Quiet Storm, Season 2, Episode 6 (Rising Storm) by Julie Kenner Page A

harrumphed. “Oh, for goodness sakes, Payton! The little fairy was caught on film kissing a boy at one of those places in Austin. Can you imagine! And now that idiot Bob Wickersham has decided to release the pictures publicly. Sebastian gave him his notice last week. Apparently this is his way of getting him back. Obviously, this must be handled.”
    Payton ignored her, turning instead to Jeffry, who was standing frozen to the spot looking both horrified and incredibly pissed off. “You drove into Austin without telling anyone? I thought we had an agreement, young man.”
    “I—”
    “Good god, Payton!” Marylee snapped. “We find out that not only is your son gay but that he’s flouncing all over Texas, and all you care about is that he drove his car past the city limits?”
    “Mother is right,” Sebastian said. “Right now, we need to focus.” His attention turned to Jeffry as Payton fumed. “Tomorrow morning, you will announce that you went to this club with friends. That you drank too much. And that one of that place’s regular patrons took advantage of you. You will say unequivocally that you are not gay. And then we will—very privately—arrange for counseling.”
    Payton saw Jeffry swallow, her heart breaking as the blood drained from his face.
    The front door opened, and Brittany came in. “What’s going on?”
    Marylee sniffed. “We’re ensuring that your little brother’s predilections don’t destroy this family or your father’s career.”
    “What on earth—” Brit began.
    “But I can’t—” Jeffry mumbled.
    “ No ,” Payton yelled, unable to take it anymore. Not her husband’s bullshit. Not Marylee’s bitchy, superior, prejudiced ways. She couldn’t pretend she cared anymore. Not if it meant hurting her children.
    “Pardon?” Marylee said icily.
    “I said, no. If Jeffry is gay, then he’s gay.” She spoke matter-of-factly and saw Brit’s eyes go wide. “I love my son for himself, and I don’t expect him to be anyone except who he is. And if he’s gay, I don’t have a problem with that at all. I’m sorry if you do, Marylee. Sebastian. But I don’t.”
    “Neither do I,” Brit said firmly, and Payton saw tears glisten in her son’s eyes.
    “Then you are a fool,” Sebastian said. “Because who that boy fucks is going to fuck with my career.”
    “Yes, well, I don’t care about that either,” Payton said icily. “Or about you, for that matter.” She drew in a deep breath. “Enough is enough, Sebastian. I’m tired of playing at being your wife. I haven’t been a real wife in a long time. I’ve been a prop, and so have the children. We’re done.” She turned to the kids. “Grab what you need for the night. We’re leaving.”
    “But—” Jeffry looked at her, his expression both hopeful and confused.
    “Just go,” she said more gently. “It’ll be okay.”
    “Where do you think you’re going?” Sebastian asked as the kids hurried to do what she said.
    “My sister’s. We’ll be back tomorrow to pack more things. I’d appreciate it if you weren’t here. I’ll have my lawyer get in touch about the details. But it’s over, Sebastian. It’s just plain over.”
    His mouth opened and closed like a fish, and for the first time in memory, Marylee was speechless, too.
    Feeling lighter than she had in years, Payton packed up the kids and they headed to Celeste’s, with Jeffry riding in the front seat, repeating over and over that he couldn’t believe she’d done that.
    “You’re a rock star, Mom,” he said.
    “I’m sorry it had to come out that way. I know it wasn’t easy.”
    “Yeah, well, you made it easier. I love you, Mom.”
    “I’d hug you, but then I’d crash the car.”
    “I’ll hug him for you,” Brit said, wrapping her arms around her brother from the back seat. “I love you, you little prick. I can’t believe you didn’t tell me.”
    “I was going to soon. I swear. Things blew up.”
    “That they did,” Payton agreed.