Page 89 of Anti Player

“My father, who I haven’t seen in years, showed up to my mom’s house. He’s an alcoholic and now he’s dying, but he wants us to help him sober up with the time he has left and my brothers have decided to help him, and I just feel so angry.” I blow out a harsh breath, feeling all kinds of tension leave my body.

Growing up I was very closed down. I did not mention our familial problems to anyone. In fact, when I was younger, I would lie to friends about my dad being on business trips all the time because it felt humiliating that he always took off on us.

“Shit, Maddie, I understand what you’re going through,” she says, surprising the hell out of me. “My dad was an addict. He was responsible for the accident when I lost part of my leg.”

“Oh my goodness, Rebel, I had no idea,” I gasp, feeling so hurt for her.

“That’s a story for another day. Tell me what you need? Does Asher want to come have a sleepover with Liam tonight? You could probably use some time to think.”

“He’s never had a sleepover before,” I say. “Let me ask him, give me a minute.”

“Asher,” I call out.

He comes running to me.

“Would you like to have a sleepover at Liam’s house tonight?” I ask.

The way his blue eyes round with excitement gives me the answer before his head starts bobbing. “Yes, yes, yes.” He’s jumping up and down.

I laugh and Kaleb laughs too.

“That’s amazing. The boys will have so much fun together and we don’t leave for Florida until Thursday,” Rebel says, clearly hearing Asher’s response.

“Thanks so much for doing this. We would love to have Liam sleepover when you guys get back.”

“I’m sure he’d love that,” Rebel says and then she blows out a breath. “My dad never wanted to get sober. He was a dangerous drunk and he did drugs. He put me and my sister through hell. His death brought me relief.”

Her words make my heart twist.

“I’m so sorry you had to experience any of it,” I reply.

“He left me with emotional and physical scars,” she admits.

I can’t even imagine. Maybe it was better Dad left when he did. Maybe he spared us all the ugliest parts of himself.

“Thank you for sharing with me, Rebel. This all just feels so overwhelming. My brothers both feel sorry for him. They want to help him,” I say, wishing someone would give me the right answer.

“You have to go with your gut on this,” she advises.

“I know,” I reply, still feeling lost.

“We’re home all day so you can drop him off whenever. I’ll send you a text with our address.”

“Thanks again,” I say to Rebel.

“If you want to talk more, I’m here,” she offers and her understanding and kindness means everything.

“I really appreciate that,” I say. My brother really got lucky with his group of friends, and they have all welcomed me with open arms. “See you soon.”

I end the call.

“I’m going on my first sleepover,” Asher chants.

“We need to eat lunch first,” I remind him.

“Will you eat lunch with us?” I ask Kaleb.

“You know I don’t say no to food.” He grins.

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