I move back to the bed and pick up the diary. I read over the cutesy date Buzz set up for Mom. She always calls him a friend, saying he’s too good to be tied down by her. She’s excited about all the great things he’ll do after he graduates high school and goes off to college.
That’s why I can never be with him. He can never know the truth.
If he knows he’s Jamie’s dad, he’ll stay in this town forever.
WHAT!?
He’s so smart and has so many opportunities awaiting him. It’s better if everyone thinks it’s a lowlife from Logan’s Point. Once Brent is done with school, I’ll tell him about Jamie.
Brent? WHAT!?
He’s already so sweet with her. He takes any chance he can get to visit us. I’m so lucky he introduced me to Grams and helped us set up our life here in Victoria Falls. I know he’ll make an excellent father one day, but that day can come later.
I want him to finish his education and not be burdened with heavy responsibility. I can do this on my own. And it’s clear I’ll never lose him as a friend.
I drop the diary to the ground. My mouth hangs open, stunned.
Brent.
As in Brent Anders.
The guy who knew my mom when he was in high school.
And is now my soccer coach.
He’s also my dad?
My head is about to explode. I’ve been terrified to learn who my dad is for my whole life. And then it turns out I’ve always known him. And I adore him.I care about what he thinks of me. And he cares about how I do in school, and if I’m okay when Aunt Maddy’s not around.
Has he always known?
He must’ve had an inkling he could be my dad.
I throw my head into my hands, hunched over my knees. “I can’t handle this.”
“James?” Kai asks from the living room.
“Kai,” I call, breathlessly. “Quick.”
Kai bursts into the room. “What’s happened?”
I point at the diary. “It’s… It’s… My dad.”
Kai gulps, plonking down beside me. “It’s bad?”
I suck in my bottom lip, feeling every slosh in my stomach. “Nope.”
Color drains from Kai’s face. “Then why do you look petrified?”
I grab onto Kai’s hands and exhale hard. “Coach Anders.”
Kai’s eyes enlarge, highlighting his scar. “What?”
I nod, feeling woozy. “He’s my dad.”
“What?” Kai gasps. “And he said nothing?”
I swallow hard, bile fighting to stay in my throat. “Mom kept it from him.”
