“Talon.” His voice was clipped, all business. “Did you read the article I sent you? I’m not the only one who thinks that going into business and finance is a smart career move.”
My jaw clenched. “No. I’ve been busy.”
“With what?” His tone sharpened. “You’re wasting time. This is your future we’re talking about. I want you by my side.”
“No,” I said simply, surprising myself with how steady my voice sounded. I was so sick of this conversation. “It’syourfuture. Not mine.”
A disturbing silence stretched on the line. “Excuse me?”
“I’m not coming to work with you, Dad. I’m not interested in stock reports or board meetings or whatever career path you’ve mapped out for me.”
“You think swimming laps in a pool is a career?” His scoff was sharp, practiced. “You’re throwing away everything I’ve taught you, everything you went to school for.”
“I’m not you,” I snapped, the words rising like a wave I couldn’t stop. “I’ve spent years trying to do what you wanted. I’m done. I want to compete in the Olympics.” I took a big breath and dove into what I had feared telling him for so long. “And I want to write. Tocreate worlds readers can’t help but fall into.” I paused and swallowed, gearing myself up for whatever his reaction would be. “And I don’t care if it doesn’t fit into your definition of success—it matters to me.”
“Writing?” he asked, like he must have misunderstood me. “What are you talking about?”
“Yes, writing.” I started to pace in front of the tank, mimicking Sapphire’s back-and-forth movements. “I’ve been writing a book, and readers love it. I think I have a real shot at making it something I could do as a career. And as for swimming, that will always be a part of my life. Even after the Olympics, I will still be swimming.”
“Is this a joke?” he asked incredulously.
“No.” My voice was firm. “I’m more serious and determined than I’ve ever been. I’m going to be an author, and I’m going to keep swimming.”
His voice dropped, icy. “You’ll regret this.”
“Maybe,” I said, my throat tight. “But at least they’ll bemyregrets.”
I hung up before he could reply, my hand shaking as I tossed my phone onto the couch.
The silence after was deafening, but after countless years, I felt lighter.
Like I’d finally broken the surface and taken a full breath.
CHAPTER 24
LIVVI
The next morning, I couldn’t stop replaying last night in my head. The way Talon’s hand had lingered a second too long when he’d passed me a plate. The warmth in his eyes when he’d laughed. The almost-kiss—how close we’d been, so close I had tasted the electricity.
And then, just as quickly, he’d pulled back. Like he hadn’t realized what he was doing. Or … that it was a mistake.
I told myself not to read too much into it, but the sting hadn’t faded. If he’d wanted to kiss me, he would have. Maybe all the warmth I’d felt was one-sided. Maybe I’d been fooling myself from the beginning.
Which was why, when I picked up my phone and opened my chat withTheWriteGuy, I did something I’d been avoiding.
ReadToLiv
Okay. I think I’m ready.
TheWriteGuy
For what?
My finger hovered over the send button for three solid seconds before I finally tapped it.
ReadToLiv
To meet. In person.