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“Wait, you had a feeling?” I frowned.

“Yes. I’ve seen how he is in San Francisco, and I see how he is here. Even the girls are happier here.”

“Then why would you not say anything?”

“Like I said, it’s not my place.”

“It is your place.”

“No, it’s not.”

I shook my head. “You’re the closest thing he has to a dad.”

“No, I’m not.” He said it with such finality that anyone else would’ve backed off.

But not me. “Yes, you are.”

“He doesn’t see me that way.”

I laughed. “Now I see why he said what he did.”

“What did he say?”

“When he was drunk. He said he wished he had someone to tell him what to do. Someone to be there for him. At the time, I was confused. Now I get it. He meant you.”

Atticus went rigid. He’d always been a quiet and controlled man, but now, his bottom lip shook.

“I’m trying something different,” I said. “Maybe you should too.”

56

GABRIEL

Dad Company (But Sometimes Good Advice)

Aaron Walsh: How does one be a father when I have my own daddy issues?

Comments:

Robert Colt: Daddy issues do not make a bad dad. Choose your own daddy path.

Ryan Kim: I tried to read that and now my eyes are crossed.

Oliver Brian: Rob, are you drunk again?

Robert Colt: No!

Robert Colt: (yes)

When a knock came at the door after the girls went to bed, I nearly tripped over myself to answer it. I was so sure that Jade had finally come to talk.

Instead, Atticus stood outside.

“O-oh, hi. Do you need something?” I asked.

“Just to talk. Can I come in?”

I nodded and stepped to the side.