That One Night (That One Series Book 1) Read Online Free PDF

done things a bit more traditionally, and a bit less her way. Archer is such a happy little boy. I guarantee you, you’ll fall in love with him over the weekend. It’s impossible not to. He’s nine months now and he’s the smartest little boy I’ve ever seen.”
    “Hey, what about me?” Dave pipes up in mock outrage, but is ignored by everyone at the table.
    At my mom’s last comment, I can see the cogs turning in Ben’s head, counting back. His face turns serious and he lowers the fork back to the plate. My heart speeds up and my hands get clammy. I wish there would be a fire alarm I could pull, or an ejector seat would be a nice option as well. Anything to stop this conversation from continuing. I know this isn’t going to end well. And just when I think my mom will shut up and concentrate on chewing her food, she decides to twist the knife she unknowingly stabbed in my back.
    “You know, we all missed you so much, Ben. Even Frankie did. I think that’s why she gave Archer your name as the middle name, to always let you be part of the family. We all thought that was such a great idea.”
    I recognize the moment when he finally puts two and two together and the truth hits him square in the face. He closes his eyes for a moment before looking straight at me. His face a mask of confusion, pain, anger, and what looks like hope. I, on my part, feel like dying.
    I’ve wanted to tell him, and I knew I had to tell him, but this isn’t how it was supposed to go. In that moment I regret that he isn’t some dumb wit with a matching IQ, that I can’t fool him even if I wanted to. I feel cornered, despite everyone else being oblivious to what just transpired. Bile is rising up in my throat as my stomach is turning over with emotions, and my heart is pounding so loud and violently, I can hear the blood rushing in my ears.
    My parents and Dave are already engaging in a conversation about the stupid names stars give their children these days. Only Ben and I are silent. I can see so many questions in his eyes and I feel like each one of them burns right through me. I feel the tears pricking at my eyes and can’t take it any longer. I move the chair out a bit too fast, nearly making it fall over. I catch it just in time.
    “Excuse me for a moment. Mom, can you watch Archer, please?”
    Everyone ignores me, everyone but him. I can feel his stare following me all the way towards the stairs. I enter my old room and lock the door, going straight to the bathroom, where I splash cold water in my face. I feel a bit dizzy with the adrenaline coursing through my system. My heart beats like a crazy drum and I can’t hold back the tears anymore.
    Fuck, I should have stayed in Northampton. I go back into the room and get my cell phone from the nightstand and dial the only number I can in this situation.
    “What’s up, my dear?”
    “Dean,” I sob into the phone. “He’s here. Ben, he’s here. And he knows.”
    There is a moment of silence, before I hear Dean’s voice speak again.
    “Shit. This isn’t good. How are you feeling?”
    “Like I want to scream, cry, grab my shit and run for dear life.”
    “Do you need me to come there?”
    “Want yes. But it’s enough that my Thanksgiving is hell. No need for you to be dragged into this drama. I just...I just don’t know what to do. How to behave.”
    “But you talked to him already. What did he say?”
    “No, he — he doesn’t know it officially. I just think he put two and two together when my mom was going off on one of her rants. I...God, Dean, I can’t talk to him. I’m such a mess. I am so angry, so hurt.” I sniffle, trying to get the sobbing under control.
    “Oh Frankie, but you knew that this was coming one day. Better today, then ten years from now. Take a moment for yourself and breathe. It’ll be alright. As difficult as it feels, I know you’re strong and can handle this. You’re tough — this is just a mere bump in the road, nothing to even slow you