Page 170 of Glitched Play

“A trellis for Parker’s wedding.”

“Oh.”

“It’s a surprise.”

“Do you need my help?” I ask, wanting to keep my cover story intact.

“Yeah. Grab that pencil and measure out ten feet on six slabs.”

I do what he says then he uses the circle saw to cut the pieces. Then I help him fit them together so he can add the screws and nails.

“Are you staining it? Parker loves the walnut color.”

Dad takes off his safety glasses. “You keep surprising me. And you know you’ve put me in the middle of drama.”

I point to my chest. “Me?”

“Yes you. Falling in love with Maci. And now G won’t leave me alone about going on a date. He even had Paulina send me a Seniors Dating app.”

I shove my hands into my navy dress pants and grin.

“It’s not that bad, Dad. You can do it. Just go out with someone and get him off your back.” My voice cracks. “We both deserve happiness.”

“Son, I’ve lived the best life. You kids are my world.”

“It must have been hard being a college coach and raising Parker, Noelle and me by yourself.”

He nods. “Hard but not unhappy.”

Then he changes the subject, pulling a letter from his back pocket. “I think you’re here for this.”

He hands it to me, and I think I close my eyes for a split second.

“I figured you would want this one asap.”

I nod. “Thank you.”

His stare lingers before he says, “I need to head to practice.” He pats me on the back.

I start walking away but then I have this overwhelming urge to talk. Just a little.

“I love you.”

I swear his eyes well up with tears. “I know. I’ve always known.” He pulls me into one of his monster hugs that I’ve always shirked away from, and my world finally feels right.

I have Maci.

My family.

My company.

And a letter from Rune.

Somehow, I manage not read it at a stoplight or pull over into a shopping area. I just keep glancing at it in the seat beside me.

Getting from my car to the penthouse is a complete blur. I tuck the letter in my inside jacket pocket in case I run into anyone.

I find myself in my home office at the end of the hall, sitting at my desk. My fingers run over my name and the address listed. Then there are two more places it goes before it gets forwarded to my childhood home. I’m unsure why I didn’t change it to the penthouse. Maybe because I never wanted it to fall in the wrong hands. My family and Dara know about the letters, but I’ve always wanted to keep Rune private.