Page 45 of Waiting Game

COLE

Fire - Fabrizio Paterlini

“You finally made it then.”

“What a welcome home.”

Clyde Korhonen grimaces at me. “I’m the one who’s sick.”

“You don’t look sick. Only the good die young, Pops. You’re fine for another eighty years at least.”

A glint pops up in his eye. One of respect.

I hate that about him.

I hate that if I dole out as much shit as he tosses my way, the more he respects me.

That’s not how it’s supposed to be.

“You’re here now. That’s something at least. Saw you got kicked out of the playoffs. Told you playing for Jersey was a bad idea, but you never listen.”

I ignore his taunt. “It can’t have been too bad if you’re home already.”

“Is that a complaint?”

“No, I’m trying to figure out what’s going on. I got a call from Colt so I rushed home and what do I find? You’re not even hooked up to an IV.”

“You sound like you’re disappointed I’m not deathly ill, son.”

I plunk my ass on the side of his bed. “No, I don’t appreciate my emotions being toyed with.”

Pops purses his lips. “I’m tired.”

“Rest, then.” I immediately get up. “I can come back later.”

He snags my hand and drags me closer. “No. You don’t get to go. You only just made it here.”

“I’m not leaving.” I wouldn’t go so soon, not after what Colt shared with me. And definitely not after learning Mum’s here. “I can come and visit you later.”

He narrows his eyes but, satisfied that I’m not lying, grumbles, “See that you do.” He barks at Colt as if he’s a fucking dog, “You. Stay.”

When he doesn’t argue, I head out, then a thought occurs to me. “Did you tell Cody to come home too?”

“Pops insisted on it.”

Huh.

Maybe the family fixer is right—Pops has some shenanigans afoot.

Asshole.

Leaving them to it, I stride down the hall and find Mum hovering at the mouth of this wing.

“Thought I was supposed to come to your solarium?” I greet.

“My curiosity wouldn’t let me wait.”

“What are you curious about?”

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