Page 21 of Dream On, Liar

“That’s not what I’m worried about,” she said quietly.

But I knew exactly what she was worried about.

Me.

The fact I’d spent years making excuses for our father, swallowing every sharp comment and every manipulative guilt trip because somewhere along the line it had become easier than admitting how badly he got inside my head.

Oliver stayed silent beside her, though his expression had tightened in that way it always did when Dad came up. Like he was restraining himself from saying something far less diplomatic. Over the years he’d always taken up the patient approach of being there for me, instead of forcing me out of a relationship with my father. But after discovering what he’d done to Raina, he’d taken more than one opportunity to make his stance clear. He did not want him to breathe the same air as her—as us, ever.

“I’m serious about this, Rai.” My grip tightened slightly around the glass. “I should’ve done it months ago.”

Her eyes searched mine carefully, like she was trying to figure out whether this was anger talking or something colder.

“And the timing?” she asked. “You wanting this released straight after Maeve’s announcement has nothing to do with her?”

I let out a humourless laugh. “Of course it does.”

Raina’s brows pinched together immediately.

“It’s not like I’m asking you to ruin her career,” I said before she could argue. “It’ll barely affect her story for more than a day. But if people suddenly focus on me firing my father as my manager, then maybe for five bloody minutes I get some control over what’s being said about me in the media.”

I pushed a hand through my hair, frustration simmering hotter the longer I spoke.

“For the last twenty-four hours, all anyone’s done is question whether I should even still be playing this sport. Last year was one of the best years this team’s ever had once Oliver took over captaincy and I stepped in as vice-captain. We won every single home Test series, and we’re considered as favourites for the Championship. We won the T-20 World Cup, and even with the ODI side struggling at points, we still finished as the highest-rated team overall. Not one person questioned my ability while the trophies were pouring in. But one research paper is enough for everyone to suddenly act like I’m on a fast track to retirement at twenty-five.”

Oliver’s expression darkened slightly, giving me a nod, like he knew where I was coming from.

“And now the coaches, the medical staff, the board, everyone who signed off on me playing is being dragged into a review by the board because of the comments he made on live television...” My jaw tightened. “While she gets rewarded for causing the stir in the first place.”

Raina rubbed at her forehead briefly before looking back at me. “You realise that’s still slightly unhinged.”

“Probably.”

“And incredibly petty.”

“Definitely.”

Oliver finally spoke then, dry amusement threading through his voice. “At least he’s self-aware.”

Raina, however, still looked torn.

Raina glanced briefly toward Oliver before looking back at me. “Hazel might not even approve something like that running alongside the Maeve piece.”

“Then don’t run it through Hazel.”

“What?”

“Do it through your own company.” I shrugged one shoulder. “Hell, I’ll do a live interview if you want. A video statement. Keep it in line with the kind of content you already make.”

That only seemed to make her more uneasy.

Her mouth parted slightly before she stopped herself, and I could practically see the question sitting there.

What happened today?

She didn’t ask it.

Instead, she said carefully, “This feels bigger than you’re making it sound, and I’m not sure making an enemy out of your coach right now is the smartest move.”