Chapter 3

Tony was a far better person than any of the rest of them, and they weren't afraid to admit that fact. They had all wanted Michael gone as fast as possible and believed that his asking Jonathon to cancel plans for him, was ridiculous. Tony however, had taken the whole thing in stride and invited Michael to dinner with them. No one doubted that he'd done it simply to keep the peace and make things easier on Jonathon; but it was still more than any of them had been willing to do.

"I hate that after all these years he thinks he can just show up and do whatever he wants," Angela mused into the bowl of ice cream she was eating.

They were still trying to have their girl's night; enjoy their movies. But the mood had definitely soured since Michael's appearance.

Sam shook her head. "We can't let him ruin our night, Angela."

"I know, I know. He just makes me so angry."

"He's not worth it, dear. You know how Michael is, he'll have dinner with Jonathon and get tired of being a father."

"I hope you're right, mother." She had a feeling it wasn't going to be that easy, and that Michael wanted more than a dinner with Jonathon this time. She sighed and leaned back against the couch. Sam handed her a few cookies, and offered her a smile. They were going to forget about all of that for now and enjoy their time together.

The front door opened a half hour later. Tony was first through, Jonathon right behind him. They were both smiling, but anyone who knew them well, knew they weren't real smiles.

Michael wasn't far behind Jonathon. His smile was real; though it was far from genuine.

"How was dinner?" Angela asked of Tony and Jonathon.

They nodded their smiles wider now. They were trying so hard to pretend whatever it was they were about to say, made them happy.

"Good," Jonathon said, eyes drifting from Tony to Michael.

"Taco Loco hasn't changed," Michael said, "Food still left something to be desired. The company made up for it, though." He put a hand on Jonathon's shoulder. "You want to tell them?"

Mona was already shaking her head as she muted the TV.

Sam studied her father's face; and grimaced at what she saw. He could pretend all he wanted, but she didn't have to look hard to see through him.

"I…." Jonathon stated, but the words didn't seem to come out. His eyes turned on Tony, who offered him a reassuring nod and a soft smile.

"Jonathon and I are going to take a road trip, check out colleges," Michael told him.

"Why would you need to go on another road trip?" Angela asked, easing up from the couch. "You and Tony are going to see all of the schools on your list…"

"You and Tony?" Michael questioned.

"It was just something we were talking about. It's no big deal. This is the kind of thing a guy should do with his dad," He told Michael, offering Jonathon a comforting nod. He was lying and he planned to keep doing so. He would do anything for Jonathon and if he wanted to take that road trip with Michael, he wouldn't stand in the way.

"What?" Angela bit out, standing at Tony's side. "What's going on, you and Jonathon…"

"Angela," He interrupted, "everything is fine."

"Jonathon…" She started, this time. "What's going on?"

"I…well…Dad he…" He was tripping over the words, as he tried to put it all together himself. One minute they were having dinner and his dad was talking about the two of them taking a trip together, and the next they were talking about college. He wasn't even sure when Michael suggested that they take the trip together or when he agreed to it. He didn't know why neither he nor Tony mentioned that they already had the same trip planned or even that were leaving the next morning, but they couldn't bring themselves to do it now.

"Jonathon and I are going to take a road trip; check out the colleges he's applying to," Michael told them, "Every boy needs to take a trip like this with his dad."

Sam and Mona sat side by side on the couch, now eyes locked on the scene before them. They were holding their tongues, they were going to let Tony and Angela handle this…but that didn't meant that they were going to let this happen. Michael was going to take Jonathon out of the house over their dead bodies. Or his; whichever was easier.

"He already…" Angela started, but Tony interrupted quickly.

"It'll be a great bonding experience," He told them. "I'll make you some sandwiches and I can help you pack the car."

Angela shook her head, and reached out to take Tony's hand. She had no idea why he was doing this. Why wouldn't he tell the truth and throw Michael out of their home. "Tony, can I talk to you in the kitchen?"

It wasn't a question, as she was already dragging him away toward the kitchen.

"What the hell is all of this about?" She didn't even let the door close behind them.

"Angela, it's okay. I know what I'm doing."

"Why are you letting Michael waltz in here like he owns the place?" She asked angrily.

"Sometimes there are things that a guy needs to do with his dad," He replied, calmly.

"You're his dad!" She was trying to keep her voice calm, trying to stay rational. But she didn't understand any of this.

"Angela…" He started, shaking his head, but she wasn't having any of it.

"You're his dad, Tony," She repeated. "From the minute you walked in this house you have loved Jonathon as your own. Every time he's needed you, you've been there. Every milestone he's had, you've been by his side. You're his best friend and his biggest fan. You are his dad in every way that matters, and he is going to take this trip with you." She turned back toward the door intent to walk back into the living room and repeat the very same facts to Michael, when his hand on her forearm stopped her.

"Angela, I love that boy, you know that. And there is nothing I wouldn't do for him. But sometimes loving a person so much means you do things you don't want to, to make them happy."

"Michael walked out on Jonathon and for the most part, he's never looked back. Jonathon owes him nothing and you owe him even less."

Tony nodded, and reached out to take her hand. His eyes met hers, and silently begged her to understand. "Blood is important, Angela. He needs to know Michael, and Michael needs to know him. A guy needs his dad, no matter how many times his dad has messed up."

"Michael walked out. He left Jonathon. He isn't a dad and he doesn't deserve to be one now!" She repeated, her voice raised in anger. Shook her head at him, why was he making this so difficult?

"Tony?" Jonathon was standing in the doorway now, door swinging closed behind him.

"Hey pal," Tony started, "what's going on?"

"Can we talk?" He took a few steps into the kitchen, his eyes darting between his mother and Tony. "Alone, Mom…please," His words were quiet, yet forceful and seemed to be a mix of question, order and fact; there was even a hint of fear laced throughout.

She nodded. "Of course, sweetheart." She squeezed Tony's hand and offered him a soft smile. Whatever he said or did, no matter his reasons, she would support him and trust him with Jonathon's well being, just as she always had. She offered Jonathon the same smile and a small squeeze of his hand as she passed by.

She stopped on the living room side of the door, letting it swing closed behind her. She wasn't going to eavesdrop and she wasn't going to let anyone else. Whatever it was Jonathon and Tony were talking about was between them. What she planned to say to Michael, however, was about to be public record.

To be continued