Chapter 4: Family Shadows

[Maddox]

The twins dropped me off with quick hugs and a promise to text when they got home. I watched their car disappear down the highway, then dragged my suitcase toward the hotel where Mom was waiting. Atlanta felt the same, but everything inside me felt different.

Mom opened the hotel room door before I could knock. She pulled me into a tight hug, smelling like the same lavender shampoo she’d used since I was a kid. For the first time in years, she looked light. Actually happy.

“You’re here,” she whispered against my shoulder. “I missed you so much.”

I hugged her back, letting myself relax for a second. “Missed you too.”

We stepped inside the modest room. Two beds, a small couch, and her suitcase already unpacked. I dropped mine by the door and asked the obvious question. “Why are we at a hotel? I thought we were moving into the new house.”

Mom smiled as she sat on the edge of the bed. “All our things are already there. Your stepfather wanted us to settle in together after the wedding. So we’re camping here until then. The ceremony is two days before Christmas. Plenty of time to relax.”

I nodded, but my mind was already spinning. Two whole days before the wedding meant two days of wondering who this mystery stepbrother was. The guy had skipped every dinner, every meeting. Part of me hoped he’d keep bailing.

Since I had time, I decided to do something I never could when money was tight. I left the hotel and wandered into the upscale parts of Atlanta I used to only see from the bus window. 

I grabbed gourmet tacos from a trendy food truck, spicy shrimp with fresh avocado and lime crema, then splurged on a warm peach cobbler from a famous bakery. 

The sweet, buttery crust practically melted in my mouth. For a few minutes, walking through the decorated streets with holiday lights twinkling, I let myself enjoy it. 

My phone rang while I was finishing the cobbler. Mom again.

“Honey, can you come back to the hotel? The wedding planner needs us for a quick check on the setup. They moved a few things around.”

“I’m on my way.” I flagged down a taxi and headed back, secretly glad for the excuse to stop pretending everything was normal.

When I walked into the hotel suite they’d reserved for family, I froze in the doorway.

Aunt Clara was there, along with my two cousins, Mia and Tyler. My face lit up. I hadn’t seen them since last summer. 

But right beside Aunt Clara stood my uncle, the man she had divorced years ago after she finally learned what he did to me when Mom was working night shifts at the hospital.

My stomach dropped.

Aunt Clara noticed my expression immediately. She stood up and pulled me into a hug. “Maddox, sweetheart. We’re so glad you’re here.”

Mia and Tyler greeted me with grins and fist bumps, but the tension in the room was thick enough to choke on. Uncle Robert sat on the couch like he belonged there, smiling politely.

I pulled Aunt Clara aside while the others pretended to be busy with their phones. “Why is he here?” I whispered.

She sighed, looking tired. “He insisted. Said he wanted to come and apologize properly. For everything. I told him no, but he showed up anyway. Your mom didn’t want drama before the wedding, so…”

I clenched my jaw. Apologize. As if saying sorry could erase the nights I spent terrified in that house.

Before I could say more, Mom clapped her hands. “Let’s eat! The hotel sent up a big dinner. We’re family, right?”

We sat around the large table they’d set up in the suite. Platters of roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, greens, and fresh rolls filled the space. 

Conversation started light with college stories, how cold it was in Atlanta this year, what everyone was doing for Christmas. Mia teased me about finally having a stepbrother. Tyler asked if I was still writing ‘those mysterious stories’ and I shot him a warning look.

I tried to participate, forcing laughs when my cousins bickered over who got the last roll. But every time Uncle Robert spoke, my skin crawled. He kept glancing at me, that same fake-friendly smile on his face.

Halfway through the meal, while Mia was arguing with Tyler about some old family trip, I caught movement out of the corner of my eye. Someone rounded the corner near the hallway that led to the elevators; tall, dark hair, confident stride. My heart slammed against my ribs.

He looked exactly like Damian.

I stood up so fast my chair scraped loudly against the floor. “I’ll be right back. Bathroom.”

I didn’t wait for anyone to answer. I hurried out of the suite and down the hallway, pulse racing. The figure had disappeared around another bend. I followed, sneakers quiet on the carpet, scanning every door and alcove.

Where the hell did he go?

I turned the corner, breath tight. Nothing. Just an empty hallway with soft lighting and closed doors. I kept walking, checking the small seating area near the windows. No one.

Did I imagine it? The stress must be getting to me. Damian was back on campus, probably partying with his teammates or his blonde friend-with-benefits. There was no way he was here.

“Maddox!” Tyler’s voice echoed from behind me. “Where’d you go, man? Mom’s asking for you.”

I stopped, fists clenched at my sides. Part of me wanted to keep searching, to prove I wasn’t crazy. But the longer I stayed away, the more questions would come. And the last thing I needed was the family poking into why I was chasing ghosts.

Reluctantly, I turned back. “Coming.”

When I rejoined the table, everyone looked at me curiously. Uncle Robert’s eyes lingered a second too long. Mom asked if I was okay. I nodded I’m fine and sat down, forcing another smile.

I have a sinking feeling that something was wrong.