Page 120 of Rule 4: Never Get Stranded with a Sports Reporter

“They’re in the next room,” she continues. “Mr. Tanaka left already. He rushed out.”

Cal squeezes my hand. “You want me to come with you?”

“No.” I force a smile. “This is something I need to do alone.”

The walk down the hall feels longer than it should. I can hear Dad’s voice through the door, but I can’t make out the words.

I take a breath and open the door.

Dad and Gramps are sitting down, both looking shell-shocked.

“Hi,” I say awkwardly.

Dad looks up. His expression isn’t angry—it’s tired. Confused. “Jason.”

“I guess you didn’t expect that.”

“No,” Gramps says.

An uncomfortable silence stretches between us. I sit down across from them, waiting.

“We’re going to fly back tonight,” Dad says finally. “Change our tickets.”

“You don’t have to—”

“Yeah, we do.” Dad runs a hand through his hair.

“It’s still me. I’m still the same person.”

Gramps looks up. “Are you?”

The question hangs in the air. I remember how I used to be—angry, hiding, pushing everyone away. Then I think about who I am now.

“No,” I admit. “I’m happier.”

Dad’s jaw works like he’s chewing on words he doesn’t want to say. “The reporter. Cal. Is this serious?”

“Exceedingly.”

“And you’re... sure? About this?”

“Yes.”

Gramps stands up slowly. “Well. It’s too late to change it now. The whole world knows.”

“I wouldn’t change it anyway.”

Dad nods, but doesn’t meet my eyes. “The neighbors, the guys at work...” He shakes his head. “It’s going to be a lot.”

“I know,” I say.

I don’t apologize.

Dad stands up. “We should go. Gotta get to the airport.”

“Have a safe trip. Tell Mom I said hello.”

He nods.