Page 59 of Invisible String
My blood boils. “Don’t you dare talk about him like that. You’re the one who doesn’t know him,” I shout, my pulse racing. The pressure cooker beeps. I turn to shut it off.
“I do know. I did a background check on the man my daughter is seeing.”
“You what? Unfucking believable. You’re something else, Dad, and right now, I have some nasty words for you, so maybe you should go.” Of course, he would, Mr. Powerful Attorney.
“You know our long-time family friend's son is doing good for himself. He’s a great young man. He’d be perfect for you.”
I raise my brow, my lip lifts.
“You know exactly who I’m speaking of.”
I lift my hand, warning him to stop.
Dad takes five steps toward me and puts a hand on my shoulder. I shrug it off to get away from his space. “Honey, I’m just looking out for you. I want the best for my daughter.”
“No, you’re judging him without meeting and getting to know him. I’m inlovewith him and will be with whoever I choose. Why don’t you try being happy for your daughter for once?”
His face sags, almost as if he’s in pain from my words. Almost. “He’s not good for you,” he repeats. “I found out he’s a boxer. They are aggressive. He can hurt you.”
The man is not a dog. My blood pressure spikes, and I haven’t even had a glass of wine. Thunder rolls in the distance. The storm is getting closer. And Max should be back soon. “It’s pretty sad you’re looking for anything to keep me away from him. The thing is, I don’t care what you say.”
“He’s chaos,” he adds.
I shrug, reaching for the bottle of wine. “I love his chaos.” Opening the cabinet, I get a glass and pour wine into it. My father watches me.
“He’s homeless and doesn’t have a job,” he says, clenching his hands to his side.
In all my years, never has he acted this way, not even with my older brother. I hate how he’s judging Max when he doesn’t know him. Of course, I know he doesn’t have a job. If it is or isn’t his cabin, so what? If he lied, there is a reason behind it.
“Dad, you need to leave. I’m done talking to you. Why don’t you work on your own damn relationship and leave mine alone?”
He’s silent for a little too long. Then says, “I’ll go, Rainey, but think about what I said. He lives in Vegas anyway. It won’t work,and you’ll end up hurt. I love you, honey. All I want is the best for my little girl.”
I walk toward the door, and Max’s car is parked with the cabin light on. “Thanks, Dad, but I don’t appreciate your judgment.”
He steps out without a word. I shut the door behind him. I pretty much kicked him out of his own place.
Rounding back into the kitchen, I check on the roast, then refill my glass with wine. My dad’s last words ring in my ear.He lives in Vegas.Tonight, I’ll ask how we can make it work. I love him. I’m positive he has feelings for me as well.
Max
When I left Rainey’s,I planned on getting her a gift since she wanted to do the whole Christmas in July shit. I think it’s crazy that stores make it a holiday in July for sales. I get it, but do people really put trees up? I understand why Rainey is doing it for me, and I’m grateful she cares enough to want me to experience it.
I let out a deep exhale, gazing at the contents of my wallet. I had to use the money I was saving to buy back my mom’s ring from the pawnshop to buy Rainey a present. Now, all I have left is enough for gas. Carlos offered to lend me some money, but I couldn’t bring myself to accept it; my pride won’t allow it. I need to earn my own money. It’s time for me to head out for work.
Fuck.
My car’s tires splash through puddles, sending sheets of water flying as I drive up the slick driveway, the rain beating down on my windshield.
A truck is parked on Rainey’s side of the house. She didn’t say she was expecting anyone. I walk toward her front door to check if she’s okay. If it’s family, I’ll return to my place—well, not my place, per se.
“No, you’re judging him without meeting and getting to know him. I’m in love with him and will be with whoever I choose. Why don’t you try being happy for your daughter for once?” Rainey’s voice pours with range.
Love? She loves me?
It must be her dad here. He disapproves of me with his daughter, and I don’t blame him.
“He’s not good for you. I found out he’s a boxer. They are aggressive. He can hurt you,” her father shouts.
