Page 7 of Roman and the Hopeless Romantic
They nodded in understanding. His parents weren’t bad people. They weren’t even bad parents when they were around. They ran a financial services company with offices in Estonia, New York, and London. Their Tampa office was small potatoes compared to the others.
Their biggest flaw was their dedication to their work. It came at the detriment of their relationship with their son.
“Take a seat, Roman.” His father held an apology in his voice. Roman became well versed in their various tones. “We need to talk to you.”
Roman sat on the corner of his father’s antique desk. He knew whatever they wanted to discuss was serious because they didn’t chastise him.
“I’m listening.”
His mom sighed. “I’m not sure exactly how to tell you this, boyo.” She sent a pleading look to her husband.
“We’re moving.”
His dad’s words bounced around in Roman’s brain, refusing to take hold. Moving. Moving. Moving.
Dread built in the pit of his stomach. “What do you mean moving?”
“Our offices in Estonia are expanding, and we’d like to oversee the project for the next year.”
“So, I won’t see you for an entire year? No more coming back and forth?”
His dad met his eyes. “Son, we can’t leave you here alone. You’re not even eighteen for another two months.”
Roman shot to his feet. “You can’t be serious.”
The meaning of their words finally hit him. His parents weren’t moving to Estonia. They all were.
His mom stood. “It’ll be a new start. The country is beautiful and safe. They have wonderful schools and lots to see and do.”
“But I’m a senior. You want me to pack up and move only months before graduation? What about my friends? What about hockey?”
“They have hockey in Estonia.”
“But my team is here.” He couldn’t believe the words leaving their mouths. Now, out of all the times they’d abandoned him, they wanted to do what was right. “Can’t you just leave me here until graduation? I’ve been fine on my own every other time you’ve left.”
His mom reached out to take his hand. “Roman, we’re selling the house.”
He yanked his hand back and stumbled away from her. This was it. Soon it would all be gone. His senior year. His team. The Carrigans.
What would he have in Estonia? Parents who were never around and a foreign country surrounding him.
“No.” He backed away.
“Roman.” His father approached him.
Roman shook his head. “This isn’t happening.” He turned on his heel and marched through the dark house, climbing the stairs to a room that wouldn’t be his much longer. He closed the door, expecting his parents to have followed him.
But true to form, they let him be.
They only decided to be parents when it would upset his entire life.
Perfect.
