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“He’s right. So, what’s going on that has you looking so angry?”
“I told you my dad wasn’t happy when he found out about Darius and me. Well, he’s lost his ever-loving mind now.” I take a sip of the iced coffee Ryan made for me. “He’s been talking to other teams about trading Darius.”
He’s visibly shocked. “You’re kidding me.”
“Nope. And all the teams he’s talking to are located across the country or in Canada.”
“How do you know this?”
“Darius said he heard it from a credible source. But, honestly, should this be surprising? We both know what an asshole he can be.”
“Yeah, but this isn’t something that only affects him. He’s fucking with the team too. Darius is one of their best players. Why would any coach want to trade him? There’s no one better to get in return.”
“My dad doesn’t care about anything but punishing Darius for going against his wishes. He’s vengeful like that. Look at all the crap he put us through. He did just about anything he could to try and break us up. And when I got pregnant he tried to talk us into terminating the pregnancy. And then it turned into talks about giving her up for adoption. I bet if you asked him to look back and admit he was wrong about everything he told us, he’d still say he wasn’t. Even though Tillie is thriving and you and I are on solid footing.”
“I agree with you. It’s more important for him to be right than to build relationships with loved ones. I’ve never understood how he can be like that. Especially when it comes to you.”
“I’m not expecting anything to change between my dad and me. It is what it is. But I’m so freaking angry about what he’s doing to Darius. I want to spit in his face or claw his eyes out.”
“Reacting like that would make you seem like the irrational one. You need to stay calm and come up with a solid plan.”
“I already have one, which is why you’re grabbing Tillie off the bus for me. I’m going over to my folks’ house and having a chat with my dad. If I don’t do something to help Darius, I’ll never forgive myself. He’s only in this situation because I’m his coach’s daughter. I feel so bad about all the bullshit it’s created.”
“It’s not your fault or Darius’s. Your dad is an adult and needs to act like one.”
“Not likely.”
“Stay calm when you’re talking to him. If you get overly emotional, you’ll seem out of control.”
“Good point.” I suck down the remainder of my coffee. I’m going to need all the energy I can get. Sliding from the stool, I step into Ryan’s outstretched arms for a brief hug.
“Good luck,” he says.
“Thanks. I’ll take whatever luck you have to offer.”
* * *
My dad’s SUV is in the driveway when I pull in. I don’t see my mom’s car, and that might be for the best. If Dad and I end up in a screaming match, I don’t want her upset by it.
Tearing my keys from the ignition, I hurry to the door and knock before I can change my mind. I could let myself in but I’d rather not have to go search for him. I just want to get this over with.
The door opens in front of me. My dad looks surprised to see me.
“Evelyn. What are you doing here?”
No ‘hello.’ No, ‘hey, I’m glad to see you.’
“I’d like to talk with you.”
“About what?” He already seems defensive.
“Can I please come in?”
He looks confused at my request. “Yeah, but your mother’s not here.”
“Actually, you’re the one I want to speak with.”
“Me? Okay. Have a seat.” He nods toward the living room located to the left of the front entrance. “That’s surprising,” he says, sitting in his chair while I settle down onto the couch.
