Page 42 of Rev

HARLEY

I know what I want to do, and seeing Hadrian again has confirmed my decision, but I need to talk to my father. If I walk away from the organisation, it means Da will be back in the driver’s seat, but now his health is improving, I’m sure he’ll welcome being back at work and in charge.

Da’s been kept in hospital under observation for the last few weeks. There have been times when I feared he wasn’t going to make it, but he’s finally turned a corner, and the doctor says his liver is looking healthy. Now he’s on the mend, I know it’s the right time to talk to him about my future.

The hospital room is quiet except for the rhythmic beeping of the machines monitoring my father’s recovery. Sunlight filters through the thin curtains, casting a soft glow over his bed. I sit in the chair beside him, holding his hand, and there’s a reassuring strength returning to his grip. His eyes open slowly, and he smiles when he sees me.

“Harley,” he says, his voice raspy but filled with warmth. “It’s good to see you, lassie.”

I squeeze his hand lightly. “It’s good to see you’re on the mend, Da.”

He chuckles softly, though the sound is strained. “I suppose I am, which means you’ll have to deal with me again soon. I’m still here, thanks to you.”

I nod, the weight of the past weeks heavy on my mind. “Now Gordon and James have been dealt with, the organisation is safe again. At least, for the time being.”

His eyes darken briefly at the mention of Gordon, but he nods. “You did well, Harley. I’m proud of you.”

“Thanks, Da,” I say, my voice faltering slightly. “But there’s something I need to talk to you about.”

He watches me, his expression encouraging. “Go on, love. What’s on your mind?”

I take a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. “It’s about Hadrian.”

His brows knit together in concern. “What about him? Is he okay? It must’ve been a shock finding out it was his father who was part of the shite that went down?”

I stare at our joined hands, trying to find the right words. “He’s doing okay, I think. He hasn’t spoken about it, and I haven’t asked. I’m waiting for him to tell me when he’s ready.”

My father nods his head with a smile. He knows that’s the best way. I can’t force Hadrian to share his emotions. I can’t make him do anything he doesn’t want. That’s not how to love someone.

“Good lass,” Da tells me, pride clear in his tone.

“There’s something else.” My nerves kick in and I know this is going to be the toughest conversation I’ve ever had with my father. “Hadrian has a life in Belfast. He has responsibilities, family, and a future there. And my life is here with you and the organisation. But… I have feelings for him, Da. Strong feelings.”

He studies me for a moment, his eyes searching mine. There’s an understanding in his gaze as he slowly tips his head to the side. “Are you asking for my advice?”

I nod slowly. “Yes. I don’t know what to do. My place has always been here with you, and I don’t want to abandon the organisation. Or you.”

He sighs, his gaze softening. “Harley, you’ve been through so much. You’ve shown incredible strength and leadership. But you deserve to follow your heart.” He takes my hand and brings it to his lips to press a kiss to my knuckles. “A true, never-ending kind of love only comes once in a lifetime. You can’t walk away from it.”

My da loved my mother dearly. After she passed away, he never remarried or even dated. His focus was on me and the organisation. He told me once that he’d already had the love of his life, so now he would go it alone. My mother was the only one for him. There was something calming about his response. It was as if his acceptance of losing her and not finding someone else was how life should be.

I blink, feeling a mix of relief and confusion. “What are you saying, Da?”

“I’m saying that I’m healing,” he begins, his voice steady and reassuring, “I’m getting stronger every day. And I’m ready to take the organisation back. You’ve held things together brilliantly, but you don’t need to sacrifice your happiness for the sake of duty. It’s time for me to be the boss again.”

I swallow hard, emotions swirling inside me as the tears that sting my eyes want to break free. I blink them back before asking, “You think I should go with Hadrian?”

He nods, his eyes filled with understanding. “If that’s what your heart wants, then yes. I’ve only ever wanted you to be happy, my Harley Bear. If being with Hadrian will make you happy, even if it means you going to Belfast, then I’ll support you.”

Tears well up in my eyes, and I blink them away quickly.

“But what about you? What about the organisation?” I don’t know why I’m still worried after my father has reassured me, but I need to know he’ll be okay. With everything that’s happened, I am scared I’ll end up losing him if I leave.

He squeezes my hand, his grip firmer than before. “I’ll manage. I’ve been in this business a long time, Harley. I know what I’m doing. And you’ll always be a part of it, no matter where you are. You’ve cemented your place within the organisation. Everyone knows they can rely on you, and you’ve earned their respect.”

I feel a weight lifting off my shoulders, a sense of clarity beginning to form. “Thank you, Da. I was so afraid of letting you down.”

“You could never let me down, Harley,” he says, his voice full of conviction. “You’ve done more than I could have ever asked. Now it’s time for you to take care of your own heart. I am proud of you, and your mother would be too. You remind me of her every day.”

---