Page 129 of Outcast
“And look where that got you.”
Dad started the engine and reversed out of the parking space. I bit my tongue, silently fuming. If I could tell him the whole story, maybe he’d understand this wasn’t our fault.
But if I told him everything, I’d be telling him that I wasn’t the son he thought he knew. That I’d never be the son he wanted, ever again.
I loved Gray, but how could I hurt my family like that?
Dad lapsed into silence as he drove. I pulled out my phone and sent a quick text to Holden. I had his number stored in my contacts from when we’d worked on the home equity loan together.
Emory:
Did you pick up your brothers yet?
Holden:
Walking into the building now.
Emory:
Okay, good. I didn’t want to leave them. My dad showed up, and he wouldn’t wait.
Holden:
Maybe it’ll do them some good to cool their jets. I was half-tempted to let them walk home.
Emory:
It wasn’t their fault.
Holden:
Fault or not, there’s always consequences. But it’s not your problem. Take care, Emory.
I frowned down at my phone. What sort of consequences did he mean? Maybe Holden wasn’t aware no charges had been filed.
The car came to a stop, and I glanced out the window, then did a double take. Dad had driven us to his house instead of mine.
“Why are we here?”
“Because your mother wants to lay eyes on you after you spent the night in jail, Emory.”
“But I need to shower and change before the Movers & Shakers Brunch,” I said. “My car?—”
My car was out at Forrester Auto. Shit.
Dad shook his head. “As much as I appreciate you finally showing some interest, it’s a little too late. I called Shayla and told her to go in your place.”
Great. On top of everything else, I’d disappointed him as my boss, as well as my father. I was just winning all over the place.
He got out of the car, and with no alternative, I did the same. I followed him into the house, and my mother grabbed me in a tight hug.
“What on earth happened?” she exclaimed. “You were in a fight?”
She grabbed my face, turning it to examine it.
I pulled away, grimacing. “I’m fine. This whole arrest was a big misunderstanding. There won’t be any charges.”
“Well, thank goodness for that!”
