“I read it after it was drafted,” his father continued. “I helped finalize it. And I’ve recently reread it. She needs a cease-and-desist letter sent to her.”
“Let her haver, Dad. Nothing is going to come of it.”
“What she’s sharing is none of anyone’s business.”
“Agreed, but I could have my solicitors send that letter, she could put that out there too. Give people the impression I have something to hide. Give them the impression I give a shite about what she’s up to, when I dinnae.”
“Would ye allow me to talk to the firm and see what we can do that will be discreet?”
“It’s a waste of time.”
“They’re on retainer. I pay them for the privilege of wasting their time.”
Dair had not forgotten his father was private and protective. He was both of these in good ways. Dair had always appreciated it, especially when he started to get attention when he’d begun his career as a professional athlete. Balfour Wallace had been supportive, always had time for his son (furthermore, rarely ever missed a match) and was thoughtful in sharing his wisdom which, back then, Dair had always accepted gratefully.
This had meant that, outside the situation with Signe, Dair hadn’t made a misstep in his career, and partly because of that, he had one after he retired.
It seemed both he and Blake were dealing with conflicting emotions when it came to a parent.
It was just that Dair’s was alive and breathing.
“If ye want to do that, do it. But I dinnae want Signe approached unless I sign off on it,” Dair warned.
“Done. Now about lunch Monday…”
Fuck it.
He had to deal with this, he might as well just deal with it.
“Make it Wednesday. I’ll have things I need to see to after being away.”
“That’s a better idea. We’ll have had time to see where we are with Signe and we can discuss it. My office. Where we can talk privately.”
“Fine.”
He sensed he wasn’t alone, turned and saw Rix and Alex walking in.
Alex had makeup on, just not much. She was also wearing a matching black and cream striped skirt and top made of jumper material with boots, which was lovely but easy. Her curly, auburn hair was unbound.
And there was color to her cheeks and a lazy look in her eyes that told him she hadn’t spent the last hour fussing over her hair and what she was going to wear, but instead, getting into certain activities with her husband.
He knew this because Rix had that same lazy look in his eyes.
Ned had left several hours ago to pick up Marlo from the airport and have some time with her.
“I’ve got to go, Dad. We have dinner plans,” Dair said into the phone.
“Right, son. I’ll see you. Noon. Wednesday.”
Shite.
“See you then.”
His father’s voice was thick when he said, “Miss you, son.”
He didn’t want to be an arse, but, fuck that in this situation.
“Bye, Dad.”
