Picture Perfect

yourself.”
    My dad was nodding his approval at everything I’d said, and Sandra seemed touched. “Thank you for that Flynn, it means a lot. I’m glad to hear that the girls are okay with this. Just… give me a little time to figure out how to talk to them about this before you say anything, okay?”
    “Of course I won’t say anything. That’s for you and dad to do. Now how about instead of running off you stay and have omelets with us? Dad’s are the best, and they’re why I brought Tess over this morning.”
    “Ah, your father was bragging about his omelet skill. I take it they’re really good?”
    “They really, really are. Dad’s omelets are one of my favorite things to eat.”
    Turning to dad, she smiled. “Well now I have to taste one. Let’s do this!”
    We all worked together chopping vegetables while dad cooked bacon and sausage. When it came time for him to start making the omelets, we all sat down. According to my dad, the magic with the omelets only happened if put them together himself.
    Once he had plated the food, we all gathered around the table and dug in. Tessa and Sandra both made sounds of appreciation when they took their first bites. Gesturing to my dad I said, “You’d never suspect that this guy could make eggs taste like the best things on earth, am I right?”
    Breakfast passed quickly, and I was happy that Sandra had calmed down and enjoyed the meal. We all said our goodbyes and agreed that we’d meet up at Dante’s later. Tess and I left first, in order to give my dad and Sandra time to say their goodbye in private. It had been a great morning and I was lighthearted as we came out the side door and headed into the driveway.
    My good mood evaporated pretty quickly when I saw a few dozen photographers right outside my father’s gate. Questions were yelled out to me rapid fire, one after the other.
    “Did you know your dad had secret children?”
    “Is it true that your father has more hidden children than the two we already know about?”
    “Was your father cheating on your mother while she was dying?”
    “Are you sure those girls are really your sisters?”
    “Are you mad at your father for lying to you for all of these years?”
    I was used to the rude and intrusive questions, but my temper started to flair because they were talking about my father. Everything they were saying was total bullshit, but I tried to ignore them. That went to hell when they changed tactics and started yelling about Tessa.
    “Did you marry that girl?”
    “Is she knocked up?”
    “How many girls are you sleeping with right now?”
    “Do you have any illegitimate babies you’d like to tell us about?”
    “Is your girlfriend one of your groupies?”
    I threw open the passenger door to my car and hustled Tessa inside before I turned on the masses and spoke.
    “All of your questions are ridiculous. My father didn’t lie to me and my sisters aren’t a burden. I love my father, and I love my sisters. My girlfriend is not a groupie and she isn’t pregnant. I don’t have any children and my girlfriend is the only girl for me. If you have any other questions, call my publicist.”
    Stomping around the car I got in as one of them shouted, “Then whens the wedding Romeo?”
    Ignoring that shit, I turned the car on and floored it to the edge of the driveway. The smarmy fucks didn’t move quickly, they never do. Instead they banged on the car and took photos of Tess and I trying to drive away.
    Touching my dashboard display, I called my dad. He answered on the first ring.
    “Son, I’m so sorry. Sandra and I saw the commotion- I was going to come out but she said that would just make it worse for you and I saw the logic in that. Are you okay?”
    I gripped the steering wheel in anger as I answered. “Dad, stop it. I’m fine. There’s nothing for you to be sorry about. This is on me. If I weren’t famous, no one would give a shit. We’ll deal with it the way we always do. Don’t worry about it. I just wanted to make sure that you were okay- now I’m going to take care of Tess. I’ll see you tonight.”
    “I love you son.”
    “I love you too, dad.”
    After disconnecting, I turned to find Tessa watching me. She didn’t look any worse for wear, but I was worried about her nonetheless. I knew I had to be in danger of having a hysterical girlfriend on my hands.
    “Babe… fuck. I’m really sorry about all of this shit. I know that it’s hard to take. Just fucking bear with me