Page 252 of For the Fans

Yes, it’s an ongoing process, but I feel like I took a huge step today, and I’m proud of myself.

I need to go find Avi.

Because fuck all this heavy shit.I just want to kiss the crap out of him right now.

Outside on the curb, I pull my phone out of my pocket to order an Uber. I really miss that Mercedes SUV, but as soon as I returned to the city, I had to give it back. It wasnotcheap, and I can’t keep burning through my OnlyFans savings. Especially if I still have school to worry about…

I’m entering Frankie’s address into the app when a hand grabs my shoulder.

“Kyran…”

It’s my father’s voice.

I spin to face him, gawking in surprised confusion. But before I can recoil at the idea that he might punch me in the face, he launches himself at me, pulling me into his arms.

Hugging me… My dad ishuggingme.

I’m stunned into a statue for a solid four seconds, my arms dangling by my sides while my father crushes me to his chest, squeezing me as tightly as he can.

Pressure wells up behind my eyes, and I allow my arms to circle his waist, hugging him back. He’s sort of sputtering… He might becrying, and I’m freaking the fuck out.

What is happening right now??

“I love you, Kyran,” he whispers hoarsely. “I love you so much, and I’msosorry.”

Oh damn… This is embarrassing.

NowI’mfucking bawling into his chest, and I can’t hold it back. Gripping him and shaking while all the walls between us come tumbling down. Brick by brick.

We stand like this for a while, until we finally snap out of it and let each other go, quickly wiping our eyes, trying hard to stifle the visible emotions, because it’s in our nature to cover it up. It sucks, but it’s the way we were both raised, and it’s a hard thing to overcome.

My father blinks at me, and I at him, biting the inside of my cheek because I don’t know what to say.

“I’m happy for you,” he says, still sounding like his usual stern self. But the words he’s saying are sincere.He means it, I know he does.“For you… and Avi.”

My lips quirk. “I thought you’d be mad… because he’s a guy. And your stepson.”

He chuckles, shaking his head, and I snort a boogery laugh. “I don’t get it. I won’t even try to act like I do… But if this is you, son, then don’t ever change.”

Tears well again, and I stare at the ground while I blink them away.

“You’re strong, Kyran. A hundred times stronger than me, and you always have been,” he says surely. “You’ve grown into an amazing man, and you did that all on your own.Thatis worth being proud over.”

I nod, smiling at him. “Thanks, Dad.”

“And I wouldn’t worry about Avi being my stepson…” His grin slips away. “Because he won’t be for much longer.”

My brow furrows. “What do you mean?”

“Hannah left me,” he sighs. “We’re getting a divorce.”

Um… what?!

“Really??” I gasp, mouth hanging agape in disbelief. “Why?”

“Let’s just say, I’m as bad a husband as I am a father,” he grumbles.

“No… Dad, that’s not—”