Page 78 of Face Me Off

“I just hate these secrets. Just be straight with me.” But as soon as I say the words, the realization hits me like a high stick to the head. I’ve kept my own secrets. I never wanted to tell her anything bad about her dad and kept what he told me on that dark day to myself. Should I come clean? Going forward with a relationship needs to start with honesty, but if that honesty only brings pain, is it worth it?

“I was questioned by the lawyer. He advised me not to speak to anyone. Said I could be charged.”

“I think he was scaring you.”

“It worked.” A shudder racks through her body. “Ryan?”

“Yeah?”

“I didn’t testify against your father.”

Cocking my head, I remain quiet as I study her. She needs to explain more because she doesn’t make sense.

“I testified against mine.”

My mouth drops open, and I think my brain short circuits. “I-I… What?”

“You heard correctly. I testified against mine. They thought with my deposition, it would appear that I knew things about your dad, but it backfired. That’s why I’m surprised they offered such a low settlement. Your dad has a good case.”

Damn, I’m a fucking idiot.

“I don’t know what to say.”

“There’s nothing to say. I overheard my father that day. I know Mr. Sorenson had no business being on that roof.”

“That’s not what it appeared to be.”

“Probably trickery from my dad. Maybe that’s why he doesn’t want you around me.”

“He told you that he doesn’t want me around you?” I ask, but I’m not surprised.

“That day, I went to see him in the office. He must be afraid you’ll learn the truth.”

“Trust me, this goes back way longer than that.”

“What do you mean?”

Blowing out a breath, I close my eyes. I hadn’t meant to reveal that part. Guess there’s no choice but to come clean now.

I met her gaze straight on and spilled my last secret. “Your father told me to stay away from you back in high school.”

“What? Why?” Her eyebrows knit in confusion. “That doesn’t make sense.”

“He said I wasn’t good enough for you.”

Her expression morphs from disbelief to disgust to anger. I always wondered if what they said about redheads’ temper was true. I think I’m about to find out.

“Are you kidding me?”

The question is rhetorical, so I don’t answer. She rants and raves until she finally turns to look at me.

“Where did he tell you this?”

“At your house. I was heading to your room when he pulled me aside and warned me off.”

“And you listened?” she huffs.

“My father fell right afterward, and my world imploded, so yeah, I listened.”

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