AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“What the hell were you thinking? Are you trying to get fired?”
I break out in a cold sweat. How do I start my explanation?
Must have been rhetorical questions because he continues. “I may not have been a good, doting father, but fuck, I raised you better than to run around punching people in the face.”
My brain does a classic record scratch as I move the needle to replay his statement. He’s talking about Brett? Okay, I’ve done two bad things, but punching Brett was for the right reasons. And I’d conveniently not mentioned it to my dad since he thinks Brett is perfect.
He points to the barstools. “Sit down.”
I comply, taking the stool at the end closest to me while he sits at the other end. His elbows rest on the marble counter and he rubs his temples.
“You’re really lucky Brett understands the importance of discretion. He could have filed a police report. This could have been a disaster.”
My dad’s taking his side? How did he even find out? He works at the hospital but was supposedly out with a friend that night. That’s on him if he lied to me so he could sneak to work. Anyway, why isn’t he asking me why I hit Brett?
“I’m not lucky. I’m…heartbroken.” The word whooshes from my lips. Emotion tears through me. My shoulders slump. I need a hug. I need to know that Brett wasn’t cheating on me the whole time. I need my dad to trust me.
“Dad, he was…he…”
The word won’t come out. Am I ashamed? It’s not my fault Brett cheated. I did, or rather didn’t do, everything he asked.
Dad straightens up and rests his hand on the next stool. “He told me you two broke up.”
The lack of compassion in my father’s tone reminds me of how unavailable he’s always been, not just physically, during my childhood. It’s not worth explaining. He won’t even care.
“Yeah.”
“That’s not a reason to punch someone, Madi. But I had your friend Aria, you know she’s working at the hospital, right? Anyway, I had her pull the file. She confirmed that Brett said he tripped.”
“How do you know Aria’s my friend?” As if that’s my biggest problem. I’m just shocked that he might have paid attention at some point.
He shrugs. “She mentioned it one day.”
The glimmer of hope that he paid attention to any part of my life is squashed.
“You’re missing the point, Madi. This is a small town. If we tarnish our reputations, we’ll be judged, especially someone like you who’s just starting out. If the school found out, they might worry you’ll punch a student.”
“I would never punch a student.” Frustration turns to anger. Again. Is that what being home is going to be like? All I can think about is getting back to my window. Releasing my pent-up energy with men who understand me. But do they? What do I really know about them?
A huff pounds through my chest. My own dad doesn’t get me. My boyfriend, ex-boyfriend, didn’t get me. Jayce and his friend on the other hand… They let me be me. They help me feel normal.
My dad walks over and sets a hand on my shoulder.
“I know, Madi. You’re a kind, tender soul. Honestly, I questioned Brett’s accusation.”
“Really?” Are we having a bonding moment? Maybe Dad’s not a total jerk.
“Yeah, that’s why I had Aria pull his medical chart. There was a note in it that said the doctor had questioned Brett’s explanation, but he stuck to his story. He protected you.”
Not exactly bonding after all.
He squeezes my shoulder. “Don’t worry. You’re secret’s safe with me. And I’ve got Brett under control too. I came through on the letter of recommendation for med school for him, so he won’t be telling anyone you assaulted him.”
“Assault? And you did what?” I shrug from my dad’s grasp, stumble as my foot catches on the bar stool leg, and manage to catch myself before falling.
“I know it’s hard to hear that I wrote a letter of recommendation for your former boyfriend, but he’s a good guy. He’s always had an impressive way of going after what he wants. Medical school requires a lot of hard work, no time for relationships, I should know. Give it a little time and you’ll be ready to move on. You’ll find a nice boy.”
A niceboy? What the hell? I’m regretting moving home more and more with each word out of his mouth. But if I hadn’t moved back home, I’d still be pining away for the wrong Mister Hampton.
