Page 98 of We Finished Here

I guess those are things I’m going to have to figure out while she’s still in town.

What we did today is a big fucking deal, and we both need to work out what it means.

I’m looking forward to a bit of downtime after the finals, and before pre-season training starts. Maybe then I could actually recharge and get some time off.

I know I need a vacation. And a holiday in the Caribbean or Hawaii is at the top of my list. A thought flashes in my mind about taking Emmerson.

We’ve never been overseas together.

I grab my keys and make my ways back down to my garage. My mind flicks to my dad and how this is going to go tonight. I’m kind of nervous, and still reeling from my walk out on my mom.

I feel like an asshole, that is for sure.

But I need to simmer over the weekend before I broach that subject again.

I flick a quick text to Em to make sure she’s okay. I notice I haven’t heard anything from Ashton all evening, so I assume he’s still showing Maddison the stadium.

I’ve told him in no uncertain times not to make any promises if things go well, or break her heart. And from what we saw when we went out for tapas, things were going a little too well.

I can’t stop wondering what Emmerson is thinking about this whole new thing between us. I want to see her as soon as possible, so I’ll see what she’s up to for the rest of the weekend when I finish up for the night with Dad.

I met him at the Steak Grill downtown. I dress casually in slacks and a long-sleeve cotton shirt, wearing a baseball cap to try and draw less attention to myself.

I was happy we weren’t even bothered one iota by anyone when we went and had Mexican and beers. That’s the kind of outing I prefer.

I shake my dad’s hand when I see him, and we do that hug/slap on the back thing.

“It’s been a while,” I say to him.

He’s a lot like me. It’s where I got my build and my height.

Both of my parents have blue eyes, but I guess you could say me and my dad are alike.

“You sure you stopped growing?” My dad smiles. He looks happy to see me.

He’s a good looking guy, I guess. He keeps fit in the gym and looks after himself.

His dark hair is cut short and styled at a slight angle with gel. He’s graying a bit at the edges, but it suits him.He’s had a few relationships over the years, but currently single as far as I’m aware.

“I’m either growing, or you’re getting smaller, Dad.”

He laughs, shaking his head, and holds open the door for me.

We walk right up and order steaks, fries, and beers. It’s the kind of place where you pay at the counter, then take your seat. I’m glad we just had snacks earlier with the girls and not a full meal.

“So, it’s been a big week,” Dad says, sitting down after placing his jacket on the back of the seat.

I put my beer down and pull out a chair. “That tackle in the third fucked me over,” I tell him. He’s not like Mom, he doesn’t care when I use foul language.

“Ace Brixton had it coming.” Dad shakes his head. “He couldn’t keep up with you in the end; it was like you had a rocket in your skates.”

Yeah, there’s a reason for that.

“Yeah, we definitely pulled our socks up mid-way. To bow out right at the end like that would have been a killer.”

“So, you’re off to Vegas.”

Yeah, Vegas Heat are in the finals now too.

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