by E. L. Todd
“You already used one up standing there.”
Didn’t hate me my ass. I stepped forward, keeping my hands by my side and being as respectful as possible. I was never good at making a good impression, and I’d never had a girlfriend so I didn’t know how to treat her father. Knowing Mike my whole life wasn’t playing in my favor right now. “I came to apologize.”
“For what?” he snapped.
He was going to make me come out and say it? “For being with Trinity and keeping it as secret.”
He didn’t react at all. It was like he hadn’t heard me. “But you aren’t sorry so why are you wasting my time?”
“I am sorry.”
“No, you’re not.” He dared at me to correct him. “You used my daughter like she was trash. I don’t give a shit what you do with your dick or where you put it. But I assumed you respected me enough, cared about me enough, even loved me enough to not pull that shit on Trinity, my everything. That’s not okay and it will never be okay.”
I looked at the ground, feeling guilty.
“Look at me when you’re talking to me.”
I met his gaze, unflinching.
“You think I don’t know what’s going on? You don’t love my daughter. You’ll never take care of her. And you’ll never stay. You’re going to ditch her when you get tired of her and find some other number, leaving her with a broken heart and tears. How could you do this to me? I’d prefer if you stabbed me in the gut.” He knocked everything off his desk, his pens, folders, and pictures. The only thing that remained was his computer. He walked around the office, rubbing his fingers over his bottom lip like I landed a punch there.
I didn’t flinch at his hostility. I held my ground, refusing to be intimidated by him. Even though I was angry by his words, I hid it. “I love Trinity. I wouldn’t say that unless I meant it.”
His back was to me while he looked out the window, staring at the city that was below his feet. “She put you on the spot and you didn’t know what else to do. You said it to save your own ass.”
“I’m flattered you think I’m such a remarkable actor, but no, I wasn’t lying. Those tears were real. And those words were from the heart.”
He turned around, fire in his eyes. “Get out of my office. And don’t come back.”
“No.” I didn’t move.
He didn’t like being defied. “You think because your father is my best friend I won’t break your neck?”
“No. I know you won’t because you love your daughter. And you know how much she loves me.” That was a bold thing to say, and probably stupid too.
He clenched his jaw and the anger was still evident. “If you have any respect for me you’ll leave her before she gets hurt even more.”
“I’m not going anywhere. I understand why it’s hard to believe but—”
“Let’s cut the shit, Slade. You used my daughter and treated her like a worthless whore. Even if your feelings are genuine it doesn’t erase what you did. Trinity deserves a whole lot more than what you gave her, and I will never forgive you for defiling her like that—ever.”
The words washed over me like acid. I swallowed the pain in my throat and tried to ignore how much it hurt. “Maybe in time you’ll feel differently.”
He laughed, high and cold. “No, I won’t.”
“Then you’re going to have to deal with me for a long time because I’m not going anywhere. Too bad, so sad.”
Mike wasn’t pleased by that response. His eye narrowed in a threat. “Get. Out. Now.”
The only thing I had accomplished was pissing him off even more. I turned around and walked out, slamming his office door as I went. Vincent watched me walk away, resentment in his eyes.
Sean came out of the elevator. “How did it—”
“Leave me alone.” I didn’t let him get another word in.
***
“Shit, that bad?” Cayson asked.
I sank lower into the booth and rested my face in my hands. “I was on better terms with him before I went down there.”
“Try again,” he said with a sigh.
I gave him an incredulous look. “Did you not hear what I said? He threatened to break my neck.”
“He didn’t mean it.”
“You weren’t there. And yes he did.”
“You can’t give up.”
“I’m not doing it. Forget it.”
Cayson gave me a knowing look, full of words even though he didn’t speak any.
I rolled my eyes. “Goddamn it, Trinity!”
“Don’t blame her. You’re both at fault.”
“Mike doesn’t see it that way.”
“He’s just protective of her…”
“Yeah, I picked up on that…” I said sarcastically.
“Slade, just keep trying.”
“Ugh, I wish I had an incurable disease so he would be nice to me.”
Cayson gave me an annoyed look. “I know things are bad but they aren’t that bad.”
“It’s not like I knocked her up.”
His eyes flashed open. “You didn’t, right?”
“No!”
“You better not. God, then he would break your neck.”
“Shit, I’d break my own.”
Cayson leaned back into his chair. “I wish I could help but I can’t. I just hope you understand his point of view.”
I gave him a look that could kill. “You better not be taking his side.”
“I’m not,” he said immediately. “But Sean said something to me when I asked him permission that I’ll never forget.”
“That damn fortune cookie…”
Cayson ignored the jab. “He said a father’s biggest fear is his daughter ending up with someone who isn’t good enough.”
I rolled my eyes.
“Given your history…it’s understandable why he’s scared.”
“But I love her.”
He shrugged. “Lots of people say those words but they don’t mean them. Maybe he thinks your one of them.”
Why was this so complicated? “You think I can take him?”
“No,” he said with a serious face. “And that better be a joke.”
“Yeah…” Not really.
“You’ll get through it, man.”
“Can you just do it for me?” I asked desperately.
“I don’t think that would work.”
“You’re right…he’d ask you to date her instead.” I rolled my eyes. “I’m Cayson, I’m so perfect. Girls love me. I’m so sweet and blah blah. Every father wants me for their daughter. Blah blah.” When I looked at Cayson, he didn’t seem happy.
“I know you’re going through a hard time so I’m going to let that slide…”
I kept mumbling. “I’m going to medical school…I always do the right thing.”
He imitated my voice. “I’m Slade. Did you know the largest bird is the ostrich? Did you know the largest reptile is the African Crocodile? How did I know that? Oh, because all I ever read is the inside of Snapple caps…”
I had to admit he was dead on. I tried not to laugh but it came out anyway. “Go to hell…”
“Only if you come with me.”
I smirked then lowered my gaze and took a drink of my beer. “Thanks for making me feel better.”
“Anytime.” He clanked his bottle against mine. “Next one is on me.”
“I thought they were all on you.”
“Free loader,” he mumbled.
“I prefer gold digger.”
He laughed. “I guess I’m your sugar daddy.”
“Having a girlfriend is fucking expensive so I need to save money when I can.”
“At least she doesn’t eat like a cow like Skye.”
“Ooh…I’m telling her you said that.”
“Like she doesn’t know.” He laughed then finished his beer. “I tell her to her face every day.”
“How romantic,” I said sarcastically. “I hope Trinity and I are as happy as you two someday…”
<
br /> His face turned serious, a smile upturned his lips slightly. “I think you already are.”
***
Sean spotted me waiting by Vincent’s desk. “Round two?”
I was dreading this. I had nothing new to say and neither did he. But I had to try. “Something like that…”
“There’s a first aid kit in my office if you need it…”
“I’ll just have Vincent call 9-1-1.”
He patted my shoulder. “Good plan.” Then he walked off.
I sat in the chair and watched Uncle Mike through the window of his office. He was talking to a man in the suit, probably discussing something business related. I checked my watch and saw that I’d been sitting here for an hour. He’d make me wait all day because he didn’t care.
Half an hour later, his colleague finally left.
Mike shook hands with him and offered a smile before the man walked away.
Then he looked at me, the irritation evident in his fierce scowl.
I waved. “Howdy.”
He clenched his jaw, not amused.
Vincent looked uncomfortable, like he was afraid he pissed off his boss.
Mike kept his professionalism in front of his employees. “Come. Now.”
Why did he always have to talk like a caveman? I walked inside, wearing slacks and a dress shirt. I hated wearing anything besides a t-shirt and jeans, and Mike knew that. I thought that would mean something to him. “Yo, how’s it going?”
Mike slammed the door and glared at me. “What. Do. You. Want?”
“Trinity.” That was the quickest and honest way to describe why I was there.
“You can’t have her. Now what else?”
“Well, she’s already mine…”
He clenched his jaw and balled his hand into a fist. “I have nothing more to say to you. I told you how I felt about this. Your lack of respect is only serving to annoy me.”
“You’re annoying too. Looks like we’re even.”
His eyes narrowed. “Do you want me to kill you? Because I will.”
“I’m calling your bluff. Maybe you don’t love me but I know you love Trinity. And as long as that’s true, I’m safe.”
“Cocky fucking asshole…” He headed to his desk then sat down in his leather chair.
I stood in front of his desk. “I will apologize to you as many times as it takes. If you think you’re going to scare me off, then you’re mistaken. I will make this right between us.”
“The damage has been,” he said darkly.
“Then I will repair it,” I said firmly. “I love your daughter and I treat her like a damn queen. I give her everything that I possibly can and my life revolves around making her happy. I take her out to dinner, to ball games, the movies—everywhere. And I don’t even look at other women. I’m hers and I’m faithful to her. I’m sorry it didn’t start off that way but that’s how we are now. We’re both happy and it would mean the world to me if you could look me in the eye and forgive me.”
He didn’t meet my gaze. “Leave. And don’t come back this time.”
I narrowed my eyes at him. “I’ve always admired you for being so generous and compassionate. You’re one of the strongest men I know, but I also know you’re the gentlest. For someone who’s been around and has more skeletons in his closet than I do, you sure seem to be awfully cold and hypocritical.”
He slowly rose from his chair. “What makes you think you can talk to me like that?” He leaned over the desk, coming close to me.
I didn’t blink an eye. “I do. You’re going to give me what I want or I will harass you until the end of time.”
“Trinity put you up to this?”
“No.”
“Fucking liar.”
Now I was getting mad. “I may be a dick and an asshole but I’m not a liar. If I were, I would have covered my ass by feeding you lies about how Trinity and I began. Never once did I do that. I admit I’m not perfect and I have a lot of issues, but Trinity does too. She and I are perfect together, opposite sides of the same coin. You keep blaming me for what happened, but your daughter instigated it just as much as I did. She wanted it for the same reasons. So stop condemning me as the villain when your daughter is equally responsible. Think about that and we’ll discuss it more when I return.”
He looked at me like I just slapped him across the face.
“Until we meet again.” I left his office and slammed the door like last time.
***
Cayson tried not to laugh. “I can’t believe you said that.”
“I’m not going to kiss his ass unless he deserves it. He’s treating me like garbage and I’m not going to put up with it. I’ll apologize and prove how much Trinity means to me, but if he pushes me, I’ll push back.”
Cayson covered his face and tried to stifle his laughs. “This is going to last for years…I can feel it.”
“Whatever. Fine. Then I’ll keep going to his office.”
“Man, Trinity must mean the world to you for you to keep trying.”
She did. I knew how close she was with her father, and I refused to hurt their relationship. I may be irritated with Mike, but I wanted him and Trinity to have what they’ve always had. I would just have to work harder to make that happen.
“Does Trinity know about everything?”
“No.”
“Why?” Cayson asked.
“I don’t want to stress her out right now. She’s doing therapy and trying to get better. She needs to be relaxed. Which is why I’m venting to you every single day.”
“Well, I’m always here for you, man.”
“I know…” I looked across the bar and spotted Conrad and Roland. It didn’t seem like they noticed us yet.
“Skye said she and Trinity have been working on Trinity’s sketchbook together,” Cayson said. “At least Trinity is entertained.”
I wasn’t listening. “Conrad is here.”
Cayson looked over my shoulder and followed my gaze. “He doesn’t know you’re here. If he did, he would have walked out.”
“Why the hell is he so mad about it? Why are all the Preston men fucking girls?”
Cayson chuckled. “I’m not sure. Since I’m your best friend, Conrad hasn’t said much to me.”
“Seriously, this drama is stupid.”
Cayson shrugged. “I couldn’t agree more.”
“I’m going to talk to him.” I scooted across the booth.
“Maybe you should wait…he might be drinking.”
“Whatever.” I walked across the room until I reached him. Standing behind him, I tapped his shoulder.
He turned around, expecting anyone beside me. His face immediately fell, the anger brewing in his eyes.
“This has gone on long enough. Let’s talk.”
“Get away from me, dickhead.” He stepped away.
Roland watched both of us but kept his silence.
“No.” I leaned against their table and looked at them. “What the hell is your problem? You’re that mad I’m dating your sister?”
He clenched his hand into a fist.
“Conrad, don’t,” Roland said calmly.
His hand relaxed.
“Good,” I said. “Because we both know I’d beat the shit out of you with a single hand.”
He scowled at me, looking strikingly similar to his own father. “Slade, fuck off. Don’t even look at me.”
“Look, I love your sister. Or did you not hear me say that at the hospital? No? Okay, I’ll say it now.” I leaned closer to his face. “I fucking love your sister.”
Conrad was about to snap. “I’m about to break my glass over your head.”
“Good thing I have a steel plate in it.”
He stood up about to throw a punch.
Roland grabbed him and held him back. “Don’t do it. It’s not worth it.”
I stood my ground, my arms by my sides.
Cayson was at my side, his hand on my shoulder. “Cool off and let it go. If you bea
t up Conrad, Mike will never forgive you.”
That seemed to bring me back to reality. I shrugged off his hold and marched outside, grateful for the cool air.
***
When I went to Mike’s office, he ignored my existence.
“He said he doesn’t have time to see you,” Vincent explained in a terse voice.
“He’s got to take lunch sometime.”
“I doubt he wants to share it with you.”
“Well, I’ll sit right here and wait.” I took a seat in the leather chair.
Vincent eyed me warily. “You’re going to waste your time.”
“You’re probably right.” I crossed my ankle at my knee and rested my hands in my lap, staring at Mike through the window of his office. I didn’t take out my phone or entertain myself in another way. I just stared, knowing he felt my hot gaze penetrate his skin.
Sean came out of his office then spotted me. “You okay, kid?”
“I’m fine, Uncle Sean.” I kept staring at Mike.
He followed my gaze then turned back to me. “Want some coffee?”
“No, thank you.”
“Food? I’m about to take lunch.”
“No, thank you.”
“Okay.” He patted my shoulder then walked away.
Hours passed and I didn’t move.
Mike glanced through the window and saw me sitting there, waiting. He pressed a button on his desk and shutters covered his windows so he couldn’t be seen. I clenched my jaw but didn’t move.
Vincent eyed me. “I think you should take a hint…”
When lunchtime came around, my stomach growled but I didn’t move.
A man walked onto the floor with a tray in his hands. He knocked on Mike’s door then walked inside. When he left, the tray was gone. Mike stayed in his office for lunch to avoid me.
I’m still not leaving.
When the workday was almost over, Sean stepped out of his office and noticed me. “Still here?”
“Yep.”
He gave me a sad look. “For what its worth, I think my brother is being a little too hard on you.”
“What if it were Skye?”
That changed his attitude immediately. “Okay, I see his point a little better…”
“I know I’ll have to work hard to get him to forgive me. But I will do it.”
He patted my shoulder. “I’ll have my assistant get your some food.”
