“I, uh, didn’t mean to—” My head is throbbing, and I want to grab the nearest tray of meat and cheese–filled puff pastries and shovel all of them into my gullet.

“It’s okay, Chase,” he says, not an ounce of malice or jest in his voice. He even uses my name, not Taters. “I’ll admit I was angry when I opened it and read it, but your mother—and Taylor—helped me understand where you were coming from.”

What? This is … new. All the harsh things I said to him, and he’s not flying off the handle?

“I didn’t realize what I was doing was harming you. I was trying to help you. I thought I was, anyway.” He avoids making eye contact.

Time to stand my ground and not give him an inch. “You weren’t.”

“I won’t call you that name anymore.” He puts his hand on my shoulder and squeezes. “And I don’t remember telling your mother that nobody would love you because of how you looked, but she reminded me of how I can get when I’m upset. I’m not sure how to apologize here because your letter was pretty chilling, kid.” He tries to laugh, but it’s wrapped in nerves and a bit of sorrow. “I’m sorry for all the horrible things I said. There’s no other way to put it. And I promise to be better, if you’ll let me.”

It’s all I ever wanted from him. To just be a real, sympathetic dad.

So I hug him. No other words needed.

When we pull apart, his eyes are a bit red.

As we walk back in, he says, “I was surprised to see Jack here. Taylor told me you two broke up. Wish he’d come over and say hi, but I get it.” Dad pauses. “I liked him.”

“It’s nice he showed. I miss him.” A few hours ago, if you would’ve told me I’d be this level of honest with Dad, I would’ve laughed until I choked.

He cocks his head and squints. “He didn’t leave.”

Dad points toward the stage, and there’s Jack, fumbling with the microphone. The audio screeches, nails on a chalkboard.

He’s dressed in a cheap prince costume, the material wrinkly and droopy and oddly rigid all at once. The metallic fabric catches the light in all the wrong ways. His empty backpack is open and crumpled on the floor by the stage.

“What the hell is he doing?” I gasp.

Benny looks to Rhett and smizes. They know something. “I wish I had popcorn for Jack the Snack’s Big Moment.”

Rae pulls out a snack bag of Smartfood from her purse. “I always come prepared.”

Benny grabs her cheek and plants a wet smooch. “I love her so much!”