“Excuse me?” Senator Downing’s face freezes over.
“I am not a puppet to be danced across your stage. A deal is a deal. I won.” For a moment, Colton glances at me. “Wewon the show. Now you need to uphold your end of our agreement and respect my career choices.”
“Colton,” Senator Downing says with a strain in his voice. “When …”
“No, Dad. It’s my turn to ask the questions.”
I’m surprised by Colton’s boldness and the confidence he exudes, especially knowing how hard this is for him.
“What are you doing at The Red Curtain?” Colton asks.
When Senator Downing doesn’t answer, Colton shifts, looking behind us to the man I almost forgot was there. “Mr. Whitaker. I imagine you’ve talked with my dad today. Am I wrong to assume he’s made you an offer?”
Mr. Whitaker hesitates, glancing nervously between Colton and Senator Downing. “He has.”
Colton turns back to his dad, huffing out a laugh. “Wow, Dad. This is a new low.”
“I’m just looking out for you,” Senator Downing retorts.
“Deep down, I want to believe that’s what you truly think, but after today, I have my doubts. How much of you is looking out for me versus looking for someone to continue your legacy?”
“That’s not fair,” Senator Downing growls.
“No. You. Here, ruining Missy’s dreams. That’s not fair.” Colton turns to Mr. Whitaker. “How much did he offer to purchase this building?”
“$700,000,” Mr. Whitaker admits.
Colton’s jaw clenches, like he just bit into a piece of steel. “Mr. Whitaker. I would like to counter my dad’s offer and add my winnings to Missy’s offer.”
I suck in a sharp breath. “Colton. You don’t need to do that.”
He turns soft eyes on me, resting his hand gently on my arm that leans against him. “I want to, Missy.”
“You choose to do that, and I take away your trust,” Senator Downing interjects, his eyes molten with anger.
Colton pivots back to his dad. “Just like you did with Will? You can’t control us forever, Dad.”
A muscle jumps in Senator Downing’s jaw as he points a finger at Colton, the single appendage more menacing than a sharpened sword. “You don’t know what you’re doing. You don’t know how to live without the money I give you.” His voice is so hard, I doubt a blade made of diamond could cut through it.
“Just like I don’t know how to win a game show without you? I love you, Dad, but how can I ever stand on my own two feet if I’m always using you as a crutch? I need to learn to trust in my own abilities. And if I make mistakes, then they are my mistakes to learn from.”
“Remember who you’re talking to, Son. In every monetary sense, I own you—your car, your apartment. You have no money without me.”
“Then take it. Money isn’t everything. I’m choosing my own path now. Starting with Missy and this building.”
I rest my head against Colton’s arm and squeeze his hand, letting him know I am here. That I will always be here, supporting him as he supports me.
“And what then? How long are the rest of your earnings going to hold you for?” Senator Downing says.
“I’m taking the job with Parson & Watts Sports Law Firm. I’ll start and earn a living like any other junior associate.”
Senator Downing scrubs two clawed hands through his perfectly coiffed hair, taking his anger out on his follicles. He huffs and strides for the exit but stops when he grasps the handles of the glass doors. “This is your loss. I just hope you don’t live to regret it.”
With that, Senator Downing departs without a glance in our direction.
I breathe out the pressure mounting in my chest. The storm has passed, yet all I can think of is how Colton’s ties with his dad have just been torn into minuscule pieces that now litter the streets of their relationship.
I hear the shuffle of feet behind me and turn to see Mr. Whitaker retreating into his office, shutting his door with a soft click.
