Page 58 of Reckless Curves
Vincent pleaded, “No, I wouldn’t have. I would’ve told you exactly what I’m going to tell you now. I should’ve believed you when you told me you were innocent.” Tears gathered in his eyes. “I hate myself for not being a better father to you. I don’t expect you to forgive me, but I just wanted you to know how sorry I am that I hurt you so much.”
Tom didn’t know how to respond, so he just nodded and acknowledged, “Okay.”
To his surprise, Vincent started chuckling, which led to a full belly laugh.
Even though he didn’t know what had amused his father, Tom grinned. “What’s so funny?”
Vincent got himself under control. “Youare. You always were closed-mouthed and you haven’t changed. I just bared my soul to you and all you can say is ‘okay’?”
“What the fuck do you want me to say, Dad?”
“Good! That’s right. Get mad.”
Tom’s fists clenched. “Getmad? I’ve been pissed at you for so long that it’s hard to remember when I wasn’t. Women and booze were more important than me! I started running around with Doug’s gang to get your attention.” He rubbed his forehead. “What a pathetic cliché I am.”
Vincent replied, “If you’re a cliché, then so am I. I was always so drunk I couldn’t figure out where I went wrong with you. Not until it was too late and you’d washed your hands of me.Iwas the problem, not you.”
Tom wondered if Vincent was just blowing smoke up his ass or if he was being genuine. “Part of it is my fault. I shouldn’t have been stupid enough to do that stuff with Doug, but I was young and hurting. I’d lost my mother and I may as well have lost you too. I can understand why you would’ve thought I was guilty at first, but why didn’t you check into it more?”
Vincent groaned, “My brain was too flooded with alcohol to think properly. I admit that I was a complete ass. People tried to get me to go AA. I didn’t think I had a problem and told them to go hell. And now I’m paying for it. I put myself in this situation.”
Tom couldn’t argue with that.
“I’m really glad that you came to see me, Tommy,” Vincent said, laying his head on his pillow. “I needed to apologize to you, not for my sake, but for yours. Maybe you won’t think so badly of your old man once I’m gone.”
Tom hung onto his composure by a thread as he stood up and approached Vincent’s bed. Looking in his father’s remorse-filled eyes, the tentacles of anger and pain wrapped around Tom’s heart began loosening their hold. Bending down, he carefully embraced his frail father.
Tears filled his eyes as he remembered how big and strong the man used to be. “I love you, Dad.”
Despite his weakened condition, Vincent hugged Tom tightly. “I love you, too, buddy. I always have and I’m so proud of you for making such a success of your life despite having me as a father.”
“Thanks. That means a lot.” Tom decided as he drew away. “Dad, I have a son. He’s almost three and his name is Connor.”
Vincent’s eyes grew huge. “What? Why didn’t you tell me before this? Sam never said anything, either.”
Tom explained the situation to Vincent. “I loved him the minute I saw him, Dad.”
Vincent grinned. “I felt the same way when you boys were born.” He grabbed Tom’s hand. “Bring him to me, Tommy. I want to meet my grandson. Please?”
Tom couldn’t refuse. “I will.”
Vincent squeezed Tom’s hand. “Promise me you’ll bring him.”
“I promise.”
“Thank you.” Vincent’s eyes drifted close.
“Get some rest, Dad. I’ll bring Connor tomorrow, okay?”
Vincent let go of Tom’s hand. “Okay. I’ll see you then.”
Tom watched his father fall asleep and quietly left the room. Finding the nurse, she advised the labs were running slow and that they’d ring him when they had the results back.
With relief, he rushed from the hospital and headed for his car. Once Tom was in the driver’s seat, he slammed the door and leaning over the steering wheel, let the tears come. Hoarse sobs wracked his body as his pain poured out.
It hurt, but it was also cathartic. After several minutes, Tom reined in his turbulent emotions, wiped his face with his hand and relaxed for a few moments before leaving the parking lot. As he made his way to Kendra’s he hoped that she’d understand why he’d told Vincent about Connor.
