Page 64 of Obeying

"The only thing you're an expert in is being insufferable."

"I won't deny it."

She almost smiles. I almost smile. And I can feel us finding our rhythm again.

"I'm not here to fix this. I won't try to control anything," I say. "Tell me what you need from me, and I'll do it. Your call. Your lead."

She looks at the files. Then at me. She's deciding whether to trust this. Whether to trust me again after this morning.

"Right now, I need a partner," she says. "To help me dismiss his complaint. Maybe bring him down while we're at it."

"Then that's what you've got."

She dusts off the files. She doesn't smile, but her shoulders ease down half an inch. That's enough for now.

I return to my office and slump on my chair. Things are good with Kristen, and our preparations are on track. I pull out my phone. My father called on my way back. I ignored it.

I stare at the dark screen, my jaw throbbing from how hard I am clenching it.

I will protect the name from you.

All my life, I have protected the legacy. All my life. And the one time I want to live for me…I run my hands through my hair and chuckle. The sound bounces off the walls.

My phone rings. Mom. Of course.

"Logan." Her soft voice comes through the moment I pick up, like she was waiting.

"Mom."

"Oh Logan. Your father can be stubborn, but he means well."

My eyes find a speck of dust on the table, and I brush it away with my finger.

She sighs. "He is scared. He doesn't want you to make a mistake."

"I am not a child, Mom."

"I know that. You're a wonderful man. You grew up so well, Logan, and we're so proud of you."

I swallow.

"So proud of the man you've become. The man who is willing to stand for what is right."

"He doesn't seem to think so."

She chuckles. "He does. He's just stubborn. And did I mention scared?"

"You did."

"He wants to talk to you. I think you should listen."

I bite my lower lip.

"For me," she adds.

She goes so quiet I think she's holding her breath. "Okay."

She squeals. "Theo. Your son." She says something else in the background I don't catch.