Page 65 of Whatever Happens

“Worse. Your father.”

Abbie opens the door and my father storms in.

He looks surprised to see me here. “Your mother would be so disappointed.”

I hadn’t expected him to go easy on me, it’s not his style, but to start off by bringing my mother into this? My dead mother?

“I’m sorry.”

“Sorry? You’re sorry?”

“I didn’t mean for any of this to happen.”

“I would hope not. Jesus, Lex, what were you thinking? First dating one of my players, then that… that... video.”

“That video is Carter’s brother’s doing.”

“How? Did he force you to have sex with Carter?”

“No.”

“Then this is on you. And you wonder why I didn’t want to give you a job with my team? Look at what you’ve done?”

“Daddy…”

“You’re no longer his therapist, and you can bet your ass that your stupidity means you’re done elsewhere in the league, too.”

“Of course, it does. It doesn’t matter that I’m a great therapist or that I’ve managed to improve Carter’s arm more in a few weeks than your amazing friend Todd did in months.”

“You slept with one of your clients.”

“No, I slept with a man I cared about that you forced to become my client. What Carter and I have…”

“What you have? What you have? Guys like Carter are interested in only one thing… as much sex as they can get.”

“That’s not true.”

“I’ve known him a lot longer than you. I’ve traveled with him. New night, new girl. You think you’re special, but you’re not. This is exactly the kind of stuff I’ve been trying to protect you from.”

“Maybe that’s who he was or who he wanted you to think he was. You may have known him longer, but I know him so much better.”

“Then where is he, Lex? Hmm? Where is he when the shit hits the fan?” My dad hands me his phone, a photo of Carter hugging a young woman. “You only left what, four hours ago, and he’s already moved on?”

I don’t know who the woman is, but I’m certain that Carter hasn’t moved on. He loves me. Nothing can make me think otherwise.

“You deserve better than a guy like Carter. Someone who wouldn’t put you in this position, someone who won’t cheat on you and hurt you.”

“You know what, Daddy? If you knew me at all, knew Carter at all, you would know that’s not going to happen.”

“And if you take a minute and quit being so emotional about this, you’d know if you continue to pursue this relationship, both your and Carter’s career will be over.”

But at least we’ll have each other.

Right?

Chapter23

Carter

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