Page 88 of Worth the Risk

Now that Riley is older, I’m going to visit Sierra next week. Then, in a couple of days, Tony, Mark, and Mom are bringing Riley up, so we will spend a couple of days in New York. Sierra has a two-bedroom apartment in the city, and I’ll stay with her while the others stay in a hotel close by her apartment.

Riley comes running over to us, breaking me from my thoughts. “Mommy, I’m hungry.”

After wiping her down, I take sandwiches and a juice pack out of our cooler, and she sits next to Grace and me to eat and tells us she made the best castle ever. Her enthusiasm gives us a good laugh.

“I’m going to New York,” Riley tells Grace. “Mommy said it has big buildings and a big park I can play in.”

“Wow, that sounds exciting, Riley. I’ve been there. Did you know there’s a carousel in the park that you can ride?”

“What is that?” Riley questions.

“It’s the merry-go-round with the horses. You ride it when we go to the amusement park. It goes in a circle,” I explain to her.

She realizes instantly what the ride is and gets up.

“Let’s go now, Mommy. I want to ride the horses.” She jumps up and down. My baby girl has a fascination with them.

“We can’t go right now, but I promise I’ll take you when we get there.”

She accepts that and, forgetting about her half-eaten sandwich, runs back to her sandcastles.

“Sorry about that. I should not have mentioned it. I had no idea she would get so excited.” Grace giggles.

“No problem. I planned to take her there, anyway.”

“Didn’t you tell me her dad lives in New York? What will you do if you see him?” she asks hesitantly. I’ve shared some information with her, so I’m not surprised she remembers this. She knows Riley’s father isn’t in her life.

“In a city of millions, I’m sure we won’t run into him.”

What are the chances of that happening?

Famous last words. I was about to be in for the shock of my life.

ChapterTwenty-Eight

Leo

Dad is behind his desk when I enter his office. “Have a seat, son.” He points at the chairs in front of his desk.

As I sit, he removes the glasses he wears while reading on the computer and sets them down before rubbing his tired eyes.

“Long day?” I ask.

He arches a brow at me. “Yes, and it’s about to get even longer.”

That sounds ominous. Did I do something to upset him?I admit I went off the rails for a time, but I’ve cleaned up my act.

For about two years, I made my way around the city. I drank, fucked, and even got into a few bar fights. Anything to numb the pain and make me forget.

When I realized it wasn’t just affecting me but Dad, Sophie, and the business, I toned it down.

I didn’t stop, but I became more aware of my behavior.

“Son, I want you to hear me out. I’ve something to say to you, and I really want you to consider it.”

“Okay.”

“You’re thirty now. You’ve had more than your share of fun, and I was happy to let you do it. But have you thought about your future? Marriage? Kids?”

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