That she’d be waiting for me?
That after everything my family did, everythingIdid, Tiff would somehow have space for me?
That no one else would see her?
That Ella wouldn’t grow attached to a man who actually shows up?
The door swings open behind me, and I straighten, ready to bolt until I catch a glimpse of Honey. With her phone pressed to her ear and her face pinched with tension, she talks in the familiar, short, clipped tones. I immediately know it’s her father on the other end of that call.
She flicks her hair over her shoulder, and for one stupid second, I remember the feel of it slipping through my fingers. Once upon a time, we were supposed to be the ones to get married. Our parents planned our entire lives, and now she’s pretty much engaged to the guy I tormented in high school. The guy who stood up and raisedmydaughter while I was busy doing fuck-all, clueless about her existence.
God, I’m a fucking mess.
“Yes, Father. I just need to finalize the dates. I have classes until the end of the month, but I’d like to come up for a weekend beforehand so we can talk.”
There’s a pause, and I watch her shoulders slump. “You know what we need to talk about. The Nicks case…”
The Nicks case? As in my family?
“I don't care if it's complicated. Tiff deserves better than this legal limbo—Yes, I understand client confidentiality, but that wasn’t in the agreement—Fine. We'll discuss it when I'm home.”
She hangs up, muttering something under her breath before turning and then going back inside.
For a split second, our eyes could meet if she glanced toward the parking lot or if I called her name. I could try to explain everything to her and get her to vouch for me like I know she would, but I don’t.
Instead, I turn and walk quickly to my car, sliding into the driver’s seat before she can spot me. I stare at them through the window for a few seconds, wondering if I made the right decision.
Honey is the only person in their world who understands mine, too.
But I can’t use her. Not for something this big.
Tiff needs to make her own choice about me and the letter. Using people she cares about to influence her decision is exactly what my father would do, and I’m better than that… at least I’m trying to be.
The ugly, unavoidable truth is that I’m a pathetic excuse for a man, let alone a father. I’ve got no job, no prospects, or family support. I’m just a guy hoping a girl I only met once will see past all that and give me a chance to be a better person.
Sighing, I start the engine and make my way back to the hotel.
Seven days down, forever to go.
Chapter 6
“A double hot chocolate and strawberry milkshake for the princess,” Reese declares, sliding the pink drink across the table with an exaggerated flourish. Ella giggles, clutching it with both hands, and although it’s sweet that he got her that, all I can think about is how hyper she’s going to be after finishing it.
Reese gives me a wink as he sets down a tiny cup in front of me. “And one espresso for the queen.”
“Thank you,” I say, already reaching for my purse, but his hand comes down gently over mine.
“It’s on me.”
I sigh, feeling the unease knot in my stomach. I know he’s trying to be nice, but that doesn’t make me feel any less inferior.Ever since Zach convinced me to quit my library job so I could focus on school, I’ve noticed people covering for me more and more. Reese is no exception, and I don’t want him to ever feel like I’m taking advantage of him. He’s done too much for me and Ella.
“Reese—”
He raises his hand, shaking his head. “Please. If I don’t spend it on you two, I’ll probably spend it on something stupid… like tickets to a hockey game.”
He shuffles into the booth next to Chris and gives him a wink.
Chris snorts, leaning back against the booth. “Yeah, because heaven forbid you spend money on arealsport for once.”