Page 111 of Twisted Collide

“He’s what?” my father asks.

“Grumpy. Dane is grumpy.”

“That he is, but—”

“It’s fine,” Dane interjects, and I narrow my eyes at him and then at my father.

What was my father going to say? What don’t I know about this man thatRobertdoes?

“How long have you two know each other?” I finally ask. I have gotten bits and pieces of this story, but not enough to paint a picture.

“Since the beginning of my career.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, actually, even before. Before my job at the Saints, I coached the University of Redville team.”

“You did?”

“Yeah.”

Dane is staring intently at me. I obviously can’t decipher his thoughts, but it’s clear as day that he’s confused. He’s realizing I know nothing about my father.

The man he regards as a hero in his life is merely a name and barely that in mine.

“I didn’t realize that Dane played college hockey,” I say more to myself than to anyone.

“Yeah, but not long. I decided to go pro soon after I started college.”

“You were good enough,” my father says proudly.

Is this what my father looks like when he genuinely feels proud of someone? The inside of my chest feels like someone is running a knife inside me. I hold back a sob as I will myself not to cry.

“You didn’t finish college?”

“I didn’t.”

“I had no idea. Did you want a degree? Not that I use mine, but hey, maybe I will someday.”

“College wasn’t in the cards for me. I had other responsibilities and expenses. I needed the money only going pro would give me.” Another small piece of the puzzle is given, yet no matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to see the big picture. Who is Dane Sinclair, and what makes him tick?

45

DANE

Aiden:I have tea.

Hudson:I hear snake wine is better for fertility.

Mason:Aiden’s trying to knock up Cassidy?

Dane:Makes sense. She’s out of his league. He must be antsy to hold her down.

Aiden:We’re already engaged, asshole.

Mason:Means nothing these days.

Aiden:Do you guys want the tea or not?

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