Page 117 of The Wild Card
And I’m not under your control, I don’t add. But I’m thinking it.
I feel the truth of it—I no longer need to say yes or feel bad about being honest. I’ve been trying to break free from my father, not just in terms of proximity but emotionally. And somewhere along the way, I did.
Seeing him here, hearing his loaded words—it does nothing to change the certainty I feel about my life. It only makes me more certain about my choices and my ability to make them on my own.
Which, ironically, gives me the freedom and ability to invite Dad into it. If I want to. And he can choose to say yes or no.
“We’re meeting right now about Collin’s business. Would you like to join us?” I ask, hoping Collin won’t mind. I’m also desperately hoping Dad says no.
It’s as gracious an offer as I can make.
Lucky for us all, Dad is appalled by the idea. “What? No. I’m just here to bring you home. I think if we could sit down and talk, you’ll reconsider some of your current choices and see that what’s best for you is back home with one of the many job opportunities I have set up for you.”
“This is my home now.” I’m proud of the firmness in my voice.
Dad’s eyes bounce between Chase and me, drift over to Collin, and narrow. Then he takes a tiny step back and says, “Could I talk to you outside, Molly? Alone?”
I can tell by the way Collin’s arm tightens around me that he doesn’t like this idea. Chase’s tight expression tells me he doesn’t exactly understand the dynamics here, but is starting to.
Can I talk to Dad alone without caving?
Yes, I decide.I can.
But I also don’t want to.
“I really need to get back to this—we all do. Maybe Chase could talk to you about getting you back to the airport? It’s only about twenty minutes from his and Harper’s house. You should really see what they’ve done with the place. The renovations are amazing.”
Chase gives me a tight smile, one that communicates gratefulness for my support but also that he doesn’t want Dad anywhere near his house. I’ll have to apologize to Harper later for offering them up as tribute.
“We were planning to head back to Austin in about an hour. But we can go now,” Chase says, glancing back at Harper, who nods and climbs out of the booth.
Dad looks stunned. Like it didn’t ever occur to him that things wouldn’t go the way he planned.
He’d better get used to it.
Although I don’t remember the last time I hugged Dad and don’t really feel like doing so now, I step forward and wrap my arms around him. It’s a quick embrace and a little awkward since he barely hugs me back, but I feel like I’ve more than done my part.
“I’ll text you and Mom soon with my new number,” I tell him. “But if you’re going to keep trying to pressure and control me, I will block you.”
“Molly—” he starts, but Chase interrupts.
“That goes for me too.” Harper stands beside my brother, lending her own quiet strength. “I’m happy to have you in my life—in our life—but not if you’re going to be judgmental or controlling of meorMolly.”
Dad shakes his head. “I’m not trying to do that,” he insists. “I only want what’s best for both of you.”
“Then stop acting like you have the monopoly on knowing what that is,” I say.
Though he looks like he wants to say more, Dad’s jaw tightens before he nods once. He sweeps his gaze over the other people in the room, then gives me one last unreadable look.
“Here are your keys,” he says. When I go to take them, he squeezes my hand. I’m surprised at the roughness of his voice. His gaze turns to Collin. “Take care of her.”
“I will, sir.”
And then he quietly exits the coffee shop.
Chase leans in for a hug. “I’m proud of you for standing up to him,” he says.
“I’m sorry I didn’t talk to you about how things have been,” I whisper. “Maybe we can catch up later?”
