Page 265 of The Bluffing Game

“You called me Dad, like you really meant it. Like you’re happy that I’m in your life.”

“You’re not so bad, Jimmy.”

“Does that mean you forgive me for not telling you right away?”

“I mean, I might hold it over you for the next ten years or so, but I won’t let you know it.”

He chuckles, but I can see the worry in his gaze.

“It’s okay, Dad. We all make mistakes, and none of us are perfect, and I know you didn’t even know about me, so it is what it is. I want us to move forward. I love you—you know that, right?”

“You’re the first person who’s ever said that to me that I felt really meant it.” He looks like he might cry, which is really weird because my dad, he’s a tough guy. “You’re going to make me melt, Sage, and that’s not a good thing.”

“Maybe one of these days, you’ll find true love,” I say, and he grunts and turns away.

“Let me pour this wine, and you finish doing what you got to do.”

I laugh and then turn to Rosie. “How’s everything going?” I ask, and she gives me a warm smile.

“Good. It looks beautiful in here. I think tonight’s event is going to be amazing.” She diverts her gaze to Brett and then back to me. “I think it’ll be fun.”

“Yeah, I think so too.” I see that Brett is now staring at Rosie. “So, Rosie, I was thinking, why don’t you join the event tonight?”

“What do you mean?”

“Why don’t you join the speed dating? Maybe you’ll meet some nice guys.”

“I thought I was working the event tonight.”

“The others and I can handle it. I feel like you deserve a night off. You deserve to meet some nice men and⁠—”

“Hi there, Sage.” Brett’s deep voice sounds from next to us, and I try not to groan.

“Hello, Brett.” I give him a nod.

“Hey, Rosie. It’s been a while.”

“Hi, Brett,” she says, smiling at him. “You here for the speed-dating event?”

“No, I think not. That’s not my sort of thing.” He shakes his head, looking uncomfortable. “You working tonight?” he asks.

“Working tonight?” Rosie looks at me, then at him, and then giggles. “Actually, no. I’m going to be a part of the event.”

“The speed-dating event?” His stone demeanor may have a hairline crack.

“Yeah. Hopefully, I’ll meet a really nice guy, you know? Get me a boyfriend like Sage did.”

“Excuse me,” he says and walks away.

“What is that man’s problem?” Rosie asks me. “I do not understand his deal. Do you?”

“No,” I say. “But you know what? Let him go. Who even cares, right?”

She doesn’t respond. Instead, I can see that she’s thinking, and I hate that—because that means she’s thinking about Brett. It’s not that I hate the guy. I don’t. He’s too introspective and too introverted, and I don’t know if he’s the sort of guy who can ever give himself and his heart fully. He’s certainly no Dalton.

I look around the room, and my eyes catch Dalton’s. He blows me a kiss. I pretend to catch it and press it to my heart.

I love you, I mouth at him.