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I walk through the rows of tombstones, my mind a jumble of thoughts.
As I near the entrance of the cemetery, I see a figure standing in the shadows. My heart races as I realize that someone is there, watching me.
"Who's there?" I call out, trying to sound confident despite the fear that claws at my insides. After everything that happened with Keaton, my senses are on high alert.
"It's me," a familiar voice calls out, and I stiffen for a completely different reason.
"What are you doing here?" I ask my uncle… dad.
No, I can't go there just yet. He's always been my uncle, and he will continue to be until I can take the time to really cope with all of this. I don't need to rush any of this.
“I heard about your girlfriend and went to the hospital to see how you were doing. After the other day… I just wanted to make sure you were alright.”
I can see the sincerity in his eyes, and I don’t know how I never noticed before. He’s been on the sidelines my whole life, there for me when he could be, being a father in the only way he was allowed to be.
A talk with my mom is definitely in order. I deserve to know what happened and why she let my dad force Rob to stay away from me for so long.
“Her mom said you had some soul searching to do, and something told me this is where you’d start,” he says when I don’t immediately respond.
Nodding, I exit the cemetery and walk alongside Rob as we head back toward our cars.
“I know this has all been a lot to process, and I understand if you’re angry, but please give me a chance to explain,” he says. “It doesn’t have to be today, or even tomorrow, but I want the chance to make things right. I’ll do whatever it takes.”
I stare at him, knowing that this is a moment that will set the tone for my future. I could tell him to fuck off and drive away in a rage, or I can choose to understand that everyone makes mistakes, me included, and give him the opportunity he’s asking for.
I know what kind of future I want. It’s time to take it.
“You’re right. I am angry, but not how you think. I’ll let all of you make your peace, because I think you deserve that. But also, because I deserve it,” I say, watching his eyes shine with tears.
“I’m not ready to talk about it right now, but I want to. Soon,” I say.
“Just say when, kid,” he says, a hopeful smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
“I will,” I return his smile. “I want to make up for lost time, but I know that won't all happen overnight. Not to mention how Maddie is going to take this,” I say, thinking about my cousin, who is actually my sister.
“She’ll come around to the idea. She’s always loved hanging out with you. I think it me she’s angrier with, and I can accept that,” he says, dropping his head in shame.
I wonder if he does feel shame over this ordeal. Or if it’s more over the secrets he’s kept over the years.
“Just give her time, old man. Give us all time. We’ll figure shit out,” I shrug, hoping to lighten the moment.
“We will. But if there's anything I can do in the meantime, you name it,” he offers and the thought that’s been circulating for the last forty-eight hours jumps to the front of my mind.
“Actually, there is something,” I start, looking him in the eyes.
“What is it?” His eager tone gives me the courage to voice the thing I’ve wanted to say for a long time now.
“I want out of the family business,” I say, then repeat with more certainty. “I want out of Kane’s Racing.”
Chapter 73
“You want out?” Rob repeats slowly.
“Yeah, I have for a while,” I say, leaning back against the hood of my car, hands in my pockets.
A cool breeze picks up, lifting my hair from my forehead with every gust.
“Okay,” he nods slowly, taking in what this means. “Why am I only just now hearing about this?”
