Page 222 of Taeja

“I can’t care about my dad?”

“I didn’t say that.” Andrew sighed heavily. “It just pains me that my sight is terrible, and that you have to pay for all these appointments.”

“It’s fine, Dad.” Slowing at a stoplight, Damon glanced at his father, who had on shades despite it not being sunny today. “Do you need to stop at the pharmacist?”

Andrew laid his head on the headrest. “No, but let’s stop at a restaurant. Your mom’s been craving ravioli.”

Driving off, Damon asked, “Why didn’t you cook it for her?”

“I can’t make it as well as your half-brother.”

Damon’s grip tightened around the wheel. “Don’t say that.”

“He is your half-brother, despite what you believe.”

“Do you want me to stop the car and put you out?”

Andrew sat up, looking at Damon. “What?”

“You heard me.” Damon shot Andrew a glare. “Respect my brother or find your own way home.”

Andrew released a sharp breath through his nostrils before relaxing. He was quiet for a while. “Your video game launch is still on for tomorrow?”

“Yes,” Damon answered, some peace drifting into his being at the mention of his passion.

Andrew smiled. “Kacian and I are proud of you. You were always around that console growing up.”

Damon chuckled. “Mom always said I should stop before I get blind like you.”

Andrew chuckled. “Kacian’s been teasing me about my sight since we met.”

“I can’t remember ever seeing you out of your glasses.”

“Because I can’t see without them,” Andrew said. “Now I have glaucoma. These glasses are never coming off.”

Damon sighed, thinking of all the money he spent on his father’s vision and having to just stand by and watch it worsen. “I’m sorry, Dad.”

Andrew waved a hand as they parked before the restaurant. “Not all of us can have a twenty-twenty vision. Now let’s go get that ravioli.”

“Stay, I’ll get it. Do you want anything?”

“I’ll get the same. Thanks.”

Damon nodded before grabbing his wallet and exiting the vehicle. He went inside the establishment, got the food for his parents, then returned to the car. Damon drove Andrew home, and they chatted and laughed over a range of topics. As happy as catching up with his father made Damon, it also saddened him.

His brother never got this. Ever.

Sure, Zain had a better relationship with their mother, but there was nothing like a father’s love.

Lost in thought, Damon barely realized when he parked before the house.

“Thanks, Damon.” Andrew smiled, grabbing the bag with the food and drinkswhile Damon nodded. “You’re not coming inside?”

Damon shook his head. “I have somewhere I need to be. Tell Mom I love her.”

Andrew nodded, then exited the car. Damon waited until his father was inside before he drove off, heading home.

Liza’s car was parked in the driveway. Damon exited his car and approached hers. He knocked his fist against the window.

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