“Why didn’t you tell me he was out?”
“Would you rather think he’s in rehab getting help or out on the streets with the other addicts?”
“I want the truth,” I say, glaring at him. “I expect my own uncle to tell me the truth and not lie to me.”
“I did what I thought was best.”
“The day I moved here you said you saw him. Where did you see him?”
“He was still at the facility back then. I went there and assured him I’d do my best to care for you and that I’d enrolled you at Twisted Pine.”
“Why were you mad at him?”
“I wasn’t mad.”
“Then why wouldn’t you talk about him? I asked about him and you refused to talk about him.”
“I was frustrated with him, not angry. He wasn’t putting forth effort in his rehab. I was paying a fortune for him to get help and he wasn’t even trying.”
“You paid for it?”
“I’ve paid for all of them. You think your father has money for that? Do you have any idea how much those places cost?”
“No. Are you saying he’s out of money?”
“Out?” He lets out a laugh. “He’s never had it.”
“He’s had jobs.”
“And as soon as he gets paid, he spends the money on alcohol or drugs.”
“What about his rent?”
“I pay for it, along with his other expenses.”
Brock pays all that for my dad? I didn’t know that. I didn’t think he did anything for my dad. I thought taking me in was the first favor he’s ever done for him, but I guess not.
“How long have you done this?” I ask.
“Ever since I could afford to.” He walks back over to me. “I know you want your father back in your life, but if you knew the man he really is, you’d want nothing to do with him.”
“Do you know where he is now?”
“No, and I’m not going to invest time looking for him. When he’s in need of money, he’ll show up again.” Brock pats my shoulder. “I strongly suggest you stop searching for your father and focus on finishing up school and moving on with your life.”
When I don’t respond, he finally leaves, and I grab my phone to call Jackson.
“Hey, where have you been?” he answers. “You didn’t text me back.”
“I fell asleep. Just woke up. Brock came in my room, and I told him what I found out about my dad.”
“About seeing him on the beach?”
“No, about him leaving rehab. He made it sound like my dad does this all the time. He goes to rehab, leaves, and goes on a binge. He said he’ll show up again when he needs money. Brock said he’s been paying for all my dad’s expenses, even rent. You think he’s lying?”
“Probably not. Your dad hasn’t worked in years, and even when he was working, his parts were too small to pay much.”
“So what does that mean? That Brock’s not as bad as I thought he was?”
