“How can it be sincere if you just say some meaningless words about misunderstandings? Would you accept my apology if I took my sweet time calling my mother and just referred to it as a ‘misunderstanding’?”
His face reddens even more.
“Surely making everything go away is worth a knee…” I shrug.
He glares at me before quickly dropping his eyes. He knows who’s in the driver’s seat. “Fine.”
But he takes his time, going down as slowly as possible. Probably praying I’ll stop him before his knee touches the floor, saying I was only kidding—just testing him.
But I don’t have all day. I go around and kick him behind his knee, making him drop to his hands and knees in one undignified flop.
Grace jumps with a gasp. And discretion in the office evaporates as my employees crane their necks to look.
“Ung! What the hell!” Before Nelson can get to his feet, I put a foot on his back and lean my weight into it. He squeals like a pig.
“Finally in the proper position.” I sigh with satisfaction. “Now. Apologize.”
“I can’t do that with you behind me!” he protests.
“More like on top of you, but yes, you can. You owe my wife an apology.”
“She’s my daughter! I don’t owe her shit. You can’t make me humble myself to my own child!” His voice rings in the office. He turns to my wife. “What’s wrong with you that you’re just standing there? I gave you everything, Grace. All I wanted was my dignity!”
Grace shakes her head. “And your money, your reputation and to show favoritism to your other children. I already told you, Nelson. You’re dead to me.”
“Your mother wouldn’t have wanted you hating me. She would’ve wanted you to rise above that.”
“What the hell kind of apology is this?” I don’t want to hear these ridiculous arguments. And Grace certainly doesn’t need to suffer through this garbage. I put more pressure on his back, but he’s undeterred.
He continues, “She would’ve wanted you to forgive—”
“Don’t youdaretalk about her!” Grace cuts him off. “You aren’t worthy. And for the record, I don’t hate you. I don’t care about you at all. You’re about as significant to me as moldy bread. Disappointing that you couldn’t be better, but no big loss, either.”
“I’m your family! Me, Karie, Mick and Viv—”
“No.” She reaches out and takes my hand. “My family is right here.”
Chapter Fifty-Five
Grace
Eventually, security is called and drags Nelson out. “So much for an apology,” I say. But his behavior isn’t surprising. He’s always considered himself better than anybody else. It’s a big deal that he dropped to his knees—and hands—even if he was forced to when Huxley kicked him from behind. His pride may never recover.
That alone makes me laugh softly.
“What’s funny?” Huxley says.
“Oh… Just thinking about how much his ego must be smarting.”
He chuckles. “It makes for a fun way to start lunch.”
“You bet.” I rest my head on his shoulder. I love how hard and strong his muscles are, how safe and protected he makes me feel. “Ready to go?”
“Not just yet.” He tucks a strand behind my ear, then strokes my cheek, brushing his thumb over my lower lip. “There’s something I want to tell you.”
“You can’t tell me over our meal?”
“This isn’t something I can share over chocolate cake.” The heavy solemnity in his eyes sends jitters through me.
