Page 182 of Collided

Taking a sip of his coffee he studies me. “So, what brings you here?”

“Is Marie home?” I get to the point.

“She will be in thirty minutes. Camila took her and Sebastian shopping.”

“I'll see her tomorrow, then.” I stand but he gives me the look. The daunting businessman look.

I glue my fucking ass to the couch.

He leans back. “Want to talk about what’s bothering you?”

What the fuck?

How does he fucking know?

“Nothing is bothering me.”

Issac smiles like he knows something is up. I suppose it’s parental instinct.

“Then you shouldn’t mind giving me a run down. It’s been months since I’ve seen you.”

“Miss me or something?” I ask drily.

“I do. So, tell me.”

“It’s the same as before. School and boxing.”And Hope.

Issac watches me with a knowing smirk as if he can read my mind. “No new thing or someone, perhaps?”

“No.”

Issac chuckles and puts away his coffee mug. The Rolex watch on his wrist shifts, and I’m reminded of the million-dollar empire he’s built around the world but keeps that world separate because he loves Marie so much that he moved here for her sake. He takes her to therapy and spends time with her. He’s the epitome of a perfect parent. I don’t envy Marie at all, but her parents are something else. The moment you enter this mansion, you realize it’s more of a home than a magnificent place worth millions.

“That’s interesting because Marie has been raving about this girl Hope and how she’s her best friend. I believe our whole neighborhood knows about her at this point. My wife had the pleasure of meeting her and now both of my girls are singing her praises.” He sighs in mock sadness. “Unfortunately,Imissedthe opportunity to meet the person who brings so much joy to Marie. I want to see that smile on her face.”

“Everythingbrings joy to Marie.”

He shakes his head. “Not everything, Heath. You and I both know that.”

From the moment I met Marie, I saw loneliness and sadness in her. But more than that, she’s always wanted to have friends, but no one wanted to be her friend. I’ve watched her cry, complain, and cry some more, because all she’s ever wanted is for people to accept her.

“Yeah,” I whisper.

He nods. “She mentioned how Hope and you have been spending time together.”

I stiffen and hide my face behind the mug of coffee. “As friends.”

His hazel eyes, identical to Marie’s, watch me. “I see. That’s where everything begins.”

I scowl. “Nothing is fucking beginning.”

“Getting defensive now, Travon.”

I hate being cornered.

Issac gives me a teasing smile. “Hope and you are friends. How’s it going?”

“Fine.”

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