Page 105 of Changing Lanes

I get dressed for the opening, knowing I shouldn’t be there for One’s sake, but I have something to say. I drive up in my old Chevy truck, stepping out in my three-piece suit. Laying back to not show my hand before I have to.

Working my way around the room, I keep my eye on him the entire time. I’ve changed since he offered me a million dollars, a helluva lot. Just when I think he doesn’t recognize me, we lock eyes. He narrows his, I smirk. Not this time, old man.

He makes his way over to me, shaking hands along the way. “Well, if it isn’t Brannon O’Hurley. I thought the trash had been put out,” he says loud enough for everyone to hear.

“Mr. Harrington, how have you been?” I offer my hand. He looks down at it then up at me.

“What is it, son. You need another check? I paid you a million dollars to stay away from my daughter as it is, and you’re not getting any more from me.” His voice grows louder with every word.

One stands to my right as Hardy pats my shoulder. “I got this, guys.”

“Not anymore, she came home. I believe it was her decision also.” Mr. Harrington is defiant when he answers me.

“Yes, she did. To a company you never intended on giving her. One she’s worked years to get, all because she wasn’t a man. A man, I suppose, like her father. A father who offered to pay me one million dollars to leave and not pursue his daughter,” I say angrily. “A check, she has in her purse because I gave it back to her. A father who would rather his daughter marry a man who doesn’t love her just so he can run your company, although his daughter is more than capable. Yes, you are a father who paid my daughter’s mom, one hundred thousand dollars to break us up. A father, who would rather hurt and humiliate his daughter before supporting the amazing person she is,” I say disgusted. “Thank you.” I clench my jaw. His face is blood red, and he looks at me like he could kill me.

“For what?” he spits at me.

“For showing me what kind of father I don’t want to be. For teaching me love is worth more than money. For making me fight when I wanted to give up. I love Torrie, and your damn checkbook can’t do a fucking thing about it. I’m fighting for her this time. I seethe.

I walk past him as Greta watches. Her weak smile does little for me, but I offer what I can to her. “Thank you for finally showing up.”