It was that exact look that had gotten me into this situation in the first place.
Fool me once, shame on you.
Fool me twice—not going to happen.
I hurried upstairs and kicked off my boots in the little living room area. The apartment was furnished, and it had everything I needed. Apparently, Jonah had lived here for a few months when he first took the job as well. It was decorated exactly as I’d expect from Axel. It was sort of rustic, ranch chic with a painting of a gorgeous horse hanging over the worn brown leather couch. The views from up here were gorgeous, with rolling mountains in the distance, and I even had a little corner view of the river from the bedroom window.
My phone vibrated, and I glanced down to see a message from my father. My stomach twisted, as I hadn’t spoken to him in a while.
Dad
Hey, sweetheart. I’m sorry I’ve been so distant. We’ve been busy getting Chrissy moved into the house. But I’d like to see you tomorrow when Collin comes to town. Can we have dinner?
I sighed. I was so angry at him for so many reasons, but he was still my father. I still loved him. I wasn’t someone who could just shut off my feelings and stop caring. Hence the fact that I’d stayed away from my best friend for two years because it was too painful to see him after everything had happened.
Dinner works.
Dad
Looking forward to it, sweetheart.
We have a lot to catch up on.
Dad
We do. Coach Sharky and I have both been on the lookout for the right horse, and I believe we’ve found him. He’s a real winner, just like you. I think you’ll be a perfect match.
Un-freaking-believable.
No mention of the divorce or my mother.
No mention of selling Wrax.
He was just on to the next horse. It was very telling about my father. I wouldn’t tell him about getting Wrax back until we were face to face.
I have zero intention of competing with a different horse. We can talk more about it at dinner.
Dad
Well, you’re not going to make the Olympic team on foot. Sometimes you have to pivot to get what you want. It’s time to pivot, Wren.
I shook my head with disbelief at the way he’d just ignored everything I’d said.
See you soon, Dad.
I dialed my mother as I opened the refrigerator and pulled out the ready-made cookie dough and filled two cookie sheets. I wanted to have something to bring to dinner tonight.
“Hey, sweetheart,” she said, her voice sounding more upbeat than it had in a while. I placed the cookies in the oven and closed the door.
“Hi, Mom. How’s Aunt Becky?”
“She’s good. We’re actually having a great time. It’s the most relaxed I’ve been in months.”
I’d called her immediately to tell her about Wrax, and she was thrilled for me. I’d asked her not to mention it to my father or my brother until I’d told them myself.
“Good. You deserve that.” I cleared my throat. “Collin is coming to town tomorrow, and I’m going to dinner with him and Dad. I just wanted you to know.”
“I’m glad you’re doing that. I’m worried about you,” she said, and I heard the concern in her voice. “I just hope they can both see beyond themselves for a few moments to be there for you.”
