“The stage?” I look back and forth between them. “Was he in the school play or something?”
Claire takes a sip of her wine and glances over at Tank. “He used to perform with me sometimes when I was singing in a cabaret. I used to practice the songs all the time so I’m surprised Finn didn’t know them, too. But Tank would sing with me. Once I realized he had talent, the theatre company cast him in a few small parts.”
“That was a long time ago, Mom.” Tank’s cheeks have a slight flush to them. He’s usually so nonchalant that I’m shocked he seems so bothered by this.
“Yes it was.” Claire looks wistful. “I always wished I’d had the money to hire a singing coach for you, or something. He had a beautiful voice, even in high school. Some boys lose their voice after it changes but not Tank.”
“Can we talk about something else now?” Tank looks mortified. “Let’s talk about Finn and his extracurriculars in school. Oh wait, he didn’t have any. Unless you count convincing girls to meet him under the bleachers.”
Finn acknowledges the insult with a grin. “Hey, that was extra. And it was definitely curricular.”
Claire puts down her fork. “Do I need to put you two in time out?”
“Okay, okay. So, how did you two meet anyway?” Finn takes a huge bite of his roll.
“Emma is a friend of a friend.”
Finn looks confused. “What friend? None of our friends are classy enough to hang with her.”
“I met Tank at the law office where I work. Actually, I know your father, too. He’s been really nice to me. He gave me some advice about college. How to get loans and grants and stuff.”
Silence descends upon the table immediately. Claire puts down her wineglass. “Their father? Maxwell Marshall? He’s back in town?”
There’s a sudden hostility in the air and I’m not sure how to answer. Tank and Finn seem to be having a silent conversation of some kind. Claire looks at me expectantly. There’s a note in the air that I can’t describe. This is more than just the usual post-divorce drama.
“Yes, ma’am. He’s a client of the law office where I work.”
She immediately looks at Tank. “This is why you’ve been so secretive lately? Oh lord, tell me that’s not how you got the money.”
Finn glances at me quickly before putting a hand on his mother’s arm. “Mom, we don’t want you to worry about any of that.”
She doesn’t answer and after a moment, gets up from the table. “Emma, I’m so sorry but I’m not terribly hungry anymore. I’m going to rest for a while.”
“Of course.” I watch as she disappears down the hallway leading to the back of the house. When I turn around, Finn’s watching me with narrowed eyes.
“I didn’t know it was a secret,” I mutter.
“Don’t jump down her throat, Finn. She’s not the one in the wrong. We are. I should have told Mom last time I was here. She would have found out eventually.”
“I know. But not right now. Not when she’s already got so much to worry about.”
Tank lifts his plate and his mother’s from the table and disappears into the kitchen. After he’s gone, Finn reaches out and touches my arm. “I’m sorry, Emma. It’s really not your fault and I have no right to take my frustration out on you.”
He gets up and leaves the table, too. I’m left alone with a plate of spaghetti and a half-empty bottle of wine. I pour myself a little more and take a swig before getting up to search for Tank. The back door is slightly open so I stick my head out into the cold night air. Tank is on the back step, leaning back on his arms and looking up at the night sky. At the sound of the door opening he looks over his shoulder.
“Sorry about the drama, Emma. I told you my family was like a reality show.”
“You have nothing to be sorry for.” I pull my sweater closer and then sit down on the top step next to him. I’d assumed he was looking at the stars but his eyes are closed.
“Can I ask you a question? And if it’s too painful, you can tell me to mind my own business.”
His eyes open and he angles his body so he’s facing me. “You can ask me whatever you want. I’ve already told you, you’re the exception to all my rules.”
A thrill rushes through me at his words. It’s impossible not to be affected when he’s looking at me like this, like I’m the only thing he wants. The only thing he needs.
I look away and try to focus. “Why is this all such a big secret? I know your parents are divorced but was the breakup really that bad? He just seems so nice. I can’t imagine Mr. Marshall doing anything to intentionally hurt anyone.”
Tank leans back on his arms, his face turned up to the sky. “I’m sure he can seem nice when it’s in his best interest. All the best con men are good actors. He fooled my mom into thinking he was a great guy until he ditched us when I was eight years old. Finn was five.”
“He abandoned you?”
“Yeah. Never looked back either. I hadn’t heard from him since until late last year when a letter showed up from a law firm in California. I actually thought it was a scam at first.”
“No contact in all that time? That’s just …”
“Pretty cold, right? But that’s how he operates. Mom told us a few years ago that he actually came back once. It was a few years after he left. She didn’t want us to know. Figured it was better for us not to be disappointed again if it didn’t work out. That was a good call because it turns out he just needed money. He stayed in town long enough to seduce her and then he took her savings and cleared out again. That’s what he does. He uses people.”