Page 64 of Selfless

“I’m sorry; that’s not possible.”

“My signed contract stated that’s what would happen if I was fired,” he snaps.

“The circumstances have changed,” she tells him, ending the meeting.

I call Ryder, but he doesn’t answer. I sit down at the desk and try not to cry as the gallery phone rings.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

RYDER

I hear my phone ring in my pocket, but I ignore it. My father very slowly lowers the little girl to where her feet touch the ground. I finally get a good look at her. She has brown hair and big green eyes. She looks so much like Becca did at that age it takes my breath away.

“We need to talk,” my father says.

I just nod ‘cause I don’t know what to say at the moment. We all make our way inside the house, and I find the first seat I can and sit. It’s the fireplace. Hanging my head, I run my hand down my face as bile starts to rise. Oh God, I slept with Rosie once. A very long time ago but it still happened, and now she’s been sleeping with my father. I’m gonna get sick …

“Here,” Rosie says, handing me a glass of water.

“Got any whiskey?” I ask roughly, and she nods before turning away.

“Son, it’s not what you think,” my father says, and I can’t help but laugh. That’s the same thing Ashlyn once said to me; although, at the time, I didn’t believe her. For the life of me, I can’t see this situation being anything other than what I see.

Rosie returns, handing me a glass of the whiskey, and I toss it back. “So this is why you gave over the company?” I ask, sucking in a deep breath from the drink. “So Mom wouldn’t get it when she finds out you’re leaving her for another woman.”

“Ryder …”

Rosie begins, but my father raises his hand to silence her just as the little girl runs into the living room. She has a blanket in her hand. It’s so long she drags it behind her. I sit up straight as she comes to a stop in front of me.

“Hi,” she says to me in the cutest little voice I’ve ever heard.

I swallow. “Hello.” My voice still rough.

“You’re my brother,” she states, and all breath leaves my lungs. “Mommy gave me this.” She holds the blanket up, and numbly, I take it from her. It’s a picture of me, Becca, Jaycent, and Rosie. It’s at Rosie’s high school graduation. And my chest tightens at the way this little girl gives me a huge smile. And at this very second, I wish to be as innocent as her.

I nod at her ‘cause what else is there to do?

“Maggie?” Rosie says, and the little girl turns around to face her. “Will you go play in your room for a little bit?” she asks. “Mommy needs to have an adult conversation.”

She nods her head quickly, making her brown hair bounce. Then she takes off in a mad dash through the living room, the picture blanket dragging behind her.

I hang my head, running a hand through my hair, and then I throw back what’s left in my glass. “How old is she?” I ask, clearing my throat.

“Five,” Rosie answers.

“Ryder, I need you to listen,” my father speaks.

“How could you?” I demand, standing. “How could you keep her from us?” I look at Rosie. “And you? Does Jaycent know?” She looks away from me, shaking her head.

My father stands and takes a deep breath. “Calm down. I didn’t cheat on your mother.”

I snort. “You think I give two shits if you cheated on her?” I demand. “I care that you kept this little girl from us.” I’m not an idiot; I know my parents aren’t faithful. Two people that unhappy won’t have that much respect for one another.

“I had to,” Rosie says as she starts to cry.

“Bullshit!” I snap.

“Enough!” my father roars.

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