At least the one who has totry.Because she certainly won’t.
We all broke that day, not just her.
We all broke, and our family unit shattered.
“Anyway... I should be there in a few minutes.”
“Call me when you get here, and I’ll come find you, okay?” he offers as a pretty woman in scrubs walks by, saying something to him that I miss. “You want me to see what I can find out in the meantime?”
“No. I appreciate it, but I’ve got it. Thanks, Finn. Go finish your bagel. And hey, maybe grab one for me. I haven’t eaten in a while,” I add as my stomach rumbles.
“You’ve got to take better care of yourself, Ashton.”
The glare I level at my best friend could stop a lesser man in their tracks, but it has the exact opposite effect on Finn.
“Fine. I won’t give you shit today if you promise to let me feed you before you hop back on a plane to Chicago.” Finn takes a bite of his bagel and smiles, licking cream cheese from his lips. “Doctor’s orders?—”
“Fine. I’ll see you soon.” I end the call and rest my head back against the seat as I work up the nerve to call my father.
I can’t be in Kroydon Hills and not tell him I’m here, can I?
It’s tempting . . .
Maybe not a call. Maybe a text.
Flipping my phone over a few times in my hand, I debate for a few minutes before decidingscrew itand sliding open my last text to Dad, wishing him a happy New Year.
Ashton
Hi, Dad. Just wanted to let you know I’m in Kroydon Hills. Mom got into a little bit of trouble, and I flew in to help her.
Dad
Again?
The answer every little girl dreams of.
Not that I didn’t basically have this same conversation a little over a year ago.
Ashton
Guess so. I don’t have all the details yet.
Dad
Let me know if it’s something I need to notify the PR team about.
Or if you need anything.
Cue all the warm and fuzzies... or not.
I thumbs-up his text and slide my phone into my pocket.
As the line coach for the Philadelphia Kings, Dad is high-profile. Luckily for Mom and me, we’re not. Not anymore. It’s not that he’s a bad dad... Okay well, actually, he is. He’s not cruel. Just uninvolved. The team is his baby. Not me. Not anymore.
We’re at the point where neither of us puts in much effort anymore.
It’s easier that way.
