But then he reaches across the counterand lays his hand gently over mine. “It’s okay,” he says softly. “Everything’s going to be all right, Alligator.”
“But what’s wrong with her? How can she believe those things? Who turns a deadbeat dad into some mythic hero from another universe?” I fight the wave of emotion clawing its way up my chest. “I want tokillhim for doing this to her. She doesn’t deserve it.”
I reach for the water bottle, twisting it until the plastic buckles and warps in my hands. I wish it were him instead—my father, Sonar Delios—bruised and breakable in my grip, wherever the hell he is.
“I know. I’m really sorry.”
“I just feel so bad for her,” I say. “And I don’t know how to help her. Or what to do.”
Hayes offers me a small, sad smile. “Maybe you don’t have todoanything.”
I blink at him, the words not computing.
“What are you talking about? Of course I have to do something,” I say. “She needs help. I can’t just stand by and do nothing.”
“Why not?” Hayes leans back, his tone measured. “Maybe it’s not your job to fix it. She’s managed this long on her own terms, right? If her beliefs bring her comfort, help her sleep at night, is that really such a bad thing?”
“I’m not following.”
“Alright, sure, what she believes sounds crazy to you and me. But is it that different from other belief systems? Some people worship prophets. Some believe in virgin births and resurrections. People walking on water.” He lifts a brow, eyes thoughtful. “Iswhat your mom thinks really that much more unbelievable?”
I stare at him incredulously, stunned he can sound so cavalier about this, like my entire world hasn’t been turned upside down.
“She literally told me my father is from Hell, Hayes!”
“Well… technically, she said the Underworld?—”
“Oh my God. Are you serious right now?” I snap. “My life is imploding and you’re talking semantics?”
“You’re right. I’m sorry.” He shifts, rubbing the back of his neck. “I just... don’t know what the right response is here. It’s a lot to take in.”
“No shit. That’s the understatement of the year.”
Suddenly, I feel ancient. Like the weight of the entire day has settled into my bones, heavy and unrelenting. Everything aches. Mind, body, and soul.
“I’m tired. I don’t want to think about this anymore today.” I push to my feet and stretch, arms overhead, joints cracking like brittle branches. “Can we finish talking in the morning?”
“Of course.” Hayes nods, soft and understanding. “I’ll pick you up? Coffee Box?”
Despite everything, a faint smile tugs at my lips, the first one all night.
“Breakfast on you?”
“Always.”
I crouch low to hug Argyros goodbye, burying my face in the warm, scruffy fur at his neck. He exhales a contented, sleepy sigh as I press a kiss to his damp nose, but he doesn’t budge from the floor.
Hayes walks me to my car, his bare feet moving quietly across the driveway. He opens the door and leans in, one hand on my shoulder. His thumb grazes my collarbone, the faint spark of his touch almost enough to make me forget all my worries for a moment.
“I promise,” he says. “Everything is going to be okay.”
I lean into the warmth of him, clinging to those words.
“I’m… I’m really scared, Hay. She’s all I have.”
He pauses, just for a beat. Something flickers in his eyes, like there’s more he wants to say. But then he swallows it back, his jaw tightening.
“Your mom’s not crazy,” he says. “She’s just… dealing. The only way she knows how.” Then, with a crooked smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes, he adds, “And hey—look on the bright side. Now we’ve got something new in common.”
