Page 116 of The Wild Card
Dad does not miss the movement and glances between us. “So, this is who you’re spending time with?”
There is so much derision and judgment in his tone that it’s hard to even formulate a response. Does Dad not remember him? It would be pretty funny if not, considering the start of how I came to be standing here, holding Collin’s hand. Or does Dad have some kind of problem with Collin or the Grahams? I can sense Chase bristling beside me. Because Collin ishisfamily now too.
Collin squeezes my hand again, a reminder that he’s there. Or maybe a reminder that I don’t need to let my dad’s words impact me.
“I’m sure you remember Collin Graham? You met him at Chase’s wedding. To Collin’s sister,” I say pointedly. Just in case Dad needs the reminder.
Collin immediately extends a hand. My dad shakes it but looks wary.
“It’s good to see you again, sir,” Collin says, the picture of politeness, despite the cool reception.
I lean into Collin, when what I really want to do is kiss the heck out of him. “Collin is my boyfriend. He’s a good man. They’re a good family.” Dad says nothing in response, so I change the subject. “Did you say you drove my car down?”
I know he said it, but I’d like to knowwhyhe drove my car to Texas. Why he’s herenow.
Since Dad cut my phone off, I didn’t give him or Mom my new number. I did add them into my phone because I’m an optimist. And though I don’t expect some kind of wild change of heart from either of them, I don’t plan to just cut them out of my life forever.
But I also didn’t expect him to do something nice for me. At least, not without some kind of strings attached.
“I do have your car,” Dad says. “I hoped we could drive back home together”—I’m already shaking my head at this—“but if not, you’re welcome to send monthly payments.”
Ah. There it is. The car, given as a graduation gift and purchased from the dealership Dad owns, isonlya gift if I go home.
But taking over the payments is not the problem he thinks it is. It’s rude and manipulative, butfine.
After the wedding, Collin told me about his dad’s plans to sell the Austin house and move here. Which means we both need new places to live—not together this time.
So, earlier this week, I downloaded a free budgeting spreadsheet I found on Pinterest and filled it out. I just got my payments from the various social media platforms, which helps give me a buffer. I have a steady paycheck from the coffee shop, and Thayden helped tweak the Brightmark contract to be more in my favor. It’s a limited, one-year term with more money per acting job, and there is a limit of how many and what kind of movies I take part in—preventing any kind ofSharknadosituation.
With rent and a car payment, things will be tight but manageable. Collin, of course, offered to help with anything and everything, but it’s important to me that I make it work on my own. At least, for now.
In the future … well, let’s just say I hope we’re sharing expenses, a home, and a last name.
“I can take over the payments,” I tell my dad, not missing his look of surprise. I bite back a comment about gifts not really being gifts when they have requirements or stipulations attached. I just don’t see the point. “And I appreciate you bringing it down. How are you getting back to the airport?”
I resist the urge to offer him a ride, knowing that a few months ago, I would have done it without question.
“I think the best option is for you to come home,” Dad says, voice as firm as it is disillusioned.
Chase is glancing between us, eyes narrowed, like he’s just now picking up on the bad vibes that have multiplied since he left Kansas. I should have talked to him about it before now. But I guess this is basically one way of letting him know.
Chase’s eyes narrow further. “She just told you she isn’t going back,” he says. “What about that didn’t make sense? Why are you trying to involve yourself in her decisions?”
Collin steps forward and opens his mouth, but I press a hand to his chest. I appreciate the men in my life standing up for me.
But I can stand up for myself.
“Dad, I’m not going back to Kansas. I am living here now, and I’m dating Collin. I’m happy. And for the first time, I feel free to make the choicesIwant to make.”
Dad’s expression doesn’t change, but I swear, I can feel the rage bubbling up inside of him.
“And you’re using your freedom of choice to work in a coffee shop?” Dad glances around the space before zeroing in on the apron I’m still wearing. Although there is now a broken light thanks to Wolf, there is absolutely nothing to find fault with here. “You left the opportunities I gave you for this?”
Collin tenses, and I can tell only my hand is holding him back, keeping his words locked up tight. He wants to fight for me but is letting me be the warrior in my own battle. A fact I greatly appreciate.
For the first time maybe in my life, I don’t feel cowed by my father. I feel strong and sure about my choices. And, okay, sure—it helps knowing everyone in this room has my back.
“While I appreciate the things you’ve done for me over the years as well as what Ihopeare good intentions, I need to live life on my own terms. I’m building a life here. I’m happy.”
