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“I think it went well. How did Brie do with learning who I am?”
I grinned. “She was definitely surprised, but she had nothing but good things to say about you and Mom. She seemed to like Alexandria, too.”
Dad laced his fingers behind his head, his dark-eyed gaze assessing me. “You’re doing well on the field, Kane. It seems that you’re doing even better now. Keep up the good work.”
Even though I didn’t necessarily need Dad’s approval, I wanted it. When he mentioned that I might lose focus and fuck up my career because of Brie, I decided to prove him wrong. “Thanks, I appreciate that. Brie is fully supportive of my goals.”
“Good.”
“In fact …” I stared at my feet for a moment, a silly grin slipping into place. “She’s agreed to go with me if I get drafted and play for the NFL.”
Dad nodded, tapping his fingers on his desk. “You still have time to figure out the relationship in case anything changes.”
Irritation flickered inside me. “I realize that, to you, it’s sudden, but Brie and I have a history. I’ve loved that girl since we were kids. Nothing will change that, so maybe get used to the idea that she’s in my life for good this time.”
Dad held up his hands, palms facing me. “I didn’t mean to imply that things would go south. I’m just trying to process what you’ve shared with me, and I can’t help but be concerned. As a parent, I have that right.”
My lips pursed together. “I know, but maybe start looking at all this differently. I’ve had this anger driving me my entire life, then after the FBI busted the compound, it was all I had left. Now, yeah, we’re dealing with some bad memories, but I feel like a void has closed inside me now that she’s back.”
Dad steepled his fingers together, staring at me. “I felt that way with your mother.”
“You did?”
“Yeah. We fit, ya know? It wasn’t hard to love her, and I knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, she was it for me.”
“Exactly. That’s how it is with us, too. I’ve loved Brie for a long time. If she hadn’t lost her memories, I think we would have stayed together. I mean, who knows, but she’s here now, and that’s all that matters.”
“Okay, then. I’ll stop questioning things between the two of you. Plus, I’m pretty sure your mother would not be happy with me if she knew I was concerned. She has really taken to Brie. It’s become her mission to make sure Brie knows she has a family here as well as in Tennessee. She mentioned reaching out to Brie’s parents, but I told her not to yet. She needed to ask Brie if she was comfortable with that. Plus, what if she hasn’t told them she’s in a relationship yet?”
“Brie hasn’t told them, so I would say that’s a no on contacting them. She’s had a lot on her plate with school and trying to remember enough of her past for it to make sense. I’ve helped some. Honestly, I hope like hell that she never remembers. It’s too fucked up, and I don’t want her to live through it again.”
A knock at the door halted our conversation, and I stood.
“Talk to you later, Coach.” I answered and nodded at the defensive line coach, Matt, as I left the office.
Even though it was only a little after five in the evening, it was dark. A light rain began to fall as I exited the building and headed to the parking lot. The cold temperature didn’t bother me much since I was used to being on the field, but the wind cut through my sweatshirt and chilled me to the fucking bone.
I reached my Jag, climbed in, and tossed my backpack onto the passenger’s seat. Pushing the button to start the engine, I then flipped the heat on high. Brie was probably freezing her sweet little ass off. Luckily, we could warm up in my bed later.
My cell rang, and I fumbled around in my bag for it. I didn’t get many calls unless they were from Mom or Dad, and I’d just left Dad. All my friends texted me if they needed something. The society had a different untraceable messenger app that Sterling had created and burner phones.
I stared at the screen, not recognizing the number. Answering, I held the phone up to my ear.
“Hello?”
“Is this Kane Cooper?”
“It is. How can I help you?” I didn’t recognize the woman’s voice.
“This is Linda Opus …”
That name seemed familiar, then it hit me. I listened as she continued speaking, then my heart stuttered, and I stopped breathing for a moment.
“Are you sure?” My voice cracked, heavy with emotion, as I struggled to keep my shit together.
Once Linda confirmed why she’d called, I closed my eyes and dragged in deep gulps of air. No fucking way was this happening.
ChapterForty-Two
