14. Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fourteen
Marc
A s I pushed my cart through the produce section of the local grocery store, a prickling sensation crawled up my spine. I glanced over my shoulder, catching a woman’s scrutinizing gaze. I quickly grabbed a bunch of bananas, my heart racing as I quickly moved to the next aisle, the weight of her glare smothering me.
The checkout line stretched endlessly before me. I bounced on the balls of my feet, willing it to move faster. The couple behind me whispered. I caught a glimpse of them in my peripheral vision, heads tilted together. Pointing. Staring. Fuck.
Heat flushed my cheeks while I placed items on the conveyor belt. The cashier, a woman about my age with “Brenda” on her name tag, scanned each item at a snail’s pace. Her eyes darted up to mine, then back down. Repeat. And again.
She knew. Of course she did. Everyone did, thanks to that post. Magic Marco, the secret stripper dad. Exposed for all to see and judge.
“Your total is $85.69,” Brenda said, her voice neutral. Too neutral.
I fumbled with my wallet, nearly dropping it. Swiped my card. Waited for the machine to process. Glared at the couple still staring and whispering.
“Have a nice day,” Brenda said, handing me the receipt with a hint of a smile on her face. Her eyes lingered on mine a beat too long.
“Thanks,” I mumbled, grabbing the bags.
I couldn’t get out of there fast enough. I all but sprinted to my truck, flinging the groceries into the back. The door slammed with a satisfying thud, and I gripped the steering wheel.
Breathe, Marc. Just breathe.
But the tightness in my chest wouldn’t ease. The stares, the whispers… it was everywhere. Following me like a shadow I couldn’t shake.
I pulled out of the parking lot, tires squealing.
The grocery trip cemented my decision—Mia and I had to get out of Blanco Springs. I needed to find a place for us to live in Dallas, fast.
The past week had been a living nightmare. Ever since that damn Facebook post exposed my PrivatelyYours page, shame had choked me, paranoia lurking at every corner. It hadn’t stayed up long, just a few hours—but that was enough.
I deleted my account that day.
Mia. My sweet girl. The thought of her enduring stares and whispers at school twisted a knife in my gut so I kept her home from with some bullshit excuse about her health, leaving her confused and asking for her friends and Mr. Parker. The bewilderment in her eyes hurt worse than I expected.
And Ken—the man I trusted, the one I had started to…
No. That betrayal was too raw, too sharp to dwell on now.
My phone buzzed in the cupholder. The screen flashed. The credit union. Shit. Dread coiled in my gut as I answered, already knowing what they would say.
“Mr. Mendez, this is Jenna Alexander from Blanco Springs Credit Union. I’m calling about your loan application.”
“Is there a problem?” Of course there was. When wasn’t there these days?
“We’ve hit a bit of a snag. We’re going to need some more time to consider your application. There are a few…concerns that have come to light.”
Concerns. Right. More like they’d seen that post and decided I wasn’t fit to receive a loan. Jenna’s apologetic tone did little to soften the blow, her words punching my throat, dreams turning to dust with each syllable.
The landscaping business, the chance to build something of my own…all slipping away. “I understand. Thank you for letting me know.” I hung up before she responded. Tossed the phone back in the cupholder. Fuck.
Even Alonso wasn’t immune to the fallout. He swore up and down that my working at the shop hadn’t caused any issues, but I saw the customers’ wary glances, heard their hushed whispers. Each time they looked away quickly, it confirmed my worst fear—I had become a liability to my own brother.
Glancing at the groceries in the backseat, I looked for anything that needed to be immediately refrigerated. But I didn’t see anything that would melt. Good. There was one last errand that needed to be done and I’d put it off all week, hoping that things would get better.
But it wouldn’t get better, no matter what Alonso or Elena said.
I had to stay strong for Mia. Had to find a way out of this mess.
But God, it was getting harder every day.
***
I headed toward Blanco Springs Elementary, a once welcoming sight now twisted with dread. I had to do this. For Mia.
How long had it been now, a month? Six weeks? I had sat here that day, stomach full of butterflies at the idea of enrolling my girl here, sending her off to her first day of school.
And it had been such a success, changing her life—and mine.
Now, I sat in the car, my hands gripping the steering wheel. But I couldn’t put it off any longer.
With a deep breath, I stepped out of the car, the bright Texas sun beating down on my face like a spotlight. I sensed the eyes of the other parents on me as I walked towards the entrance, their whispers and stares burning holes in my back like hot coals.
As I pushed open the door to the school, I tried to hold my head high, to project an air of confidence and nonchalance, but inside, I was crumbling. Making my way to the front desk, I avoided looking at the others in the hallway.
“Can I help you?” the older woman behind the counter asked, her voice polite but tired.
I swallowed hard. “I need to withdraw my daughter from school,” I said, my voice low. “Mia Mendez. She’s in Mr. Parker’s class.”
The receptionist’s eyes widened slightly, a flicker of recognition crossing her face before she quickly schooled her features into a neutral expression. “Of course, Mr. Mendez. Let me just get the paperwork for you.”
As she bustled away, the weight of my decision pressed down on me like a physical burden, the enormity of what I was about to do hitting me with the force of a freight train. Was I really ready to uproot Mia’s life, to tear her away from all this because of what happened?
Before I could dwell on that thought any longer, the sound of a door opening caught my attention, and I turned to see Mrs. Hawkins, the principal, emerging from her office. She caught my eye and gestured for me to follow her. “Mr. Mendez, would you mind speaking with me privately for a moment?” she asked, her tone carefully neutral.
I hesitated for a moment, but I couldn’t avoid this conversation forever, and she had never been anything but respectful to me since I enrolled Mia here. But my presence here was an embarrassment to her school, it had to be. She couldn’t have me out in the front lobby where everyone would see me.
With a nod, I followed her into her office, my heart beating so loudly that I was sure she heard it.
As the door closed behind us, I braced myself for the worst.
The silence in Ms. Hawkins’ office was deafening, the ticking of the clock on the wall the only sound as I sat across from her, my hands clasped tightly in my lap. I felt her eyes on me, studying me like one of her unruly students with concern and curiosity, as if she were trying to read my mind. “Mr. Mendez,” Ms. Hawkins started, her voice both gentle and firm, “I understand you’re here to withdraw Mia. But before you decide, may I share a story about Mia?”
“Of course,” I murmured, curious about where this was going.
“I was observing the kindergarten art class last week, and saw a picture that Mia drew.” A soft smile played on her lips. “It was a picture of her family and friends at school. She drew herself in the middle, holding hands with you and her classmates. It was beautiful and full of joy.”
I took a deep breath, imagining my little girl sitting with all of her friends, creating her masterpieces in crayon. “I’m sorry, Ms. Hawkins, but I don’t have a choice. After everything that’s happened, I can’t risk putting Mia in jeopardy.”
Ms. Hawkins leaned forward, her eyes filled with understanding. She listened patiently as I stumbled through my reasons, each word a shard of glass in my throat. “I know that you’re going through a difficult time right now and won’t presume to imagine the stress you must be experiencing. And I am sorry about what happened, and that it was all exposed on the Facebook page associated with our school. But I want you to remember that Mia is doing wonderfully here at Blanco Springs Elementary. She’s made so many friends, and her teachers have nothing but positive things to say about her.” She paused and caught my eye. “I’d hate to see her lose all of that because of a rash decision.”
A lump rose in my throat, thinking about all the people who had seen the post, had screenshots saved on their phones. “I know,” I muttered. “Trust me, I’m aware how much she loves it here. Her classmates, her teacher…” I paused a moment, the memory of Ken’s warm body tucked underneath mine as we slept at the front of my thoughts. “This school means the world to her. But I can’t ask her to face the fallout of my mistakes. It’s not fair to her.”
Ms. Hawkins nodded, her expression one of understanding and empathy. “I know you want to protect her. But have you considered the impact that leaving so suddenly might have on her? She’s already been through so much, with her health concerns and the move to Blanco Springs. Stability and consistency are so important for children her age. Please, take some time to think it over.”
I felt a pang of guilt at her words, knowing that she was right. Was I really doing the right thing, tearing her away from everything she loved?
But even as I wrestled with my doubts, I had to do what was best for her, even if it meant making a difficult choice. “I appreciate your concern, Ms. Hawkins. And that you only want what’s best for Mia. But I’ve made up my mind. We’re moving back to Dallas as soon as I can find a place for us to live. We need a fresh start.” Another fresh start, that voice in the back of my head whispered.
Ms. Hawkins sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly as if she had been expecting my answer. “I understand. While I wish you’d reconsider, I respect your decision. I’ll handle the paperwork and have Mia’s records sent to her new school as soon as you enroll her.”
“Thank you, Ms. Hawkins. For everything.” I felt a rush of gratitude toward her and wished that everyone in Blanco Springs was this forgiving to my mistakes. “I know that Mia will miss you, and everyone here at the school. But I have to do what I believe is right for her.”
As I stood to leave, Ms. Hawkins reached out and placed a hand on my arm, her touch gentle and reassuring. She shook my hand, a final gesture of support. “Mr. Mendez, I want you to know that you and Mia will always have a place here at Blanco Springs Elementary. No matter what happens, no matter where you go, you’ll always be a part of our family.”
Those words hit hard, and her warmth and sincerity broke through the walls I had built this past week around my heart. “Thank you. That means more to me than you know.”
As I walked out of the school, a wave of emotions crashed over me, threatening to pull me under. Sadness, regret, fear… they all swirled together in a dizzying mix, making it hard to breathe, hard to think.
Even the colorful flowers lining the walkway to the school only served to remind me of what I was taking away from my daughter. The thought of Mia never walking through those doors again, never seeing her friends or her beloved teacher, was like a knife twisting in my gut.
I thought of all the happy memories she had made here, the laughter and the joy that had filled her days. The way her face would light up when she talked about her classmates. The excitement that would bubble up inside her every morning as we drove to school, the way she would bounce in her seat and chatter away about all the things she was going to learn that day.
And now, because of my fuck up, all of that was taken away from her.
As I pulled out of the parking lot, the school disappearing in my rearview mirror, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was the wrong move. That I was running away from my problems instead of facing them head-on, that I was letting my fear and my pride get in the way of what was best for Mia.
And then there was Ken.
The man who had captured my heart, the man who had made me believe in love again, lying to my face the entire time.
Every time I thought of him, of the secret he had kept, the pain was like a physical ache in my chest. How could I trust him—or anyone—again, after everything that had happened?
No, I couldn’t do it. I wouldn’t put my heart on the line again, didn’t want to risk the pain and the heartbreak that I knew would come with loving him. I had to be strong, had to put Mia first, no matter how much it hurt.
If that meant sacrificing my own heart in the process, then so be it.
***
It was just after one as I pulled into Alonso and Elena’s driveway, the delicious scent of food cooking wafting through the open windows. I sat for a moment, gathering my thoughts, before stepping out of the car and into the welcoming warmth of their home.
Elena greeted me at the door. “Mia’s napping,” she said softly, gesturing for me to come inside. “Marc, can we talk for a moment?”
My stomach clenched. I knew that tone, the gentle prodding that always preceded a heart-to-heart. Part of me wanted to brush her off, to grab Mia and run, but I couldn’t do that to Elena. Not after everything she’d done for us. My sister-in-law cared deeply about Mia and me, and worried that I was rushing, making these drastic decisions.
But I also knew that she would support me no matter what. That was the kind of person she was.
I nodded, following her into the kitchen. She handed me a soft drink, and we sat at the table, just as I had with Alonso the previous weekend.
But now, so much had changed.
“Marc,” she began, her voice soft but firm, “are you sure about this move? About leaving Blanco Springs?”
I shrugged. “I don’t have a choice. Not after everything that’s happened. I can’t put Mia through that.”
Elena shook her head. “I understand wanting to protect her. But running away isn’t the answer. Mia’s happy here, she’s thriving. You both are.”
“Were, Elena. We were thriving. But now?” I snorted and leaned back in my chair. “Now everyone knows about what I did. I’m the gay stripper dad who can’t keep his clothes on.”
“That’s not true. The people who matter, the ones who love you? They don’t care about those videos. They care about who you are now, the father you are to Mia.” She held up her hand. “I’m asking you not to make any rash decisions. Small-town gossip burns hot and fast, but it will be a memory by next week.” She smiled wryly. “Back when little Diego was born, we had several busybodies at church whispering about how big he looked for a ‘premature baby’ since he was born six months after we got married, hinting that I was pregnant at our wedding. And I was,” she added with a soft grin. “But we held our heads high and didn’t let their words affect our love.” She touched my arm. “People will move on to the next scandal, and life will go back to normal.”
I let out a deep breath. “Tell that to the parents at school, to the people at the grocery store. You didn’t see the way they looked at me, Elena. Like I was dirt beneath their shoes.”
Elena’s eyes flashed, her grip tightening on my hand. “You’re a loving father, a hard worker, a good man. Don’t let their small minds define you. And people do what they need to do to survive. No one can fault you for that.” She touched my arm and smiled. “And in the grand scheme of things, a little ‘dancing’ on the internet isn’t so bad. Trust me, I know some secrets about people in this town that are much worse.”
I opened my mouth to argue, but Mia appeared in the doorway, her curls tousled from sleep, her favorite stuffed unicorn clutched in her arms. “Papi?” she mumbled, rubbing her eyes. “Are we going home now?”
I stood, scooping her into my arms and breathing in the sweet scent of her shampoo. In that moment, the weight of my decision crashed over me, a tidal wave of doubt and fear. “Yeah, princesa . We’re going home.”
Elena watched us, her eyes sad. “Remember your first day in Blanco Springs? You brimmed with hope. Don’t let a single mistake undo all your hard work. Think about it, for Mia’s sake.”
I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. Mia nuzzled into my neck, her small body a comfortable pressure against me as I carried her out to the truck.
We drove away, and I thought about what Elena said. Maybe she was right. Running wasn’t the answer. But what else could I do?
I glanced at Mia in the rearview mirror, her eyelids already drooping as the motion of the car lulled her back to sleep. I had to do what was best for her, even if we had to leave behind everything we had built here in Blanco Springs.
Even if I had to walk away from the man who had made me believe in love again.