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“You’re right,” he said, raking a hand through his hair. Of course, she was right, but he still had to grow the fuck up and get over his rich boy sense of privilege. “For a while I went to frat parties, but it wasn’t the same. I wasn’t the same. As much as I hated my father, I knew if I continued on the same course, I would become like him.”
He walked back to Colleen and lifted her to her feet. “My mother told me she wanted a divorce. He’d been physically abusing her for years. I’d seen him insult my mother when he drank, but I never saw him hit her. He must have done that when I wasn’t around. Their relationship was not on my self-centered radar. I never saw her bruises, but I never paid much attention to her unhappiness. I’m ashamed to admit that if I’d taken the time to talk to my mother, she might have confided in me sooner. And I could have gotten her out of there.”
Now was the time to tell Colleen how much her father had meant to him. “So rather than come to California that summer, I read a lot and sent emails to your dad. I poured my heart out to him, my hopes, my fears. He never judged me, not once. Instead, he suggested books to read. He checked in with me every day to find out how my mom and I were doing.”
Colleen’s eyes filled with tears. “I knew he stayed in touch with you, but I had no idea any of this happened.”
Finn wiped her tears away with his thumbs. “By the next summer, my father had lost interest in punishing me. He was distracted by his own financial problems and living openly with Camille. He only gave my mom the minimum amount of financial support. My mom didn’t ask his permission to visit you, she borrowed money from a friend to buy the tickets for a commercial flight. While we were in California, your parents tried to help my mom create an exit plan. They wanted her to leave my dad and come stay with your family, but she hesitated. She hoped there was an easier path. No one realized my father was about to be arrested. Anyway,” he whispered, “He sent his jet to LA, and you know what happened next.”
“You kissed me in the park.”
His heart expanded with all the love he felt for her. He cradled her face in his hands. “I fell in love with you.”
“And I fell in love with you.” Colleen’s eyes sparkled with happiness.
He gave her a gentle kiss. He’d been worried that Colleen would reject him if she knew the truth. “I’m sorry, I should have told you this sooner. I was afraid I’d lose you.”
Colleen held onto his arms and searched his eyes. “You’re not your father, Finn. You never could be. And I’m not going anywhere.”
A surge of relief washed through him. But there was more he had to tell her, and he might as well do it now.
“What’s wrong? You look nervous all of a sudden.”
He fixed his eyes on hers. “There’s something else I have to tell you.” He wished he didn’t have to do this, but he wanted her to be prepared.
“What is it? You’re making me worry.” Her eyes filled with alarm.
Finn rubbed his chin. “A tabloid magazine published a story about my father returning to New York. But there was also a short article, only about a paragraph, about us dating. It was taken that night we went for sushi. Remember all the press when we left?”
Colleen nodded.
“One of the photographers took a photo of me kissing your hand. I guess with a little digging, they found out who you are.”
“I remember. They took our picture together. So what?”
“The photograph sends the message that my father’s fraud has been forgiven by the daughter of one of my father’s victims.”
“How did you find out about this photograph?”
“The president of the board of directors brought it to my attention.”
“Why would he do that? It’s not any of his business.”
“His sister lost a fortune because of my father. He doesn’t believe my father should ever be forgiven.”
Her eyes widened. “Does he know I’m your date for the gala?”
Finn gave a sharp nod.
“This story just keeps getting better and better,” she said with a bitter laugh.
Finn took her hand. “Who cares what people think? We know the truth.”
“You’re right, but I don’t like people making assumptions about me and my family.”
“I want you to be prepared in case a reporter asks a question at the gala. I don’t want any of this stuff to ruin our night, so please don’t worry.”
“Okay.” She lifted her eyes to him. “Besides,” she said, running her hands over his shirt collar, “I don’t want to miss out seeing you in a fancy tuxedo.”
