“Because I don’t understand why we’re here.I can’t think of a reason he has to talk to Jonathanalone.”
“Swallow your breakfast, and let’s spy on your dad.”Collin’s not deterred by bloodless complexion.
I frown.Everything about this feels gross, and that’s not just my stomach roiling.
Jonathan leaves the heavy wooden door open a crack, and thankfully, the glass wall is covered with blinds so we can stand directly outside the door and hear everything.I lean against the opposite wall, afraid my knees may buckle.
Collin practically has his ear to the door.If he gets us caught, he’ll have to clean the contents of my stomach off his sneakers.
Doesn’t sound like we missed much of their conversation.
“Yeah, I’m going to miss this office.The new one isn’t far, but this one has always felt like mine.”
Jonathan’s nerves don’t have the patience for polite conversation.“What’d you want to talk about?”
“I want this to be handled just between us.And I need you to hear me out.”
“This is about Penn State.”Jonathan cuts right to the point.I don’t blame him.
I hold my breath.
“It’s more than that.”Dad hesitates.“I know your life hasn’t always been easy.I did my best to keep your path clear.From this point forward, you’re responsible for doing that yourself.”
“I understand.I don’t plan on this reputation following me to college.I’ve got too much to lose.”
“That’s what concerns me.You’ve always had too much to lose, but you still got dragged into these altercations.Your temper is your answer when conflicts arise.What are you doing to change that?”
Jonathan’s silent.I’m still not breathing.
“I will not allow my daughter to be in harm’s way because you don’t know how to—”
“I would never—”
“Let me finish.”His voice cuts Jonathan’s short and has me exhaling in shock.I’ve never heard my father raise his voice.Not even to Gavin.
“Sorry,” Jonathan utters.
“I know youbelieveit.But your fuse is short, and you don’tthinkonce it’s lit.I’ve read the reports.I heard the interviews.You may not start it, but you don’t know when to walk away.And I need you to be the one who walks away.”
Jonathan doesn’t respond.I want him to assure my dad that hecanwalk away from a fight.Except I suddenly fear that’s not what my father’s asking.
Collin doesn’t meet my eyes.
A door clicks shut.
Collin and I turn toward the reception area.
The thud of approaching footsteps has me yanking Collin’s arm and dragging him into the copy room across the hall.
My pulse thrums in my ears as I strain to listen.
“What’s he doing here?”Jonathan’s raised voice is easily heard through the walls.
I crack the door and peek out.The office door is partially open.Raised voices bellow through the halls.
“He’s here for the same reason I am.To decide what’s best for your future.”
“Mine?Or Sadie’s?”Jonathan demands, the politeness dropped.
