Family Camp (Daddy Dearest, #1)(56)

His name hadn’t been mentioned in the article, but his face was recognizable. With this story out there, he might well face some sort of backlash when the new school year started. Hopefully, it wouldn’t threaten his job.

He couldn’t lose his job because that, in turn, would threaten his adoption process. And Geo refused to let that happen.

“I’ll be fine,” he told Van. Then, more firmly. “I have good friends at work. I’ll be okay.”

“Good.” Van nodded. “That’s good, Geo.”

Geo focused on eating, even though he wasn’t hungry. His thoughts went back to Travis. He was probably driving back down to San Diego right now. Please, God, let him be all right. Let this not be hell for him. He doesn’t deserve that.

The fucking world. The world sucked sometimes, with its absurd fear of homosexuality. It just did.

He was jolted from his thoughts by the gruff voice of James Mayhew. The older man was standing in the middle of the room, surrounded by tables of dining campers.

“Can I have your attention, please? I have something to say.”

The room went quiet. There was an avid attention in the silence, like everyone was eager for drama.

“Most of you have probably heard by now that a website, TMZ, got ahold of some photographs and published them last night. These photographs were taken. At this camp.” His voice was grave as he spoke slowly and sternly, pausing for emphasis, looking around at people’s faces with a thundering scowl. “They were photographs of private moments. They were taken without the knowledge or permission of the parties involved.” Another slow turn and glare. “They were photographs that hurt my family. And as far as I’m concerned. They’re a betrayal of everything this camp stands for.”

Geo felt a burning pressure in his chest. He wanted to applaud. You fucking tell them, James.

“I don’t care if this is 2019 and everyone has a cell phone. There’s such a thing as privacy. There’s such a thing as decency. And there’s such a thing as woefully, maliciously hurting someone else for money or cheap thrills. There’s such a thing as being a douche nozzle. And, man, whoever did this? You are it, buddy.”

The crowd was silent. James had such a paternal way about him, it was like they all were little kids again, getting a dressing down.

“Now, I don’t know who took these photos,” James continued. “But I intend to have my lawyer find out. This campground. At the end of the day. Is my property. Mine and my family’s. And you are all guests here. If there’s a way to prosecute what was done in this despicable act. Then, by damn, I will do it.”

Good. Geo wrapped his arm around Lucy’s shoulder and pulled her tight.

“Do it, James!” Bridget called out. “Sue the pants off the creep!”

A man called out, “I’ve got a legal degree if you need it, James!”

There was nervous laughter and a smattering of light applause that made Geo’s eyes burn. The crowd was siding with James—with Travis—which was something. He could feel people’s eyes on him, but he kept his arm around Lucy and his gaze fixed on James. Part of him wanted to disappear. And part of him wanted to stand next to James and yell, Hell to the yeah!

“Thank you. I appreciate that,” James said, softening a tad. “In the meantime, whoever it was, I want you to go back to your cabin after breakfast. Pack your stuff. And leave. You’re not welcome at Camp Evermore. Not now, and not ever again.”

This time the applause was loud and long. James waved it down with his hands. “Now, I hope the rest of you will continue to respect each other, and the other counselors and workers at this camp. You are part of my family while you’re here, and I hope you will act as such. Enjoy your last morning. The activities will move forward as planned.”

As breakfast broke up, Geo couldn’t get out of the lodge fast enough with the kids to avoid the crowd. Besides the pitying looks, he had a half-dozen people stop to tell him they were sorry or ask if he was okay. It was well-meaning but awkward. Jayden started asking questions that Geo didn’t want to answer until they got back to the cabin.

In the privacy of cabin number 10, he got Lucy and Jayden sitting cross-legged with him on the bed. He sat there, unsure how to start. Fortunately, Jayden started for him.

“How come Mr. Mayhew was so mad at breakfast?” Jayden demanded. “And why is everyone lookin’ at us funny?”

Lucy had her dolls out and pressed against her chest, but she ignored them, looking back and forth between Geo and Jayden.

Geo centered himself. The kids deserved real answers, even if Lucy wouldn’t understand.

“Okay, guys. Here’s the deal. Someone took pictures of me and Travis and sold them to a gossip website. And so…” He swallowed. “See…people didn’t know that Travis was gay before. So they’re sort of upset about it.” Lucy looked blank, so he added, “That means Travis likes boys, honey. Or men, actually.” Oh, God, this is a train wreck. “Like, um, some kids have mommies and daddies, right? And some have two daddies, and some have two mommies—”

“Yeah, yeah, we get it!” Jayden interrupted impatiently. “Just show us the pictures.”

“Jayden—”

“Come on. Everyone else saw!” Jayden’s face was stony. So he’d definitely noticed people looking at their phones at breakfast.