Ryan turns to him, crossing his arms over his chest.
“My shift’s over in a couple of hours, and then…”
“This isn’t up for discussion.”
“Excuse me?”
“I’m taking them home.”
“But, really…”
“That’s why I’m here.”
“Piss off, Ryan O’Connor. This is my family.”
“Your family?” Ryan laughs bitterly. “No it’s not, Martin. You’re Evan’s dad, and that’s fine, but they…” he turns to me, “Sheisn’t yours.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about, O’Connor. How long have you been here? Ten minutes? I’ve been around for sixteen years.”
“What’s going on?” Evan and Nick come into the room.
“Hi, Chris,” Nick smiles at me. “I’m glad to see you’re feeling better.”
“Thanks for staying and keeping Evan company.”
“Are you kidding? We’re here for you.”
I smile gratefully, basking in the O’Connors’ unexpected affection.
“So, ready to go home?” Evan asks, putting a bag on the floor. “I’ve brought you some clothes to change into.”
“Thank you, honey.”
“I was just saying to your mother that I’ll be done in a few hours, then I can…”
Evan lifts a hand, stopping his father in his tracks.
“Ryan said he’d take us home.”
Martin raises an eyebrow and crosses his arms.
“And then what? Is he going to stay with you?”
“That’s none of your business, Dad,” Evan says, his voice hard. “We’renone of your business.”
Martin’s stare darkens.
“You’re my dad, but you’re not…our family. You’re not part of it. You chose not to be.”
“Evan…”
“No, Dad. It’s time to just let us go. To let Mum go.”
Silence falls over the room. Martin and Evan hold each other’s gaze, steadfast and mature, each defending what’s theirs. I never noticed when my son stopped being a cheeky teenager and turned into such a wonderful young man.
“Got it,” Martin says. “I’ll drop round later to see how you are.”
“You can call instead,” Evan says, his stare unwavering.
