“You know, the clearest image from the night that changed things for me isn’t those words he screamed in his slurred voice. It isn’t the moment when he cornered me in the kitchen, haphazardly holding a baseball bat. No, it’s the moment when I held the kitchen knife and knew that I had to use it to protect myself. I remember looking around just a moment before, and it was the first thing I saw that could protect me.”
My father covers my hand with his. My first instinct is to pull away, as I feel ashamed about my backstory, but I stay exactly where I am to be connected with him in a simple way. I also realize Reid’s touch comforts and fills me with warmth instead of any negativity. After all, this guy is my father who wants to get to know me. Half of who I am is from him. My eyes. My hair color. My tall, yet lanky frame. Even our fingers are similar in shape as I compare us.
Reid clears his throat as he notices me looking down at our hands. “You don’t have to continue if it’s too hard for you,son.”
My eyes start watering with that one word. Only one person has ever called me that with the same caring tone before, and he’s no longer here. Uncle Joey would have been beyond excited to hear that I have found Reid. I just know it.
“You just called me son,” I mumble, my throat contracting with emotion.
“I did. Does that bother you?”
He looks hopeful, his eyes sparkling, as he waits for my answer. I swallow the lump in my throat. “No, it just surprised me.”
“Good. I wanted to test it out earlier, but it didn’t seem right. After hearing that, I wanted to show you that you aren’t alone.”
I have an overwhelming urge to hug him, my father. So I do. While still in the embrace, I tell him about what happened next. “I know it was self-defense. If I had stabbed that knife in the other direction, I would have hit a vital organ and killed him. I would have been a killer.”
He wraps his arms tighter around me, “But you didn’t kill him. You only protected yourself. And now you get to move on. It all happened in the past. I know it’s hard but let me help you. Let me be there for you. Letusbe there for you. After all, we’re family.”
It’s hard to believe his words after my past, but I do at that moment in their kitchen. Even if for only a moment. Because it feels right.
“Thanks, Reid. I don’t know how long it will take before I call you my dad, but know that I appreciate you opening your home and introducing your family to me.”
“You meanyourfamily?”
“I need time to get there, okay?” I tell him with a sad smile.
“Sure. But know that we will be here no matter what. I want to know how you’re doing and what’s up with your life.”
My smile turns more hopeful. “I like that.”
“Now that we got that out of the way, I could teach you our family lasagne recipe. It was originally discovered by your great-great grandma who loved spending time in Italy during the summers. You see, they lived in Switzerland, close to the border. The story goes…”
25
SOPH
Currently playing: I Want You to Want Me by Letters to Cleo
Only a few hours after Jax left to meet Reid, my da was taken to the hospital. The doctor who did a home visit told us that his flu had apparently turned into pneumonia. His condition worsened until it was hard for him to breathe without help. When I called King and explained my situation, he told me to be with my parents. Knowing my situation, he was also willing to pay me for the time off.
It’s been three days and we’re still at the hospital. Trying to focus on anything else than how sick my da is, I read one of the romance novels Rose brought me yesterday. My only requirement for her was that the story takes me away from reality. And Rose delivered—a series about an FBI agent who falls in love with a serial killer.A female serial killer.Yes, please, sign me up.
I check my phone when I finish with the second book—still no reply from Jax, so I assume he’s busy working. We texted all day yesterday and talked on the phone after he saw his father,as I couldn’t leave the hospital. But honestly, after seventy-two hours between these same four walls, I need a change of scenery. I texted Jax and asked if he wanted to hang out tonight.
Instead of starting the third book of the series, I decide to close my eyes for a moment. Mama should be here soon after visiting the bakery and evaluating how my older sister Shannon and her husband are doing. The last week has been an excellent opportunity for my family to see if everything can run smoothly without my parents. So far, it’s safe to say that my mama and da could start their retirement tomorrow, and we would survive. But knowing my parents, they aren’t ready. At least not mentally.
I feel someone touching my arm and realize I must have fallen asleep. Mama’s beautiful smile greets me when I open my eyes. “Hello, Sleeping Beauty.”
“What time is it?” I ask through a yawn and cover my mouth.
“Just past five. I brought dinner and a change of clothes for you if you want to freshen up.”
I rub my eyes and stretch in my seat. “I had no idea I slept for over an hour. Is da okay?”
“Everything is fine, don’t you worry. They’ve got doctors and nurses for that. I plan to watch the news before eating another dinner straight from the container.”
“Do you want me to find plates instead?” I ask, and mama shakes her head. “Okay, then I’ll quickly shower before eating.”
