Warning:Huge Age gap (legal)
Rody Lamoree parked his car outside his ex-wife’s house, staring at the familiar driveway for a moment longer than usual. He could feel the tension in his chest, the weight of what was about to happen pressing down hard. Today wasn’t just any dinner; tonight, Vincent was coming over to meet his kids for the first time.
His hands tightened on the steering wheel. He could already imagine the looks on their faces-Camille’s sharp tongue and Louis’s cold silence. Neither of them had taken the news well when he first told them he was seeing someone new. When they found out that someone was a 19-year-old, their reactions had gone from bad to worse.
His daughter, Camille, hadn’t been subtle about her disdain. She’d called him reckless, accused him of going through some kind of midlife crisis. And Louis, who was usually the quieter one, had barely been able to look at him since then. It was as if they couldn’t see him as their father anymore, just as a man making bad decisions.
Rody sighed, rubbing his temples. He was already dreading it, but Vincent deserved to meet them. And maybe-just maybe-they could find some common ground.
Getting out of the car, he walked up to the door, the sound of his shoes on the gravel louder than usual in the quiet evening air. He took a deep breath before knocking, wondering how this would all play out.
—
Inside, Camille was setting the table, her face a mask of frustration as she slammed plates and cutlery onto the dining room table. Her long, straight hair was pulled into a messy ponytail, and she wore a frown that seemed permanently etched on her face whenever she thought about her dad’s new relationship. Louis, sitting at the kitchen counter, stared blankly at his phone, occasionally glancing at his sister with mild discomfort.
“Can you believe he’s actually bringing *him* here?” Camille muttered, shaking her head. “What’s Dad thinking? He’s practically babysitting his boyfriend.”
Louis said nothing, just shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He was only a year older than Vincent. The whole situation made him feel strange-like he was suddenly caught in the middle of something he didn’t want to be part of.
“He’s 19, for God’s sake,” Camille continued, throwing her hands up in frustration. “I don’t care if Dad’s lonely, this is just… disgusting.”
Louis finally spoke, his voice quiet. “Maybe we should just… let him explain.”
Camille shot him a glare. “Let him explain? What’s there to explain, Louis? He’s dating someone younger than both of us. You think that’s normal?”
Louis shrugged, uncomfortable with the confrontation but unwilling to push back. He wasn’t thrilled about the situation either, but Camille’s constant hostility was making the whole thing worse. He didn’t want to fight, but the air in the house felt like a ticking time bomb.
Before they could say anything more, the door opened, and Rody walked in, followed closely by Vincent.
There was a moment of heavy silence.
Camille’s eyes flicked over Vincent, her expression shifting from cold skepticism to outright distaste. The tension in the room shot up instantly. Vincent, for his part, looked calm and unbothered, his pale face impassive as he gave the room a brief, cursory glance before settling on Camille and Louis.
“Kids,” Rody began, trying to keep his voice steady, “this is Vincent.”
Camille didn’t bother hiding her disdain. “We know who he is, Dad.”
Rody’s shoulders tensed at her sharp tone, but he forced himself to smile, gesturing toward the dining room. “Let’s sit down and talk.”
As they all took their seats, Vincent sat across from Camille, his dark eyes watching her with cool detachment. He was used to this kind of scrutiny, especially when it came from people who disapproved of his relationship with Rody. It didn’t faze him.
Camille, however, wasn’t one to stay quiet. She picked up her fork, but didn’t take her eyes off Vincent. “So, Vincent,” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “What’s it like dating someone who’s old enough to be your dad?”
Louis shifted uncomfortably next to her, but Vincent didn’t miss a beat. “It’s fine, actually,” he replied, his voice calm. “Rody and I have a lot in common.”
Camille scoffed. “A lot in common? Please. What, do you bond over watching old movies and taking vitamins?”
Rody shot her a warning look. “Camille, enough.”
She ignored him. “What’s it like for you, Vincent? Dating someone who’s been divorced twice? Is that a turn-on for you?”
Rody’s face paled at the venom in her words, but Vincent remained unruffled, leaning back slightly in his chair. “I’m with Rody because I care about him, not because of his past.”
“Oh, that’s rich,” Camille sneered. “You care about him? How long have you even known him? A couple of months? Do you even know anything about his life? His responsibilities?”
Vincent’s gaze hardened. “I know enough.”
“Do you?” Camille pressed. “Because it seems to me like you’re just another mistake. Another bad decision he’s making because he’s lonely and too afraid to admit it.”
Rody stood abruptly, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. “Camille, stop!”
She flinched slightly at the sharpness in his voice but didn’t back down. “No, Dad, you stop! You’re acting like an idiot! You’re throwing your life away for some kid who doesn’t give a damn about you!”
Vincent stood up as well, his expression unreadable, but his posture tense. “I do give a damn about him,” he said, his voice low and firm.
“Do you?” Camille snapped back. “Because all I see is a guy who’s in it for the novelty, for the thrill of being with an older man. How long until you get bored and move on to someone your own age?”
“That’s enough!” Rody shouted, his voice shaking with anger. His face was flushed, and he ran a hand through his hair, trying to keep his emotions in check. He hadn’t expected this level of confrontation-not so soon, at least.
Louis, still seated, looked uncomfortable, glancing between his sister and his father. He didn’t want to be part of this, but it was hard to ignore the tension in the room.
Camille stood as well, her eyes flashing with frustration. “You think you’re in love with him, Dad? You barely even know him! You’re just desperate, and he’s using you!”
Rody felt a wave of exhaustion crash over him, the years of struggling to keep his family together, the divorce, the fights-it was all catching up. “I’m not desperate,” he said, his voice quieter now, almost pleading. “I’m… I’m just trying to find something that makes me happy.”
“And dating a 19-year-old is supposed to do that?” Camille’s voice was icy. “You’re embarrassing yourself, Dad. You’re embarrassing all of us.”
Rody opened his mouth to respond, but Vincent spoke first.
“Your father’s happiness is his own choice,” Vincent said, his voice soft but unyielding. “And I’m not here to replace anyone. I’m not trying to cause trouble, but I care about him. And if you can’t see that, then you’re not looking hard enough.”
Camille’s eyes narrowed. “You think you can just come in here and play house with us? You have no idea what we’ve been through.”
“No,” Vincent replied, “I don’t. But I’m willing to find out. If you’d let me.”
The silence that followed was thick with tension, but for the first time, Camille didn’t respond immediately. She stared at Vincent, her jaw tight, her eyes searching his face for something-maybe sincerity, maybe weakness. Whatever it was, she didn’t find it.
Louis finally spoke up, his voice hesitant. “Dad, maybe… maybe we need more time to get used to this. It’s just… a lot.”
Rody’s shoulders sagged, the weight of the evening pressing down on him. “I know,” he said softly. “I know this is hard for all of you. But Vincent isn’t going anywhere. I’m not asking you to love him, or even to like him. I’m just asking you to give him a chance.”
Camille’s expression hardened, but she said nothing. After a long moment, she turned on her heel and walked out of the room, her footsteps heavy on the stairs. Louis glanced between his father and Vincent before muttering an awkward, “I’ll talk to her,” and following his sister upstairs.
The house fell into an uneasy quiet. Rody collapsed back into his chair, running a hand over his face. “That went about as well as I expected.”
Vincent placed a hand on Rody’s shoulder, his touch steady and grounding. “It’s a start.”
Rody let out a shaky laugh, leaning into Vincent’s touch. “God, I hope you’re right.”
Rody sighed, feeling the tension leave his body just a little under Vincent’s steady hand. But the night wasn’t over yet. He hadn’t even heard from Manon yet-his ex-wife, and the mother of his kids, was bound to have an opinion, and knowing her, it wasn’t going to be gentle.
As if on cue, the front door creaked open, and in stepped Manon. She’d come straight from work, her long, dark coat still buttoned up, her hair in a tight bun. Even though she looked as sharp as ever, there was a tiredness in her eyes that Rody recognized all too well. Being co-parents with her was always complicated, but tonight it felt like walking on broken glass.
“Sorry I’m late,” she said, glancing around at the now-empty dining room, her gaze quickly shifting to Vincent. She lingered on him for a moment before turning back to Rody. “Looks like I missed the fireworks.”
Rody grimaced, running a hand through his already tousled hair. “Yeah, Camille wasn’t exactly… subtle.”
Manon shrugged out of her coat and draped it over a chair, her movements deliberate. She ignored Vincent for now, her focus squarely on Rody. “Subtle? No. But can you blame her?”
Rody bristled at her words, but he forced himself to stay calm. “She’s upset, but she’ll come around.”
Manon crossed her arms, tilting her head slightly as she studied him. “You really think that? Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you’re throwing gasoline on a fire and hoping it doesn’t burn the whole house down.”
Vincent, who had been silent up until now, leaned against the counter, watching the exchange without interrupting. He knew better than to step into this one.
Rody’s hands clenched into fists at his sides. “Manon, I’m not trying to hurt anyone. I’m just… I’m trying to live my life.”
Manon’s gaze softened slightly, but her voice remained firm. “Rody, I get it. You’re lonely. I’ve been there too, but dating someone who’s barely out of high school? It’s not a good look. Not for you, and especially not for the kids.”
Rody could feel the frustration bubbling up again, but he kept it in check. “This isn’t about looks. It’s about how I feel. And I… I care about Vincent. I need you to at least try to understand that.”
Manon sighed, rubbing the bridge of her nose. “I’ve tried, believe me. But you’re asking a lot of me, Rody. You’re asking a lot of everyone.”
Vincent shifted slightly, straightening his posture. He wasn’t one to stay quiet when things got personal. “I’m not trying to replace anyone,” he said, echoing his earlier words. “And I’m not some fling. This is serious-for both of us.”
Manon finally turned her attention to Vincent, her eyes narrowing as she took him in. There was no malice in her gaze, but there was judgment-careful, sharp judgment. “Serious? You’ve barely known each other six months.”
Vincent met her gaze head-on, his voice steady. “That doesn’t mean I don’t care. I know what this looks like to you. I get it. But Rody and I… we work.”
Manon raised an eyebrow, skeptical. “You work? A 45-year-old man and a 19-year-old? You think that’s sustainable? What happens when he gets sick, or when things get too real for you? This isn’t some high school romance, Vincent. This is real life.”
Rody winced at how sharp she was being, but he knew she wasn’t wrong about the concerns. Still, he stepped forward, placing himself between her and Vincent, trying to mediate. “Manon, stop. You don’t get to question my choices like that.”
“Oh, but I do,” she shot back, her voice rising slightly. “When it comes to our kids, Rody, I absolutely get to question your judgment. They’re already confused and upset. Camille’s furious, and Louis barely talks anymore. This is affecting them. And you’re just pretending like everything’s fine.”
Rody felt a flash of anger. “They’ll be fine. They just need time.”
Manon scoffed. “Time? You really believe that? You think a few months is all it’ll take for them to be okay with you dating someone their age?”
Rody’s jaw clenched, his voice dropping into a quiet growl. “I’m not asking for your approval, Manon. I’m asking for respect. I’m asking you to trust that I know what I’m doing.”
Manon’s eyes flicked to Vincent for a brief moment before locking back onto Rody’s. “I trusted you once, Rody. But this… I don’t know if I can trust this.”
Vincent stepped forward now, his presence a bit more commanding, though he kept his tone respectful. “I understand your concerns, but you don’t need to worry about Rody. I’m not here to mess up his life. I’m here because I care about him. And if that means dealing with everyone’s disapproval, then so be it. But I’m not going anywhere.”
Manon stared at Vincent for a long moment, her gaze sharp and evaluating. Finally, she let out a slow breath, her shoulders relaxing just slightly. “You’re young, Vincent. And I’m not sure you fully understand what this means for everyone. But… I can see you’re serious.”
Vincent nodded, his dark eyes unwavering. “I am.”
The tension in the room eased, though only marginally. Manon looked back at Rody, her expression softening just a bit. “I still don’t like this, Rody. And I’m not sure I ever will. But… I won’t fight you on it. For the kids’ sake.”
Rody felt a wave of relief, though it was tempered by the weight of everything that had happened. “That’s all I’m asking for.”
Manon nodded, then glanced toward the stairs where their kids had retreated. “But you need to talk to them, Rody. Really talk to them. Camille’s hurt, and Louis… I don’t know what he’s feeling, but it’s a lot.”
“I will,” Rody promised, glancing at Vincent, who gave him a small, supportive nod.
Manon grabbed her coat and slipped it back on, her movements slower, more measured now. She looked at Vincent one last time before heading toward the door. “Good luck,” she said quietly. “You’re going to need it.”
Rody watched as she left, the sound of the door closing behind her leaving the house eerily quiet.
Vincent stepped closer to Rody, his hand slipping into his. “That went better than I expected.”
Rody let out a bitter laugh, squeezing Vincent’s hand. “Yeah. Barely.”
They stood there in the dim light of the kitchen, the silence between them comfortable, even in the midst of all the chaos. Rody turned to Vincent, his eyes soft with gratitude. “Thank you. For standing up for us. For me.”
Vincent’s lips curved into a small smile. “I told you, I’m not going anywhere.”
Rody pulled him close, pressing a kiss to his temple. For the first time that night, he felt something close to peace.
But upstairs, the sound of muffled voices reminded him that this was far from over. There were still bridges to rebuild, trust to earn back from his kids. And as much as he wanted to believe things would get better with time, he knew it wouldn’t be easy.
But with Vincent by his side, maybe-just maybe-they could make it work.
Rody stood in the kitchen, shoulders tense, feeling like every step he took was on eggshells. The atmosphere of the house was thick with unspoken tension. His ex-wife, Manon, had just finished scolding him and was now seated at the dining table, sipping her tea as if nothing had happened. Her cool, collected demeanor only amplified the discomfort in the air.
The real storm, however, was brewing upstairs, where Camille and Louis had retreated after the disastrous dinner. Rody glanced toward the stairs, knowing full well that his children were far from done expressing their discontent.
Vincent was leaning against the kitchen counter beside him, his presence quiet, yet palpable. He wasn’t someone who blended into the background, but here, in Manon’s house-the house where Rody had once lived, where he had raised his kids-Vincent was undeniably out of place. The age gap only made it worse. Vincent was younger than both Camille and Louis, and that fact had already lit the fuse of tension between them.
Manon finally broke the silence, her voice low and sharp, cutting through the quiet. “You really thought this was a good idea, Rody? Bringing him here, with everything going on?” She gestured dismissively toward Vincent, as if the mere sight of him was an affront. “You knew how we felt about this. About you dating someone so young and… different.”
Rody’s shoulders tensed, and he met Manon’s gaze with a mixture of frustration and weariness. “I didn’t bring Vincent here to spite anyone. I brought him here because he’s important to me. I thought… maybe if you got to know him, you’d understand.”
Manon’s eyes narrowed. “Understand what, exactly? That you’re making choices that are completely out of character for you? You’re dating someone younger than our children. That’s not just a minor detail, Rody. It changes everything.”
Vincent, who had been quiet, stood up straight, his expression defiant despite the strain. “I know this is hard to accept, but I’m not a phase or a mistake. I care about Rody, and I’m serious about this relationship. I’m not here to replace anyone or make things worse.”
Manon’s gaze shifted to Vincent, and she sighed heavily, clearly struggling to reconcile her feelings. “It’s not just about you. It’s about the way this whole situation is upending everything we’ve tried to build for our children. They’re struggling with this, and you’re asking us to just accept it without question.”
Rody stepped closer to Manon, his voice firm but tired. “I understand that this isn’t easy for anyone. I know it’s a lot to ask. But you have to see that I’m trying to live my life, too. I’ve spent years putting everyone else’s needs ahead of my own. I’m asking for some understanding, not just for Vincent but for myself.”
Manon’s expression softened slightly, though her frustration was still evident. “It’s not just about understanding, Rody. It’s about the impact this has on everyone. The kids are upset. They feel like their family is being torn apart.”
Rody took a deep breath, struggling to keep his composure. “I’m trying to find a balance. I’m trying to make this work. I don’t expect you to agree with my choices, but I do expect some respect-for Vincent and for me.”
Manon’s gaze softened, though her tone remained firm. “Respect is earned, Rody. And right now, this whole situation feels like a betrayal to everything we’ve worked for.”
Vincent spoke up, his voice more measured. “I know I’m the newcomer here, and I understand that there’s a lot of hurt and confusion. But I’m committed to making this work. I want to show you that this isn’t just a whim. I’m serious about my relationship with Rody.”
There was a heavy pause as everyone absorbed Vincent’s words. The room was thick with tension, and Rody could see the struggle on Manon’s face. She wanted to protect their children, to uphold the stability they had, but she was also facing the reality that things were changing, perhaps beyond her control.
Finally, Manon sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. “Fine. We’ll try to work through this. But don’t expect us to just accept everything overnight. This is going to take time.”
Rody nodded, his expression a mix of relief and lingering anxiety. “Thank you. That’s all I’m asking for-time to find some balance.”
Vincent gave a small, appreciative nod, though he looked just as exhausted as Rody felt. “I appreciate that. We’ll do our best to make this work.”
Manon’s gaze flicked back to Vincent, and though her expression was still guarded, there was a hint of a concession in her eyes. “Just remember that actions speak louder than words. If you’re serious, you’ll need to show it, not just say it.”
With that, the room fell into a quieter, more subdued atmosphere. The immediate confrontation had ended, but the unresolved emotions and the complex dynamics remained. As Rody and Vincent sat together, they knew that the road ahead would be filled with challenges, but for now, they had managed to find a small foothold in the shifting landscape of their lives.
Manon had left the room, giving Rody and Vincent a momentary reprieve. The tension, however, hung thick in the air, unspoken and heavy. She wasn’t the type to let things go easily, and Rody knew that she was biding her time, waiting for the right moment to press harder.
Vincent’s hand lingered on Rody’s back, offering comfort. He could feel the unease in Rody, but his quiet reassurance wasn’t enough to dispel the weight of the situation.
Suddenly, footsteps thundered down the stairs. Camille and Louis had clearly not finished their assault. Camille, Rody’s daughter, stormed into the kitchen first, her face flushed with barely contained anger. Louis followed more slowly, his arms crossed, his expression stony, though his silence was just as cutting as Camille’s words were bound to be.
“Really, Dad?” Camille spat as she stopped just short of Vincent. “You’re *really* going to make us live through this circus? You’re embarrassing yourself, and us, honestly.”
Rody felt his chest tighten, but before he could respond, Camille turned her glare to Vincent. “And you,” she sneered, her voice dripping with venom. “What, you think this is cute? Playing house with someone old enough to be your father?”
Vincent flinched but quickly masked his reaction with indifference. He wasn’t one to let people get under his skin easily, but Camille’s attack was hitting him in all the places where doubt already festered.
“I’m not playing house,” Vincent replied calmly, though there was a tightness in his voice. “I care about your dad.”
Camille scoffed, stepping closer, towering over Vincent despite him standing his ground. “You care? You’re barely old enough to vote, and you think you know what caring means? God, I’m only 2 years older than you. You’re just… you’re a kid!”
Rody clenched his fists, trying to keep his temper under control. “Camille, that’s enough.”
She ignored him, her focus still laser-sharp on Vincent. “Do you even know what you’re doing? Or are you just playing with him because it’s exciting to be with someone older?”
Louis finally spoke up, his voice quiet but cutting. “You don’t belong here,” he said coldly, directing his words at Vincent. “You’re not part of this family.”
Rody’s heart twisted painfully at Louis’ words, but Vincent was the one who visibly stiffened. For a moment, he looked almost fragile, like the weight of their scorn was finally sinking in. But then, just as quickly, his defenses went back up, his expression turning blank and controlled.
“I’m not trying to replace anyone,” Vincent said, his voice low but steady. “I’m just trying to be with him. I’m not asking for your approval.”
“Well, good,” Camille snapped. “Because you’re not getting it.”
Rody couldn’t take it anymore. He stepped between Camille and Vincent, his voice low but firm. “That’s enough. Both of you.”
Camille’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Enough? You’re defending him? *Him*? Over us?”
“I’m not defending anyone,” Rody said, though his tone was sharp. “But you don’t get to talk to him like that. Vincent’s a part of my life now. You don’t have to like it, but you will respect it.”
Louis snorted, shaking his head. “Respect? You’re the one disrespecting us, Dad. You’re throwing everything away for… for this kid.”
Rody’s patience snapped. “I’m not throwing anything away! I’m trying to live my life! I’ve spent years putting everyone else’s needs ahead of mine, and I’m tired of it.”
Camille’s face twisted into a mixture of hurt and anger. “So, what, we’re supposed to just *deal* with this? Watch you make a fool of yourself?”
Rody’s voice softened, though the frustration still simmered beneath the surface. “I’m not asking you to like it. But I’m asking you to stop treating Vincent like he’s some kind of… mistake. He’s not. And I won’t let you bully him.”
“Bully?” Camille’s voice rose, incredulous. “You think this is bullying? We’re just telling the truth. You’re dating someone who’s barely out of high school. Do you know how that looks? Do you even care?”
Rody clenched his jaw. “I don’t care how it looks. I care about how it feels. And I feel happy. I feel alive. For the first time in years.”
Vincent, who had been silent through most of the exchange, stepped forward, his voice quiet but firm. “I’m not here to hurt anyone. And I know I’m not… traditional. But your dad and I-we’re real.”
Louis shook his head. “You don’t get it. You’ll never get it.”
Rody sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “I’m not asking you to understand it right away. But you need to stop treating Vincent like he doesn’t belong here.”
Camille crossed her arms, glaring at Vincent before turning her gaze back to Rody. “I don’t know if I can do that, Dad. I don’t even know if I want to.”
With that, she turned on her heel and stormed out of the kitchen, her footsteps echoing up the stairs. Louis lingered a moment longer, his eyes hard as he stared at Vincent, then at Rody.
“You’re making a mistake,” he said quietly. “And when this blows up in your face, don’t come crying to us.”
Rody opened his mouth to respond, but Louis was already gone, retreating up the stairs after his sister.
The silence that followed was suffocating. Rody leaned heavily against the counter, his head in his hands. Vincent stood a few feet away, arms crossed tightly over his chest, his expression unreadable.
“I’m sorry,” Rody whispered, his voice cracking. “I didn’t want it to be like this.”
Vincent looked over at him, his face softening just a little. “It’s not your fault. They’re just… they’re hurting.”
Rody shook his head. “It’s more than that. They think I’m ruining my life. And maybe… maybe I am.”
Vincent stepped forward, closing the distance between them. “You’re not. And I’m not going anywhere.”
Rody looked up at him, his eyes filled with a mixture of exhaustion and gratitude. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Vincent smiled softly, placing a hand on Rody’s shoulder. “You won’t have to find out.”
But despite Vincent’s reassurances, the hurtful words from his children lingered. And deep down, Rody couldn’t shake the gnawing fear that maybe, just maybe, they were right.
The tension in the house simmered as the night wore on. Rody and Vincent, both feeling emotionally drained, decided to retreat to the living room, hoping that some quiet time might help them process the evening’s events. The large, dimly lit room was filled with a silence that seemed to press down on them, making the weight of their situation even more apparent.
Vincent slumped onto the sofa, his gaze fixed on the flickering flames of the fireplace. He tried to stay composed, but the anger and hurt from Camille and Louis’s words were still raw. Rody took a seat beside him, the space between them a reminder of the distance that had suddenly grown in their lives.
“I’m really sorry,” Vincent said finally, his voice barely above a whisper. “I didn’t mean for any of this to happen.”
Rody shook his head, reaching out to take Vincent’s hand. “This isn’t your fault. It’s just… everything’s complicated right now. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I didn’t expect this level of hostility.”
Vincent squeezed Rody’s hand, offering a reassuring smile. “We’ll get through it. It’s just going to take time. They need to see that I’m not going anywhere and that I’m serious about this.”
Rody nodded, though his expression was far from hopeful. “I know. But it’s hard to ignore their anger. They think I’m making a huge mistake, and part of me worries they might be right.”
Vincent leaned closer, his eyes searching Rody’s face. “They’re upset because they care. But that doesn’t mean they understand. And it doesn’t mean we have to let their opinions dictate our lives.”
The sound of footsteps on the stairs caught their attention. Rody glanced toward the hallway, tensing slightly. The kids were back, and their return signaled that the night was far from over.
Camille appeared first, her face a mix of defiance and uncertainty. Louis trailed behind, his expression guarded. The siblings stood together, their earlier anger replaced by an uneasy quiet.
“We… we wanted to talk,” Camille said, her voice hesitant. “About everything.”
Rody looked at them, his own exhaustion evident. “Okay. Let’s talk.”
The family settled into the living room, a tangible tension filling the space. Camille and Louis took seats on the opposite side of the room, leaving Rody and Vincent on the sofa.
“So,” Rody began, trying to break the ice. “What’s on your minds?”
Camille’s eyes darted between Rody and Vincent, her frustration clearly still simmering. “I know we were harsh earlier, but it’s hard for us to just accept this. Dad, you’re dating someone younger than me. And Louis…”
Louis cut her off, his voice steady but firm. “I don’t want to make things worse, but I need to understand. Why him? Why now?”
Rody sighed, leaning back against the cushions. “It’s not about ‘why him.’ It’s about how I feel. I didn’t expect to meet someone like Vincent, but I did. And he makes me happy in a way that I haven’t felt in a long time.”
Camille frowned, her arms crossed tightly. “But it’s more than just age, right? There’s the fact that you’re dating a guy. You’ve been through a lot, and we’re trying to be supportive, but this is… it’s a lot to take in.”
Vincent, sensing the need for honesty, spoke up. “I get that. I know this is unusual and confusing. But I’m not just some rebound or a phase. I care about Rody deeply, and I’m here because I want to build something real with him.”
Louis stared at Vincent, his expression softening slightly, though his skepticism remained. “It’s not just about you two. It’s about everything that’s changing. We’re used to our family being a certain way, and now it feels like that’s all being torn apart.”
Rody’s heart ached at the raw honesty in his children’s words. “I understand that. And I know this isn’t easy. But I need you to know that I’m not trying to hurt anyone. I’m just trying to live my life and be happy.”
Camille took a deep breath, her eyes meeting Rody’s. “We just need time to adjust. This is all so sudden and overwhelming. We’re trying to be understanding, but it’s hard when it feels like everything is shifting so fast.”
Rody nodded, his expression reflecting his empathy. “I get that. And I’ll do whatever I can to make this easier for you. But I need you to give Vincent a chance. He’s important to me, and I hope you can see that.”
Louis shifted uncomfortably, then spoke up. “We will try. But it’s going to take time. We can’t just switch our feelings on and off.”
Vincent nodded, accepting their terms with a weary smile. “I understand. I’m not asking for immediate acceptance, just a chance to prove that this is real.”
The room fell into a more contemplative silence. It wasn’t resolution, but it was a start. The raw emotions from earlier had given way to a tentative understanding, though the road ahead was still fraught with difficulty.
As the night wore on, they talked more about their feelings and concerns. It wasn’t a perfect solution, but it was a step toward finding common ground. The conversation was long and filled with uncomfortable moments, but it was necessary for bridging the gap that had widened between them.
Finally, as the clock ticked past midnight, they decided to call it a night. The kids went upstairs, their steps lighter than before, though still heavy with unresolved tension. Rody and Vincent were left alone in the quiet of the living room, the fire’s glow casting flickering shadows around them.
Rody turned to Vincent, his eyes tired but grateful. “Thank you for sticking through this.”
Vincent squeezed Rody’s hand, a small, supportive gesture. “I’m not going anywhere. We’ll get through this, one step at a time.”
Rody leaned in, resting his head on Vincent’s shoulder. “I hope so. I really do.”
Vincent wrapped his arm around Rody, holding him close. “We will. It’s going to be tough, but we’ll face it together.”
And as they sat there, wrapped in each other’s presence, they knew the road ahead was far from easy. But for the first time in a while, they felt a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty. They would face the challenges, navigate the conflicts, and work toward a future where, despite the obstacles, their love and commitment could help them find a way through the storm.
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