Chapter 7

Kenny's POV

The next day at work, I had a hard time focusing. I haven't told Chase I'm sending him back home. Hell, I haven't even talked to Kevin about it. I told Kelly I would sleep on it, but my mind is already made up.

Stan, who's also another advertising executive, comes to my office. "Are you okay dude? You seemed a little out of it in the meeting."

I look up at him. "I have a lot going on."

"Is it about Chase?"

"Of course it is. How did you guess?" I ask him sarcastically.

"Let's grab some lunch be you can tell me all about it."

I definitely could use the break. I smile and nods. "Thanks dude."

We decide to go to Hooters for lunch. I tell Stan everything that's been going on and the decision that I made. "You're really going to send him home?" Stan asks in shock.

I nod. "What other choice do I have? I was afraid he was going to harm my wife."

"You really think he would do that?"

I shrug. "I don't know." I sigh. "He's hurt Connor, nearly attacked Kelly, and was close to putting my unborn child in danger. I can't leave my family that vulnerable again. He's a loose cannon!"

"Why don't you let him stay with Wendy and me for a few days? Maybe he just needs space." Stan offers.

I shake my head. "It's not your responsibility. But I appreciate the offer."

"Could you really live with yourself if you sent him back to Albuquerque and he didn't graduate on time?"

"Stan..." I give him a warning look. I kind of know where he's going with this.

"I'm serious. Think about what you're doing and how this will affect his life."

"But my family..."

"Chase is your family too!" Stan reminds me.

"You know what I mean Stan."

"You know what I mean too!"

I sigh again. "He's really a lot to deal with..."

"He's still adjusting. Give him time, I'm sure he'll come around."

I look at Stan. "I can't have him getting in Kelly's face like that again. She doesn't need the stress!"

"She deals with worse at work."

I shake my head. "None of them have ever tried to attack her."

"How does she feel about you sending him home?"

"She's against it. She told me to sleep on it and I have."

"I still think you're making a rash decision. Just give him one more chance. Talk to him about his behavior. If he fucks up again, then he has to go."

That's what I'm afraid of. "His fucking up, could really hurt someone."

Stan shrugs. "Or maybe he'll get his shit together."

"Fine…this will be his last chance."

Stan pats me on the back and smiles. "You're doing the right thing. You know that…right?"

"I guess…" I look down. Why do I have the feeling that I'm going to regret this decision…?

That evening, I'm chatting with Kelly and I tell her about my conversation with Stan. She hugs me tightly. "I'm so glad Stan was able to get through to you!"

"Yeah, now I just need to talk to Chase."

"Go for it!" She looks at me and smiles.

I squeeze her hand. "I want you to leave the room first."

"Why?"

"I don't want a repeat of yesterday."

She chuckles. "Kenny, I'll be fine. Besides, I want you to know that I support you."

I give her a kiss. "You're the best. You know that?" She smiles and nods. "Chase? Come down here please!" I yell out.

He stomps down the stairs. I'm already having second thoughts. "What do you want?" He asks as he folds his arms.

"That's not how you address me or any adult!"

He rolls his eyes. "Fine. What is it Uncle Kenny?"

"That's better. Sit down, we need to talk."

He sits down and I notice him glaring at Kelly. "About what?"

"After your behavior over the past few days, especially last night, I was going to send you back to Albuquerque-"

He jumps up and cheers. "YES! Thank you Uncle Kenny!"

"I said, I WAS going to." I reiterate. His excitement immediately fades as he sits back down.

"So why aren't you?"

"I want to you to graduate. So I'm giving you another chance. You have to change your attitude. You're going to show everyone in this house some respect, do you understand me?"

"What if that person disrespects me?" He glares at Kelly again.

"Then you come to me and I'll deal with it!"

He rolls his eyes again. "Fine. Can I go back upstairs now?" The doorbell rings just as he asks that.

"You can answer the door first."

He frowns. "Why? Where's your lazy ass butler?"

"He's not lazy, he's off for the night. Get the door!" I order.

"Kenny, I'll get it." Kelly stands up, but I stop her and shake my head.

"No, I'll go get it." I glare at Chase. "You know part of respect, is doing what you're told!" I open the door and I'm shocked to see my sister on the other side of it.

"Kenny!" She hugs me.

"Karen?"

She pulls away from me and frowns. "What? You looked shocked to see me!"

I nod. "I am! I wasn't expecting you until next month."

"I finished the program early!" Karen was in rehab. She has a serious drug and alcohol addiction. She just completed her fourth stint in rehab.

"Come on in." I tell her.

She walks in and smiles. "I always love staying at your house!"

"You're staying here?" I ask her.

"Duh! You told me when I got out of rehab that I could."

"Shit! That was before-"

She looks at Chase. "Wow, Connor, you've really grown since I went to rehab!" She hugs him and then looks up at him. "Look at you, looking just like your dad!"

Chase frowns. "Umm…Aunt Karen, it's me Chase."

"Chase?" She examines him and then hugs him again. "I'm sorry, I thought you were Connor."

"Please don't make that mistake again…"

"What are you doing here? Don't you have school?"

"I guess I live here now."

"That's awesome!" She turns towards me. "Oh Kenny, you finally have your son at home! I'm so proud of you!"

My eyes widen. I can't believe this is happening… "Karen…"

"What is she talking about?" Kelly asks.

Karen turns towards her. "Oh? You didn't know!"

"Karen, please shut the hell up!" I tell her. I can't believe she's doing this.

Chase looks at me. "Wait, you're my father?"

Karen looks at me and I can tell she regrets opening her big mouth. "Kenny, I'm so sorry! I just assumed since he lives here that-"

I put my hand up. "STOP talking!"

"You're my dad?" Chase asks again.

This is not how this was supposed to come out. I sigh and nod. "Yes…" I see Kelly's jaw drop.

"I can't FUCKING believe this!" Chase storms out of the house.

"Chase!" I try to run after him, but Kelly stops me. I know she's waiting for an explanation…