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That’s his first easy question.
“Yeah . . . she was.”
“Didn’t she feel the same?” he asks, probably trying to figure out what the hell happened, since I’m not exactly being forthcoming.
I think about the pain on her face the day I left.
The look in her eye the other day at the bakery.
“The thing is, the timing was shit, and I’m not sure if it’s ever going to line up.” I don’t offer more. The less people who know more, the better for Caitlin.
After a beat, I turn and look at him. “Don’t go stoic on me now, old man.”
“Guess I’m just surprised. I didn’t realize I raised a quitter.”
Fuck.
Dad never raised a hand to me, but he just landed a hard hit.
“I didn’t have a choice,” I argue, with her crystal-blue eyes pooling with tears at the front of my mind. “I did what I had to do.”
He looks skeptical. “If you can live with that, then live with it. Stop this shit. But I know you, son. And I’m pretty sure you can’t live with it.”
Me living isn’t what matters.
Caitlin living is.
Leo
Dude. Thought you were gonna get in a fight on the sidelines last night, Uncle.
Maddox
Nah, man. Not his style.
Killian
I’m with Leo. The whole world saw the picture of you screaming at Declan.
Hendrix
He’s not his brother during a game. He’s his coach. You shut off the family shit. You have to. How else would I kick Nixon and Leo’s ass every time?
Nixon
Not how I remember it.
Callen
Listen. I was pissed. I’m not now. It’s over. Emotions run high during the game. That’s all it was.
Leo
Still looked like you were gonna hit Dad though.
Nixon
Shut up, Leo. Kenzie’s on call at the hospital tonight. I’ve got the house to myself, and Monday Night Football is on in ten minutes. If you’re coming. Bring food or beer. Up to you, assholes.
