Page 56 of Sweet Punk
The way he sayssonlike I’m his biggest disappointment hits hard. “How did you know to come today?”
“Imagine my surprise when I got an invitation to some art show for students majoring inart.”He rolls his eyes on the final word, demonstrating to me and everyone standing here exactly what he thinks of my choice of major.
Shit.I didn’t know they’d do that. Choosing to ignore the bit about my major, I give him a tight smile before murmuring low, “I would have invited you personally, but I didn’t think you’d want to come.”
“You’d be right, you little punk. This is horseshit.” He stalks closer and gets in my face, poking at my chest. “No son of mine is going to spend all this money to be a fucking artist. It’s ridiculous.”
I bristle, fully aware that my friends are hearing this—as are complete strangers who’ve come to the show. “If this is how you want to end our relationship, I have no problem with that.” Star’s hand on my back is reassuring, and she hasn’t budged an inch, even though my dad is close enough to both of us that I can feel his hot breath on my face.
Before I can say anything else, he puts his big hand on my shoulder and squeezes hard. At my side, Star flinches, and her hand taps my back. I know what she’s telling me without words. I breathe in slowly through my nose while I stare at the quickly reddening face of my father. My blood running cold, I bite out for everyone to hear, “Get your fuckin’ hand off me. I won’t let you hurt me anymore.” I jerk out of his hold without waiting for him to agree.
My old man backs away, his eyes squinting at me as he shakes his head. “You’re cut off, son.”
“I haven’t wanted to be your son for a very long time. My inheritance from Mom means you don’t get to torture me ever again.” My chest is tight, squeezing my lungs so hard I can barely take a breath, but I don’t care that we have an audience anymore. I only want to be done with him. “Leave.”
When he turns around and storms out, I sag with relief, rubbing my hand over my jaw. No one says anything for what seems like interminable seconds. Star presses closer to me. I clear my throat. “I’m fine. That needed to happen.”
She nods. “Yeah, it did. And I so wanted to tear his hand off you, but I knew it had to be you.”
I let out a sigh, then turn us to face our friends, who I’m surprised to find are standing immediately behind us. I grit my teeth. “Sorry you had to see that.” At their murmurs of concern, my lips form a tight line.
Ryleigh gives me a sad smile. “Are you okay?”
I tug Star closer and kiss the top of her head. “Yeah. I’m gonna be fine.” I let my gaze slide over each of my friends, old and new. “Thanks for being here today. I know Ryleigh and I both appreciate having your support.” I suck in a breath, feeling the need to be alone. “I’m going to take a minute, if you don’t mind.”
Star shoots me a worried look.
I stoop down, pressing my lips to hers. “I’m okay. I just need a sec to splash some water on my face or something.” I swallow hard. “Be right back.”
THIRTY
STAR
Ten minutes go by, and I’m getting antsier by the second. We’ve taken the time Kellan’s been gone to walk around the room looking at all the other artwork. Hands down, Ryleigh’s and Kellan’s projects are the strongest.
I’m no dummy, I know everyone is wondering exactly what Kellan meant when he said his dad had hurt and tortured him. Their whispers back and forth are a clear indication, but it’s not my place to tell them, that’ll be up to Kellan if he wants to fill them in on the abuse he suffered for years at that asshole’s hands. He may never tell them. And that’s okay. I will keep his secrets forever. He trusts me, and that’s something I don’t take lightly.Our Trust.I smile again, my eyes drifting to his paintings.
Once Kellan returns, I’m sure we’ll bug out of here and go get something to eat and hang out. The art show was ruined for everyone the moment Mr. Murphy walked through that door and opened his condescending mouth.
Matty and Ryleigh stand next to me, and I think she must see the worry on my face because she leans close and whispers, “He’ll be fine, you know. I don’t claim to understand everything about Kellan, but he tells me enough that I know he’s got you, and you’re everything to him.”
I give her a surprised smile and tilt my head to the side, studying her. “Wow. Thank you for telling me that.” I’m suddenly glad he’s got this girl for a friend. I have no doubt she’s been his sounding board this semester, definitely for art stuff but it would also appear he’s comfortable sharing more personal things with her, too. And I get why because she has a way about her that makes her easy to talk to. I lean a little closer, lowering my voice. “I hated every second of what went down today. His dad—” Anger washes through me again just thinking about it. “Never have I wanted to knock someone out so much in my entire life.”
She nods, smirking at my outburst. “Yeah. No shit. I’d have been right behind you. But it sounds like maybe he doesn’t have to worry too much about mending that relationship if he has an inheritance from his mom. They aren’t close.”
“No, not at all. I didn’t know about the money from his mom, but I hope it means Kellan’s free of that bastard for good.” I glance at my phone. Eleven minutes. “He’s been gone a long time.” I want to go to him. If he’s struggling with this alone…
But my gut says he wouldn’t lie about being okay. He probably just needed a moment to himself.
“Has he texted you?” Ryleigh gives me an encouraging smile.
“I can check.” I open up our text message thread. But there are no new texts from him. Drawing in a breath, I decide it can’t hurt to shoot him a message.
Me:Kellan, I think we’re getting food after this.
I wait a few beats, then send another.
Me:Are you okay? Should I come find you?
