An Unlocked Mind (Secrets #2)(94)

Rob blinked. Okay, that was unexpected.

She turned on him. “What are you saying?”

Dad sighed, set his mug down, and stepped between Rob and his mother. “For years I stayed quiet. I figured things worked, so why disrupt them? Then all that stuff with Alex happened and I realized things weren’t working at all. We lost a son because neither of us had ever been good parents.”

She huffed. “I gave them everything.”

“I’m talking about love and affection. You’re talking about food and shelter, and not much beyond that.” When Mum’s mouth dropped open, he held up his hand. “It wasn’t all on you, though. I was no better. I used to think Rob was the one who avoided affection, but it was you. Just thinking about our sex life should’ve told me something.”

Mum’s eyes bulged and she gasped. “You can’t talk about private things like that!”

“Why not? Sex is important. Sex matters. It shouldn’t be a chore, something you grant to a partner to shut them up. At least our sons never learned that from us.”

In all his years, Rob’s father rarely raised his voice, and disagreements between his parents were rare. Right now, Rob was seeing him in a whole new light, and he had to admit how much he admired his father right then.

Dad regarded Mum, his face grave. “When you got pregnant, I thought things would change. They didn’t. Looking at Rob and Vic, I can see the truth of it. Rob was starved for attention, and we never gave it to him. So he got it where he could.” His father’s gaze flicked over to Rob. “He fell in with Jamie.” He spat the words and glanced at Rob. “Sorry, but I never did like that boy. Always had a shifty look to him, so what you’re telling me is no great surprise.” He returned his attention to Mum. “And we let it happen. We let him do whatever he wanted so we didn’t have to do our jobs as parents.”

Rob had never heard his father speak like that. He’d always been quick with a joke to defuse a tense situation, but he’d never spoken from the heart.

Dad turned to him. “Rob, I’m sorry I was such a disappointment as a father. I’ve done my best to get back into Alex’s life, and I would very much like to be a part of yours, if you’ll have me.”

Rob stood in shock. He’d envisaged this conversation so many times, always with different scenarios, but never like this.

Vic nudged him, bringing him back to the conversation. Then his dad’s words finally sank in. “You’ve talked with Alex?”

He nodded. “We try to get together when we can. He and Leo are good men. Just like I’m sure you and Vic are.”

“Good men.” His mum’s voice dripped with venom. “You know what I think about that man. Well, you can think and do what you like. I don’t have to stand here, in my own kitchen, and listen while history repeats itself.” She spun on her heel and stormed from the room.

His father sighed. “I tried to tell Alex to be patient, but I can see now that won’t work. I love your mother but….”

Rob noted his father’s slumped shoulders and the sad look in his eyes. “But what?”

Dad met his gaze. “I guess I can tell you now. Your announcement has only solidified my feelings.” He paused for a moment. “I don’t know what’s going to come of it, but I can’t do this anymore.” His voice was weary. “I can’t stay with her if she’s going to drive away my sons. She may not want you in her life, but I certainly do. I’ve made a lot of mistakes, more than I have the right to ask you to forgive. But I really would like it if you could give me a chance.”

He took a tentative step forward and stopped. Rob knew it was up to him to be the one to make the next move. He wasn’t sure if he should offer a hand or try to hug his father. This was so far outside their norm that Rob felt adrift.

Vic’s hand was on his back, a comforting weight. “Doug, you have to know that this is all coming as a surprise to Rob. He’s a little overwhelmed right now.”

That had to be the understatement of the year. Rob felt like a steam roller had run right over him.

His father nodded and took a step back, uncertainty evident in his posture. “I can understand that.” He went back to the sink and poured out his coffee. “Are you two hungry? There’s a pub near here that serves all-day breakfast. What do you say to getting something to eat?” He glanced in the direction Mum had taken. “I think we could do with getting out of the house for a while.”

Rob was all for that. Anything to get out of there. His former home held too many memories that he’d much rather forget.




VIC WAS keeping a close eye on Rob. He’d said little since they’d left the house and walked a few streets to the pub. Vic had chatted with Doug, talking about his job. Doug had appeared genuinely interested, and Vic had warmed to him. He’d let Rob remain silent, because he had to be processing a lot, but if it continued much longer….

Once they’d arrived at the pub and ordered their food, they picked a table near the rear of the place, where doors opened out onto a beer garden. He noticed how Rob moved his seat a little closer to Vic, and reached under the table to stroke Rob’s leg.

“You doing okay there?”

Rob managed a shaky laugh. “Does it show that much?”

Vic kept up the slow stroking. “Let’s just say you’re looking a little shell-shocked and you’re not saying a whole lot.”