Chapter 8 - The Boy’s SecretThe porch light illuminated Theo’s pale, resolute face. He looked smaller than the two men standing in the driveway, but his eyes held an authority that made the air still.
“Theo,” Brendan said, his voice instantly softening into a fake, rehearsed warmth. “Go back inside, buddy. Adult business.”
“No,” Theo said firmly, stepping down the stairs to stand beside his mother and me. “I heard everything.”
Brendan walked up to the bottom step, reaching into his pocket. “Look, Theo, I brought you that new glove I promised. It’s in the car. Top of the line.”
“I don't want your glove, Dad,” Theo said clearly.
Brendan paused, taken aback. “What do you mean? It cost three hundred dollars.”
“You think everything is about money,” Theo said, his voice steady despite the tear trembling on his eyelash. “You mocked Coach Caleb for driving a cheap car. You mocked him for being a gym teacher.”
“Theo, I’m just trying to protect you—”
“Coach Caleb didn’t just drive me home, Dad,” Theo cut in, his voice rising with emotional power. “Do you know why I was sitting on those bleachers every Tuesday?”
Brendan frowned, looking at Sloane. “Because your mother was working late.”
“No,” Theo said, looking directly into his father’s eyes. “Mom offered to hire a driver weeks ago. I told her no.”
Brendan blinked, confused. “Why?”
“Because every Tuesday, Coach Caleb stays after practice for an extra hour,” Theo revealed, his voice shaking with pride. “He doesn’t go home. He sits with me on the field and helps me practice my throws. Then he drives me around the long way through the park so we can talk about my day.”
Theo wiped a tear from his cheek with the back of his hand.
“He asked me how I was doing when you didn’t call on my birthday. He gave me his own lunch when I forgot mine. He broke in this glove with me when you were too busy at your medical conference.”
May you like
The driveway fell into an absolute, suffocating silence.
Brendan stood frozen on the bottom step, his mouth slightly open, the words dying in his throat.
