“I mean… Is it necessary?” I ask, dropping my eyes to the table.
“The internship? Of course it is.”
“No, I meant…” I wet my lips before trying again. “Is it necessary for me to do it? You already have—”
“Don’t be dense. It’s every Gray, Kenneth. Not just your siblings.”
“What about my degree? I changed it—”
“To spite me,” he bites, cutting me off again. His tone may be measured, but his nostrils flare as he glares over the dining table. “Your mother asked me to be patient with you, and I tried, but I think it’s time for a little reminder of what’s ahead. I’m glad your hasty change of major didn’t mess up the plan. I didn’t spend thousands of dollars putting you through school for you to not join Gray Construction. Can you imagine what that would do to me?”
There it is. The only thing that truly matters to him. Not his family or the happiness of his children. Nope. His image. To the world, Theo Gray runs one of the most successful construction companies in North Carolina and is a doting father with a beautiful and happy family.
To me, it’s all perfectly curated bullshit.
He wasn’t pleased when he found out I had changed my major from finance to biostatistics at the beginning of freshman year. With the switch, I assumed I’d be free of this tradition crap and be able to chase my own passions.
All this time, I thought I escaped, but I was caught in his trap and didn’t even know it.
I open my mouth to speak, but he holds a hand up to stop me. “I’d advise you to think before you speak. You need to remember where you came from and who takes care of you. You’re a Gray, first and foremost. Forgetting that will lead to losing everything.”
Theo turns and his fancy shoes clack against the vinyl flooring as he storms out of the dining room. The door is open by the time I make it around the corner, with his megawatt smile plastered across his face.
“Welcome to the family business, son. Don’t disappoint me.”
Then he’s gone.
I make my way into the living room and sink onto the ground, yanking my hair until my scalp screams to be released. This has to be a nightmare. What does he mean I’ll loseeverythingif I don’t follow him?
When I open my eyes, Cade is standing over me. For a giant, he sure does move stealthily. “Why do you look like you lost a puzzle piece and can’t finish it?”
That reminds me. I lean over to retrieve the piece I threw at him earlier. Losing the final puzzle piece is a reoccurring nightmare of mine.
“What did he want this time?” Cade continues, sinking onto the ground beside me.
I roll the piece between my fingers, tracing its smooth curves. Puzzles have always been able to calm me, but it’s not helping right now. Nothing can counteract the way my skin is crawling.
After checking the clock and realizing there isn’t enough time to fully discuss how screwed I am, I opt for a half truth. “He just stopped by to say hello.”
Cade’s jaw sets, already frustrated. “Your dad never comes by without needing something from you. The last time he dropped by was in July, demanding you go home for a photo opportunity for a news article.”
Damn him for knowing my dysfunctional family so well. I must have forgotten he has had a front row seat since we were five.
“Fine.” I sigh. “He said—”
The shrill doorbell cuts me off, but Cade’s eyes don’t leave mine. I’m certain that no matter how many times they knock, if I asked, he would sit here and talk with me until Mallory kicked the door down. He’s so loyal. I’m still not sure what I did to deserve a friend like him.
“Rain check?” I ask, because I can’t handle a shitty dad and a broken door tonight.
Uncertainty weaves into his features as he stands and helps me up. “Fine. Rain check, but you know I have a terrible memory, so you better remind me. Now, go get ready because you look terrible.”
This time when he smiles, I mirror it.
After that shit-show, I need a distraction and a win.
Chapter Three
“I’m revoking your gamekeeperstatus, Cade. I’m serious this time. You’re finished.”
