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“Romeo went with me so I wouldn’t have to be alone. Slade apologized to him. He also told him that he’s been haunted by what he did to him and River and that he came to you many times about coming forward to tell the truth.”
My father looked down at the floor. I was ready for the lies. For him to tear apart my brother. But he didn’t do that. Maybe reality really was setting in, and he was realizing how much he’d lost.
He looked up, eyes welling with emotion. “That sounds about right. I knew it was eating him up inside, but I just didn’t know how to make things better.”
“He’s carried a lot of guilt, Dad. I think it might help if you went there and acknowledged that. Maybe you could both start forgiving yourselves if you take that step.”
“How about you? Can you forgive me?”
“I’d like to. But a part of me feels like I don’t even know you anymore.” A large lump formed in my throat.
“You know me, Demi. I’m just a flawed man who has made some big mistakes. But I’ve always loved my family. I’ve loved you since the day you came into this world.”
I sighed. “Go see Slade, Dad. He needs you. He’s making progress, and it’s the first time in a very long time that I think he might be making an actual breakthrough. Let’s focus on that for now, okay?” I said, my voice low.
I wasn’t ready to forgive him for what he’d done to River and Romeo. For what he’d done to me after I’d turned to him about what happened with Ronny. For the lies and the dishonesty.
I didn’t trust my father, and that was something I never thought I’d say.
“I can do that.” He pushed to his feet and sniffed a few times. I stood, and he wrapped his arms around me. “I love you, Demi.”
“I love you, too, Dad.” Because I did.
I just didn’t like him very much right now.
I walked him to the door and held up my hand and waved as he climbed into his car. My phone vibrated, and I looked down to see an unknown number, and I cringed.
Unknown Number
Do you know the damage your boyfriend has done to my family? Were you always this disloyal?
I blocked the number and deleted the text.
I wasn’t going to add one more thing to Romeo’s plate. And I didn’t think telling my dad about these texts mattered now. Ronny was in a shit ton of legal trouble, and I was sure he didn’t want to bring anything more down on himself. So, I’d wait.
I’d keep this to myself, for now.
I glanced over my shoulder to see Romeo gaining ground on us, and I leaned forward, urging Teacup to go faster, as my laughter floated around in the breeze. We were going freaking fast, which meant Romeo was hauling ass.
He’d gotten faster.
Stronger.
When we moved out onto the beach area by the water, I knew he’d pass us because Teacup didn’t do well in the sand and rocks.
“Go, go, go!” I shouted as he charged past us on the final stretch. I hopped off my horse and tied her to the tree before jogging to where he’d finished.
He was bent over, heaving, his hands on his knees as he waited to catch his breath.
“Damn. You took another three minutes off your time. You do know that you could be entering a distance race after the training you’ve done for this fight.”
He looked up at me, standing tall. “After this fight, I’m going back to my day job.”
I laughed. He’d been very open about this being a onetime thing, and I hoped he meant it. I wasn’t looking forward to this fight.
I just wanted him to be okay.
It was the weirdest mix of fear and pride.
