Page 29 of Steel & Jenna
“And what would happen on a day when you aren’t so careful?” Mr. Zarin pressed.
That lump in his throat got bigger. “I guess it would depend on how much he’s had to drink.”
Mr. Zarin scratched at his jaw where a five o’clock shadow was forming. “I appreciate your honesty, Jack. I know admitting any of this can’t be easy.”
It had certainly felt easier when he’d told Jenna. Jack just nodded in response.
“I want to ask you a question, Jack. I mean no offense when I do, so please consider your answer before you give it. If you could get Lilly safely out of your home, what would you be willing to give up?” Jack’s eyebrows drew down. Give up? What did he mean by that? But Mr. Zarin continued without Jack having to voice his question. “Would you, say, stop seeing Ms. Scanlon?”
Jack’s heart started beating erratically in his chest. He felt the delicious brisket he’d eaten only hours before turn uncomfortably in his stomach. “Are you asking me if I would break up with Jenna if it meant Lilly’s safety?”
Mr. Zarin nodded. “I am asking what you are willing to sacrifice for your sister. If it meant she had a safe home, food on the table, new clothes, and a loving household?”
Though his heart hurt, he answered honestly, “Anything.”
“Even if it meant you couldn’t see Ms. Scanlon again?”
Jack closed his eyes and nodded. He wasn’t sure he’d be able to keep his dinner down if he opened his mouth. It would kill him, an impossible choice, but he wouldn’t sacrifice his sister’s safety for his own happiness.
“And what if I told you that Lilly would have such a home, but you would have to stay with your father? That you couldn’t see her again? Would your answer still be the same?”
Bile rose up. Jack clamped his mouth shut in an effort to keep it down. But, again, he nodded.
Silence fell for a long minute before Jack felt a strong hand on his shoulder. He looked up to see Mr. Zarin standing over him. “You have a good heart, Jack. One day, you’re going to be an honorable, formidable man. I’m sorry I upset you with my questions.” He held out a bottle of water to Jack. “Here, drink this and I’ll explain.”
Jack accepted the plastic bottle. Cracking it open, he immediately felt parched. Several sips later, he still wasn’t sure he felt any better.
“Jack, I need you to understand where I’m coming from. My wife means everything to me. I will do anything to protect her. She has her heart set on helping you and Lilly, and I will not see it broken because of an unruly teenage boy that I don’t know.”
Swallowing more water, Jack risked opening his mouth. “I don’t understand.”
“Mrs. Zarin wants to help you and Lilly, but she wouldn’t be the woman I love if she didn’t also try to help your father.” Mr. Zarin shook his head. “I know the type and I don’t believe there is help for your father, or that he deserves it even if there was. And I won’t risk you or Lilly getting caught in the crosshairs. I needed to see what sort of person you are, Jack, before I invited you into my home.”
Jack froze. “What?”
“It doesn’t have to be permanent and I am certainly not going to force you. However, I ask that you hear me out before you reject my offer. Jack, I want you and Lilly to come live here with Mrs. Zarin and me. I know we’re not your parents, but we do care. Both of you would be safe here. You wouldn’t have to work yourself to the bone to survive. You would have food, your own room, clothes…”
“What’s the catch?” Jack asked nervously. “I would have to stop seeing Jenna?”
Mr. Zarin shook his head. “No, that was only a hypothetical. As I said, I needed to see what sort of person you are. Not many would sacrifice their own happiness so selflessly, Jack. I know what Mrs. Zarin has told me about you, but I needed to see it for myself. Can you forgive me for testing you so cruelly?”
Jack’s head was spinning. “You want Lilly and me to come live here, with you?”
Mr. Zarin nodded.
“No strings attached?”
“There would be house rules,” Mr. Zarin clarified. “Curfew, homework, chores, and the like. Above all, you will respect Mrs. Zarin. I will not accept any funny business around her.”
Jack nodded, because that would have never happened regardless of the rule. “I just… I’m trying to wrap my head around what it is you’re saying. You want Lilly and me to come live with you? Free of charge?”
Mr. Zarin nodded. “We would not charge you rent if that’s what you’re asking.”
“And our dad?”
“Well,legally, he’s still your dad. Technically, unless we bring the law into it, it wouldn’t change anything. Your parents would still have legal rights to you until you’re eighteen. But you said that he doesn’t claim Lilly. Do you think he would have an issue with you coming to live with us?”
“I don’t see why. It’s not like he gets anything from us living with him. In fact, it would be cheaper for him if we weren’t. I’m not even sure he’d notice if we don’t tell him.”
