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“You’re here now,” she repeats with more emphasis.
“I am, and I have news.”
“Did you do it?” Her brow wrinkles, a trait we share it seems.
“Yes, Callie. I did it, with their help.” I gesture to Damian and Willa. “Do you want to come live with me?”
“Really?” Her upper lip trembles.
“Really.”
“Yes, Zan! Oh my gosh, I love you. When do we leave?”
Her enthusiasm is an even bigger relief since I was worried about pulling her away from her friends. Though I would love nothing more than to leave this town right now, we decide to stay two more nights. Katie’s parents have graciously offered to have a slumber party for Callie and her friends to spend some time together before I take her to the far corner of the country.
I thank them both profusely and promise to get them the best seats at any Minnesota game they ever want to attend. I don’t know how to repay them for what they’ve done, but I made it clear that if they ever need anything at all, they are to call me.
We also ask Callie to make a list of anything she wants packed up and send it to our mother, who has promised to take care of that for us. I’ll be stopping by tomorrow to ensure that’s happening without drama from my father.
It’s not over yet, but this has all gone better than anticipated. And the hero worship on Callie’s face every time she looks at me tells me this has all been worth the effort.
20
Damian
Before landing in Minnesota, I knew Alexander’s father was an idiot. The number he threw out earlier today cemented that belief. I was prepared to pay five times that, at least. He has no idea, but the trust I set up for Ellen is much larger than what we paid him. He receives the smallest amount. It’s enough for him to drink himself to death, though. Which I imagine is all he cares about at this point.
No matter what, Alexander’s family is financially secure, and he can put that worry behind him. Callie also has a trust set up to pay for future schooling. Without much family of my own, this feels like a great investment. Not that I expect Alexander won’t be able to provide this for them himself. I think he’ll have a long career in the sport, barring any unexpected injuries. But what good is all my money if I don’t help those I love? I can’t take it with me when I die.
Love. An emotion I never expected to feel because I never understood it. In truth, I didn’t believe it was real. It wasn’t something I grew up with and then when I started studying cults and manipulative tactics used on groups of people, that belief grew. Love felt fake, like nothing more than a tool. Do this because you love me. If you love me, you’ll do what I say. Time and time again, I’d see someone that ruined their entire lives because they believed they were in love and were loved in return, only to realize it was all a lie.
That taught me that love wasn’t something to seek or achieve.
Then love fell into my lap like a heap of bricks and now it is a weight I never want to unburden myself of. It’s all-consuming, overwhelming, but gratifying. Pride rushes through my veins like lifeblood. For Alexander, for Willa, but also for my own growth and self-awareness.
None of us say much on the drive back to the hotel. Tension is thick inside the rental car. If we make it out of bed for the next twelve hours, I’d be surprised. There’s been too much stress in our lives these past handful of days. Stress tends to cancel out your sex drive. Now that it’s subsided, there’s that rush of adrenaline that we all need to release.
What better way than fucking?
Especially because I have the urge to touch. To feel. To give and receive.
The lady at the front desk gives us a weird look as we walk past, barely reacting to our polite greetings.
“What’s with her,” I ask once we’re ensconced in the elevator.
“She asked me on a date once in high school. I declined because she wasn’t a hockey fan, she’s never forgiven me, I guess.”
“I’d be sad if I’d missed a chance with you, too,” Willa sympathizes.
“That looked much more like bitterness than sadness,” I say.
“Maybe she regrets not getting into hockey so Zander might have gotten into her,” Willa quips, and I pull her into me so I can laugh into her neck. She squirms and wraps her arms around me.
“Definitely something to be bitter about,” I agree.
“Whatever,” Alexander says with a laugh as the elevator doors open.
They both enter the hotel room before me. I set the Do Not Disturb hanger, then lock the door. Alexander is looking at Willa like she’s his next meal, and she’s oblivious to it while taking off the layers she wore to protect her from the low temperatures outside. She sits on the end of the bed and removes her shoes while we both watch like it’s the most interesting thing in the world.
