Page 39 of Changing Lanes

“I did, until you proved how rough you could play. I still have the bruises.” She glares at me, her voice low and menacing.

Stepping closer to her, I drop my voice to a growl. “What’s wrong, Torrie? Do you need to make your father mad again, is that why you’re here? Are you slumming?”

Her mouth falls open, ready to unleash on me. “No, that’s not why. If I had known you were here, I wouldn’t have come. The last thing I want is you back in my life.”

“Maybe that’s all you need, Torrie.” My words are no more than a whisper.

“Maybe we should clear it with the lady with the little girl waiting on you.” She inclines her head toward Sandy. “You know what, I don’t care.” She turns, marching off in the other direction.

Damn that woman, I could kiss her. I mean kick her, she’s so bullheaded. Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath, she’s all I see whether my eyes are opened or closed. At least if they’re closed, I can feel her lips on mine. Her body against me, her scent all around me.

I have to get my shit together for the meeting tomorrow. One’s right, I need this project. Whether I hate Torrie or love her, I have to make this work with her. Although, it doesn’t look as if she’s ready to work with me.

I’m sure her father made our split more than worth her while. She is worth more than she gives herself credit for, always was. Her father has her self-worth wrapped up in his company, instead of in her soul.” “It was good to see you, Andi, you too, Brannon,” Sandy says.

“You too, Sandy. I guess we need to get going, we need to get supplies for a school project,” I explain to her.

“Alright, have fun. Bye, Andi.” Sandy smiles as she waves, walking away.

Projects at nine-years-old, what in the hell? Once home, Mom’s waiting on us with dinner. Once we eat dinner, I help Andi with her school work, putting her to bed soon after.

I’m distant for the rest of the evening, thinking about Torrie. I end up back in the barn, talking to my dad. I miss him so much. It’s times like these that I need a man’s advice.

Hell, I’m not even sure if his advice would work for my situation with Torrie. Still, to hear his voice, calming and understanding, would be nice. He would get me in here working on something and give me the best advice about life.

He even talked to me about Ava. Explaining things to me about love and life is something I cherish. I’ve written some things down, things I never want to forget.

Here I am, needing him more than ever, and I can’t have him. Boys need their fathers, just like girls need their mothers. They need a strong man to show them how to be a good man. That it’s alright to cry, to be wrong and admit when you are.

To be understanding and to be there when someone needs you. But to also know when you need someone and to show a boy how to be a good father. “What should I do about Torrie, Dad?” I ask out loud, praying he answers me. When it looks as though I’m not going to get an answer, I switch the lights off in the barn. As I do, something catches my eye.

Bending over, I pick the clear plastic wrapper up. It’s faded, the words on it are almost unreadable. Turning it in the light, I squint, trying to make out the letters. Some are missing, most are faded. I begin to make out a few letters and it hits me—Twizzlers.