knew Anthony was her father. He goes by Tony most of the time.”
I put one hand against the wall. “I didn’t know he was your stepfather.”
His face changed like I had slapped him.
“That’s what matters to you right now?”
“No, you’re not fine.”
“Keep your voice down. She’s in the kitchen.”
“I know where she is. I’ve been protecting her from this all night.”
My throat tightened. “You don’t understand what happened between Anthony and me.”
“I understand tonight.” His hands shook. “I introduced my prom date to my stepdad, and he looked like his whole life had walked in.”
I closed my eyes.
“Then he pulled me into the hallway,” Ryan said. “He said, ‘That’s my daughter.’ Do you know what that felt like?”
“Keep your voice down.”
