AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He raises a finger, pointing at me. “She was my wife.”
“Still doesn't give you the right to treat her like you did. To take from her like you did.”
He steps back, his expression changing from anger to shocked surprise. “You're not the same little boy I remember. That little boy lived with his head in the clouds.”
“No,” I say, shaking my head. “I'm not. I realized how cruel the world could be the day you walked back into my life and burst that bubble. But you did do something for me. Finding out who you really were, the kind of man you were, pushed me to be better. To be a man my mother, and others, could be proud of. And I won't let you bully me or anyone else.”
He glares at me, then turns and stalks away a few feet, his head held high, like he's deciding his next move.
But I plan to stop it before he can even open his mouth.
It's been almost forty-eight hours since my father met with Roni. In that time, we've had a few meetings with Mitch, Noah, the PR team, as well as the local news feed that Roni suggested. We've written an article talking about the first injury, the second injury, and my upcoming surgery. We talk about what that means for me and for the season. And we've included those fabulous pictures that Roni took. They really are good. They deserve to be out there. They deserve to be seen. And she deserves the credit for them. Every image she captured tells a story, including me flat on my back on the field, contemplating the possible end of my career.
This man, who claims to be my father, won't be able to say or sell anything to anyone because they already know. While I've been standing in the cold talking to him, the story's been released.
I pull out my phone and show him the article, the images displayed prominently on the screen. “It's too late,Dad. Everyone already knows. You can't control the narrative.”
His face contorts with rage as he looks at the article, his eyes darting back and forth as he reads. He looks up at me with a snarl on his lips. “You think this is over?” he says, his voice low and dangerous. “You think you've won?”
“I don't care about winning. I care about doing the right thing,” I reply, holding his gaze steadily. “And I won't let you blackmail me. Mom would turn over in her grave if she knew about this.”
He doesn't even blink. She meant nothing to him. My poor mother. She worked her ass off to provide a home for me.
I let my gaze rake over him like he's a piece of shit I found on my shoe. “I still don't understand why she never spoke ill of you. Why she let me believe you were a good man. I guess she thought she was protecting me because I refuse to believe she had feelings for you.”
“Your mother was a dreamer, too.”
“We'll I'm glad I got that from her then, because I want nothing from you.”
My father approaches me, his voice dropping to a malicious whisper. “You'll regret this, Drew. You don't know who you're up against.”
“I know exactly who I'm up against,” I say, my voice strong and steady. “You're a pitiful old man, Mr. Laroche. You mean nothing to me.” With that, I turn and walk away, leaving my father with his shoulders hunched and his face contorted in anger.
The further I get, the easier I breathe and a sense of relief washes over me.I chance a look back.
He's walking in the opposite direction, and as he disappears from view, the last chords of tension drain from my body. I switch gears and head over to sit on an empty bench, taking a moment. The crisp, cool air dances lightly around me, a gentle reminder of the changing seasons. There are kids over on a flat patch of grass tossing a football back and forth. Maybe I'll take a few minutes and give them pointers.
I pull out my phone and dial Roni's number, feeling a surge of emotion wash over me when she answers. I've come to look forward to hearing her voice every day. I can't imagine a single day without her.
“Hey, how did it go?” she asks, her voice filled with apprehension.
“It went... okay,” I reply. “He wanted the photos, of course. He realized he had nothing to gain when I showed him the article. The timing of that release was perfect, by the way. He had no clue.”
“I'm so proud of you.” I can hear the happiness in her voice.
“Thanks. I couldn't have done it without you and everyone else on the team.” A sense of gratitude wells up inside me. My team always had my back. I may have a different team now, but they're still ready to fight for me.
“So, what now?” Roni asks.
“I want to relax and take a breather before I go into the hospital.”
“Sounds like a good plan” Her relief is palpable. “Do you want to meet up later at my place?”
“That sounds great.” Warmth spreads through my limbs, settling in my heart at the mere thought of spending time with her. Running my hands over her body. Kissing every inch. We only met a few weeks ago, but I feel like I've known her forever.
“Okay, see you soon.” We say our goodbyes before hanging up.
As I sit on the bench, I reflect on everything that's happened. It's been a rollercoaster of emotions, but I'm glad I stood up to my father. And I'm grateful for the support of my team, my friends, and most of all, Roni.
