“He was a sleazy guy who preyed on women. I should never have slept with him, but like I said, I got you out of it, so I have no regrets.”

“What if he changed? What if he’s a good guy now?”

“Honey, some people don’t change. Men like him don’t change. They take what they want from the world and then spit the rest out. If I could erase him from this earth, I would. But I can’t.”

“Can I at least meet him? I think I have a right to know who my biological father is.”

He was eighteen. He could do whatever he wanted. But meeting Geoffrey meant excavating the truth. It wasn’t his truth to explore. It was mine, and I wanted to keep it that way.

“Ry, I wish I could agree to that, but I simply can’t. That man hurt me. He doesn’t deserve to know you. Please, for me, let it go.”

“Mom, I don’t know that I can do that.”

As I weighed his headstrong words, Willow stepped into the bedroom carrying her lacrosse uniform. She had heard too much, based on the confused look she wore.

“What’s going on?” she asked.

Ryan wiped his tears, and I stood up to guide Willow back out the door, bribing her with a snack.

“Nothing, sweetie. We’re just having a private conversation about something. How about I make you some popcorn then it’s bedtime, okay? It’s a school night.”

“Okaaay.” But it was too late. Her curiosity was piqued. “Doesn’t sound like nothing.”

“Just some school stuff we’re dealing with. Go on, scoot. You too, Ryan. Before Collette wakes up.”

I shooed the kids out the door, heading for the kitchen. On the way down the hall Willow handed me her lacrosse uniform.

“Can you clean this by tomorrow? I need it for a scrimmage.”

“By tomorrow? It’s getting late. I was about to head to bed.”

“Sorry, I forgot to give it to you earlier,” she whined.

“Honey, next time don’t wait until the last minute. I’ve got to sleep tonight too, you know.” I kissed her forehead and ushered her to the living room to watch some television while I nudged Ryan into the pantry. I couldn’t risk him poking around in our past, my past.

“Look,” I whispered, “I don’t want you to meet him right now. Let me think about it, okay?”

“At least tell me his name. Please, Mom?”

“I don’t know . . .” I wavered.

“You drop this bomb on me that my dad isn’t my dad. You owe me a name.”

“Ry, I’m only looking out for you. You don’t want to know him. He’s nothing to you and I’d like to keep it that way.”

“Fine, I’ll ask your friends. I’m sure they know, don’t they?”