Chapter 25

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

FINN

Grandpa comes down the hallway with a giant smile on his face and immediately pulls me into his arms for a hug. “You need to visit more often,” he tells me as he holds me close. “And who is this handsome man you brought with you?” Grandpa asks as he takes a step back and gives Monster a once-over.

“This is Isiah Williams, my boyfriend, but he goes by Monster,” I tell Grandpa, keeping my gaze on Monster and loving the way his eyes almost pop out of his head when I say his real name.

He quickly relaxes his expression before reaching his hand out to shake Grandpa’s.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sir. Finn has told me all about you and I’m really glad he had someone like you in his life when he was growing up,” Monster says, making my grandpa’s face soften.

“Me, too. My only regret is not stepping in sooner,” Grandpa says, reaching his free hand out to squeeze my shoulder.

I wave him off, hating how much he beats himself up, and the sad thing is he doesn’t even know the truth about how bad it really got before I moved in here. But I vowed never to tell him because he doesn’t need that burden on his shoulders. He saved me from a life of hell, and that’s all that matters. What happened before can’t be changed, and telling him would only break his heart.

“Hey, I’m alive, well, and happy now, so that’s all that matters, right?” I tell him, and he nods.

“And this young man makes you happy?” Grandpa checks, and I nod while beaming at Monster.

“Happier than I’ve ever been,” I reply, making the cheeks of Monster’s face light up a bright shade of pink.

“You keep that smile on my grandson’s face, and you’ll always be welcome here,” Grandpa tells Monster, who dips his chin in acknowledgment.

“That’s my goal every day,” he tells Grandpa, who smiles even wider in response.

“Come on,” Grandpa says with a tilt of his head. “Let’s have some snacks and spend some time catching up before we have to get ready for the party.”

With the mention of the party, a cold shudder ripples down my spine leaving me with an uneasy feeling.

“Are you sure you want to drop the ball about the will tonight?” I ask him as we make our way to the living room. “Maybe another time would be better.”

“Is that what you want?” Grandpa asks, and I shrug.

“I don’t know,” I murmur.

“If it makes you that uncomfortable, I can do it another time,” he offers, and I sigh.

“I just don’t want to be around when the fighting goes down,” I admit. “I’m not sure I can handle it. It’s going to bring back all of these memories, and I don’t know how I’m going to react.”

Grandpa frowns and stares at his hands. “I didn’t think about that,” he says softly. “And I’m an idiot for having such an oversight. You’re right. I should tell them about the will another time when you aren’t around. It’s not fair to put you through that.”

I shake my head, not wanting him to feel so bad. “It’s fine,” I try to assure him. “I know I shouldn’t let them get to me anymore, but it’s tough sometimes.”

“Nonsense,” Grandpa says with a stern face. “You went through a lot, and anyone would want to avoid confrontation with the people who abused them. Because they believe they are still getting some of my money, they are always on their best behavior at the family gatherings, but as soon as I take that away from them, they are going to be mean. I should have thought of that sooner. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay,” I tell him.

“So, Monster, tell me more about you,” Grandpa says, thankfully changing the subject.

I really don’t want to think about my family anymore. I have a couple more hours before they show up, and until then, I want to forget about them as much as possible.

The afternoon passes by quickly, and much sooner than I’d like, I’m in a suit, standing between Grandpa and Monster, greeting the guests as they show up for Grandpa’s birthday party.

Grandpa has a lot of friends and acquaintances that get invited every year along with family members, none of which we are close with. Grandpa has a few siblings who have children and grandchildren, but seeing as they all live far away, we only see them once or twice a year, and it is always very formal feeling. They use their rehearsed lines to give warm wishes and then wander off to talk amongst themselves. But I honestly don’t care. I don't need more family. I only need Grandpa. At least, that’s what I always thought.

I cast a quick glance at Monster who smiles at me so brightly it warms my heart. Maybe it’s okay to have more people who love me.

The door opens and in walks my parents and brother. I hold my breath, squeezing Monster’s hand tightly.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” Donny sneers at Monster, who doesn’t react at all.

“Excuse me?” Grandpa scolds him. “Is that anyway to talk to a guest in my house?”

Donny’s face pales, and he shakes his head. “Sorry, Grandpa. I didn’t mean it.”

“Don’t apologize to me. Apologize to the man you insulted,” Grandpa commands.

Donny’s jaw ticks as he grinds his teeth and turns his attention back to Monster. “Sorry,” he says between his teeth, and I roll my eyes.

“Some apology,” I murmur under my breath. When Donny glares at me I know I didn’t say it as quietly as I thought I did.

“Care to introduce us?” Mother asks me with a hoity-toity look.

“This is my boyfriend, Monster,” I tell her as she looks down her nose at him.

“What kind of name is that?” Father questions with a scoff.

“It’s a fine name,” Grandpa interjects, and my father’s spine stiffens. “Now, if you wouldn’t mind moving along so I can greet my other guests,” he says, dismissing them and I have to press my lips together to stop the smile that wants to break free.

“That wasn’t so bad,” Monster whispers.

“But the night is still young,” I reply just as quietly.

“And I won’t leave your side the entire time,” he promises me, making me swoon.

“You’re the best boyfriend a guy could ask for,” I tell him with a bright smile.

“You deserve it,” he replies.

He’s told me the same thing multiple times and I think I’m starting to actually believe him.