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“Thank Christ you saw the light,” Will mutters and presses his fingers into his eyes. “Your father has no right to demand that much money from you. It sounds like you’ve set him up to be financially independent already.”
“I thought I had, but the last time I spoke with him, he was pissed because I wasn’t sending more money, and he said he has bills to pay. Will, I paid off everything. If he has bills, it’s because he’s being stupid.”
“That’s not on you,” Will says, his voice hard as stone. “That’s on him. Does he have access to any of your accounts?”
“No. He wanted it, but I put my foot down there. He only gets money that I transfer to him.”
“Good. If you want my advice, I’m going to give it to you.”
“That’s why I’m here,” I reply, keeping my eyes level with his.
“If I were in your shoes, I wouldn’t give him another dime. I’d make sure my mom was okay, but when it came to Dad, no way. I would probably still send them on vacation once a year, or if there’s a milestone anniversary or birthday, I’d give them a big gift, like a car or a boat or something. You said you’ve paid off their house?”
I nod in confirmation.
“Yeah, that’s all I’d do. Your dad is going to try to make you feel like a complete asshole for this.”
“Oh, I already know what’s coming. I’m not afraid of confrontation until it comes to my dad. And then I’ll do whatever it takes to make him happy. To make him proud. Because when he’s not happy, the whole family suffers for it.”
“You don’t live under his roof,” Will reminds me. “And if this means that you become estranged, well, that’s on him. Not you. You’ve been more than generous. I have a whole team of financial advisors that I’m going to introduce you to right away. I want you to be prepared the minute that first check comes in. And, if it makes you feel better, let them be the fall guys. Tell your dad that it’s not in your hands anymore.”
“No, fuck that.” I shake my head adamantly. “It’s past time I stand up to him. I appreciate the help. I don’t even know the first step of dealing with that much money.”
“Which is why I’m putting you in touch with my team. They’re not cheap, but they’ll make you back everything you spend with them. They can put you on a budget if you need one. And they’re always a phone call away if you have questions, need money transferred, or whatever you need. Want a house in Tuscany? It’s yours with just a phone call.”
“Fucking hell.”
I let my head fall back and rest it on the wall.
“Now, let’s talk about my niece.”
I lift my head again so I can give him another steady look. “Okay.”
“What’s going on there?”
“I don’t think you want me to answer that.”
Will bares his teeth, and I smirk.
“We’re happy. She’s funny as hell and so damn smart. Even has me drinking that green shit. And Jesus, is she ever beautiful. She just glows, and I know that sounds mushy and stupid, but it’s true.”
“Not stupid,” Will says, his voice softer now. “Mushy as hell, but not stupid.”
“We’re doing well. She invited me to Olivia and Vaughn’s wedding.”
“Wow, it is going well, then. Soph doesn’t bring men around the family.”
“Really?”
He nods, and I take a deep breath.
“I plan to be with her for a long time. Whether Florence likes it or not.”
“She won’t like it. She’ll hate it even more that there’s nothing she can do about it.”
“I hope that’s the case because I don’t want to leave Seattle, Will. I love this team. The coach is the best I’ve ever had, and my teammates are awesome. We’re winning. And now that I have Sophie, I would happily play out my entire career here.”
“Let Bill and the attorneys deal with Florence. Celebrate that contract. And get everything set up financially with the advisors before it goes public so your dad can’t try to take what he seems to think is his cut.”
I nod. “Yeah. Yeah, that’s the plan.”
“Congratulations, Ike. You’ve earned this, you know.”
I grin, and for the first time since I left Bill’s room, I let myself get excited. “I did. And I’ll keep earning it.”
“And that’s why you deserve it.”
Chapter 9
Sophie
“We’ve filmed three videos,” Becs says and scoops her long, dark hair into a high messy bun. “Taken about two hundred photos, made a shopping list, and I even helped you pick out your outfit for Olivia’s bachelorette party on Friday night.”
“I’m so excited about that,” I reply with a nod. “Did I tell you that we’re going dancing downtown? I haven’t been dancing in ages.”
“Will you have security?” Becs asks, her brows lowering in concern.
