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Change someone’s life.
I laughed. And laughed some more. That damn woman was always right. She was always showing me the way, and it wasn’t until she died that I finally found the courage to follow her instructions.
The girl sitting on the opposite side of the bench looked at me like I was nuts. And maybe I was.
My decision to skip my exam, essentially flunking out of law school, had changed my life.
Spending time with Max had not only opened my eyes to a new way of living, but he’d also temporarily filled a hole in my life I didn’t even know was empty. But now, with him gone, it was apparent that something was missing. And even if Max wasn’t the permanent filler, I needed to move on, to find something or someone that would work that same magic, and ensure my happiness.
I glanced at my watch. If I broke the speed limits, I might be able to make the running clinic. I needed to prove I could do something other than be smart.
I looked up to the soft, blue sky. Wishing I could see my grandmother’s face one more time, but I knew that wasn’t going to happen.
I took in a cleansing breath. It was all I needed to keep walking. Toward a new life. Toward my new future. Whatever that may be.
Chapter 31
Max
For the last two weeks, I had tried. I put everything else out of my mind and went full steam ahead with White Lace business.
Much to my father’s pleasure.
But I was unhappy. On so many levels. Not just because I was doing a job I didn’t like, but because I missed Everly. I hadn’t realized until she was gone how much I liked having her in my life. And it killed me, ripped me in two, knowing that it was over.
But it was for the best. I couldn’t be with someone who didn’t see past the porn and into my heart. I had realized over the last two weeks that I should get used to being alone because I might never find that someone.
My father had called me over to his house in the middle of the day. Which was weird. He was never home during business hours, but I knew why. We had barely spoken since the incident and the fact that our conversation was going to happen in private, I knew what he wanted to talk about.
I just didn’t know what more needed to be said.
I did a double knock on the front door before I opened it. Silence. I walked through the foyer into the kitchen. On the island was a note asking me to go downstairs to the accomplishment room.
I knew what he was doing. He was going to try and prove that everything I had done over my life was because of them—my parents. But when I walked into the room, what I saw caused me to stumble two steps back.
The entire room had been redecorated. I walked over to the right, noticing four extra years worth of accomplishments had been added, which included my adult entertainment awards, made-up certificates to show the growth in website membership numbers, and acknowledgments from Phoenix House.
Most of the shelving had been removed and in its place were delicate boxes with glass windows that housed my mother’s sex toy line. New frames highlighted her Playboy covers and other pictures.
There was only one person who could have done this. Everly. She had been here. In my father’s house. But when?
I traveled the room, from left to right, taking in the accomplishments from newest to oldest, but when I got to the beginning, I didn’t expect another new item. I didn’t expect to see my baby picture.
“That is hands-down our greatest accomplishment.” My father’s voice sounded behind me. “Despite all of the amazing things in this room, nothing tops the day we brought you into our family. The day you permanently became ours.”
I hung my head, trying to will away the scream of frustration that desperately wanted out. I had so many questions. Things I needed to know—but I wasn’t sure I wanted to know the answers. Except for one. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
I didn’t turn around. I wasn’t sure if I could take the look on my father’s face when he explained his justification for withholding my origins.
“We wanted to, a few times, but we just never thought it was the right time.”
I whirled around. I wasn’t sure what kind of answer I was expecting, but not the generic “there was never a good time” excuse. “It never would have been the right time.”
“I know that now.” My father’s gaze fell to the floor. Despite my anger and pain, it saddened me even more that he lowered his eyes. My father didn’t lower his gaze to anyone.
“Why would you go to all this trouble to make me feel like…? Why would you want me to take over anything when I’m not…?” My head spun with thoughts I just couldn’t understand. Except there was one truth that was perfectly clear. “I’m not even yours.”
“Nonsense,” my father barked, causing me to jump in my spot. “You are mine. You were ours. Blood is not the definition of family.” He stepped closer, getting right in my face. “You are my son. Of course I want you to take over. Of course everything I have is yours. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
