“I didn’t want you to feel responsible for me,” I say.
“They could have told me at any time and I would have known it was you.”
“As was their right, but it didn’t have to come from me. I guess I would have taken your charity if they had, but seeing as your ex-wife completely cut you out, I figured I’d be safe on the communication front.”
“I would never have treated you like a charity case or an obligation. You’re aperson. You should have trusted that.”
I lift a shoulder casually, trying to ignore the look of half betrayal on his face. “I did. It was just easier not to tell you.”
“I don’t feel obligated. What I feel is gratitude. Love. Brotherhood. Community. It’s not the same thing.”
“If you ever decide to change your mind and go off on some weird tangent, just remember. We’re even.”
“It’s never been about keeping score.”
My eyes narrow. “Fine. Just make sure it never is.”
“I’ll make sure. But I still think you should meet with Fawnie.”
“Hart’s big enough for the both of us to exist without having to brush up against each other.”
“You pull out of here in the middle of the night—”
“I’m not going anywhere. At least, not yet. Besides, the club isn’t that kind of club. People can leave if they want to.”
“What if I’d never forgive you? What if your leaving caused me immeasurable pain and worry? What if it hurt Fawnie? You think it would be easy to live with that?”
“For you or for me? And that’s hardly fair. Scratch the hardly.”
“If asking you nicely doesn’t work, I might just have to guilt trip you into it. Make up some nonsense. Say things will change. Act butthurt.”
I very,verynearly give in and laugh. Preacher is the worst actor and the worst liar I’ve ever seen. “I can’t believe you say butthurt when you used to be a pastor.”
“Of everything I just said, that’s what you’re gonna point out? And may I add, fuck off.”
“I know it’s just words. You love your daughter. I get that. I know you won’t push me into it, guilt trip me, or act like any other regular douchebag. You’re Preacher. I know the man you are.”
“Would you like me to beg then?”
“Are you for real? Is thisthatimportant to you?”
“Yes.”
My stomach rolls and acid claws up my throat. It’s more than a bitter taste in my mouth. “Why?”
Right. Because she’s his daughter and he loves her.
“You don’t have to meet her, but will you give hersomething? A video call? She doesn’t have to even know what you look like or that you were injured helping her. If you’re worried about her feeling any sort of guilt—”
I let out a sigh. “Okay. A regular phone call. No fancy shit. I’ll give her five minutes.” I squeeze my eyes shut. That wasnotwhat I wanted to come out. I’d spend the rest of the day being a stubborn prick, but with Preacher, I know he won’t back down. “She can thank me or whatever it is she needs to say and that’ll be that. Yeah? Is that enough?”
“I don’t honestly know, but it’s something, and something will mean more than anything to her.”
“She’s not gonna get weird and try to save me from myself, is she?”
“I don’t know.”
“Sheisyour daughter.”
