Page 35 of Naughty or Nice?
I shut the door and release a fortifying breath. “Everybody, meet me in the den. Time for a family meeting!”
The rest of the family emerges within seconds, like they were waiting on my arrival. Figures, if Nate’s come through and told them all the scandalous details.
Amy and Jennifer plop down on the couch. Uncle Roy remains standing by the crackling flames of the fireplace. Cousin Frank and a few others spread themselves throughout the room. I take a look at each curious face waiting on me to speak.
For my side of the story.
“Where’s Nate?” I ask.
“He’s stepped out,” Jennifer answers. “He said he couldn’t be around you right now.”
“Fair enough,” I say, then I heave another sigh. “I’m sure he’s told everybody in this room about what’s been going on.”
“You mean where you really were last night?” grunts Uncle Roy.
“That’s right. I was at the Airbnb… with Kendall.” I let silence follow the confession, making no attempt to mince words or hide my guilt. “As you know, I offered the place up to her after Nate dumped her the other night. She had nowhere else to go. The next night she stopped by The Tavern, and we had some drinks.”
“Oh my gosh,” whispers Amy. “So it’s true…”
“One thing led to another, and things became physical. We both enjoyed ourselves, even if we didn’t know what we wanted to do afterward. If it was a one-time thing or we wanted to explore the connection we had.”
“Connection… or drunken hookup?” interrupts Cousin Frank.
“We might’ve been under the influence, but the alcohol only gave us the courage to do what our sober minds never would’ve. We both sensed we had chemistry. There was a mutual attraction.”
“Dad,” Jennifer says in disbelief, “she’s Nate’s ex-girlfriend.”
“Fiancée,” adds Amy.
I scratch at my bearded jaw. “I’m aware of who she is, girls. But that doesn’t change the attraction… or the feelings. I’ve always respected Nate’s relationship with her. I’ve always played my role as his father. But Nate made his own decision to break her heart and call off the engagement. She made her own decision to spend a night with me.”
Amy frowns. “That’s true… he did dump her.Afterhe had her travel all the way here.”
“It’s not a perfect situation by any stretch of the imagination,” I say bluntly. “I’m well aware of that fact. So is Kendall. Neither of us takes pleasure in some of the less-than-ideal aspects of the situation. But we also can’t deny there’s… there’s something here. Something two consenting adults should be able to explore.”
“Dad, if she makes you happy, I’m all for it,” Jennifer says.
“What about Nate?” Frank asks, rolling his eyes. “He’s chopped liver?”
“Nobody said that! I’m saying Dad’s been alone for a long time and Nate dumped Kendall. How can he be pissed she’s moving on?”
“With his father? He has a right.”
“Everyone, please,” I interject calmly. “I understand not everybody’s going to approve. All I ask is that you don’t let it come between us as a family. It’s Christmas morning and this holiday is about togetherness. I’d like us to still come together and enjoy the time we do have.”
“And Nate?” presses Frank.
“Nate… Nate’s going to have to realize he can’t control what a fully autonomous woman does after he breaks her heart,” I say. “It’s not his place. Kendall is a wonderful, bright woman who can make decisions for herself.”
“I like her,” says Amy with a slow smile. “She’s always been cool to me. I said the same thing last Thanksgiving.”
“At least she’ll still be in the family,” agrees Jennifer.
Uncle Roy gives a shrug, nodding his head along. “I’ve got no qualms so long as everybody’s doing what they want. Nate sure bragged about that secretary of his. Seems he wants his cake and to eat it too.”
“I’ll talk to Nate when he’s ready. But I would like to carry on with Christmas as usual. I would even like to—if you’re all alright with the idea—invite Kendall over for dinner.”
Jennifer beams. “She shouldn’t be spending it alone anyway. We were supposed to bake gingerbread cookies together before Nate dumped her. Invite her over!”