“She brings out the worst in you!”
“I don’t care!” I shout.
“She makes you so damn weak.”
“I know that, goddamn it!”
“Why can’t you just leave her the fuck alone? Jesus, Art. Mason should come first, not her.”
“Of course he comes first. But Cin is in my life for good. Accept it.”
“It seems to me that your dick comes first.”
“I’m done with this topic.”
“Have you forgiven her?”
“No, I haven’t.”
“But still you refuse to let her go.”
I look at my cell phone when I hear a beep. Great, it’s the old man. “I have to go.” I click over. “What do you want?”
“Arthur, are you trying to ruin your life again?”
“I want you and Josh off my case. She’s mine, so get used to it.”
“I will not have you making a mockery of this family!”
“Oh, you don’t need me for that. You accomplish it all on your own.”
“You ingrate—”
“Focus on your own life old man.” I end the call.
He immediately calls back, but I press decline.
The ringing starts again. He’s a persistent bastard, and he’s sorely testing my fucking patience. “Give it a fucking rest!” I answer, shouting into the phone.
“Are you fucking kidding me? I should be the one pissed! I just got terminated because of you!” Cin yells.
“It’s not the end of the world.”
“I want an advance on the money you owe me.”
“No.”
“No? How is my family supposed to survive?”
“I’ll pay all your bills and give you money when you need it.”
“Do you know how difficult it’ll be to find another teaching position a quarter into the school year?
“It’s not a big deal. I’ll take care of you.”
“You just don’t get it. You can’t take care of me forever. Sitting home and doing nothing all day isn’t for me. I love teaching. The video floating around isn’t going to help in my job search.”
“It wouldn’t have happened if you followed the rules.”
