Page 44 of The False Start (Off the Bench)

Chapter Twenty-Nine

CAL

“ F uck!” I yell, kicking the back tire of the car.

The passenger window rolls down. “Sir, if you damage the vehicle I’ll have to file a report.”

“Right, sorry.” I mutter. “You can go. I’ll walk home.”

“You sure? I have another thirty on the clock.”

“Yeah.” I pull out a couple twenties from my wallet and drop them through the open window. “Happy Christmas.”

I shove my hands unceremoniously into my pockets and set off down the city street, taking care to avoid the small salt piles scattered along the sidewalk.

I can’t deny Tori’s last few comments hit me with some confusion.

She’s never liked to share her toys, even as kid.

Theo and I were on the receiving end of that ire more than I can count when we would pretend her dolls were the villains for our action figure heroes.

But it was more than that tonight and targeted to hurt Lila.

My hands clench, because she’s not wrong about one thing.

I’ve been avoiding my father for weeks now. But that ends now.

I can’t protect her from my family forever. Lila deserves to have all the pieces of the puzzle before she decides if she can love me.

He answers on the first ring.

“Johnathan.”

“Hello, Father.”