Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 73940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 370(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 246(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 370(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 246(@300wpm)
I didn’t hate my dad. I never did. And I couldn’t imagine not taking this apology from him.
“It’s ok, I’m past that.” I offered him a smile. “Just at least make it to my graduation.”
“Of course, Ryan. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Jay gave a happy squeal. Even though my dad had been an archnemesis to him, he still stepped in to help our relationship. If that didn’t prove he had a heart of gold, then I didn’t know what would.
We still weren’t out of the woods yet, though.
“What about the drilling project?” I asked him. As much warmth as this moment filled me with, there was a lingering icy cold lining to it.
He sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “It’s quite a lot to consider right now.” There was a waver in his voice. “I can’t… I can’t give an answer to that question.”
“Dad,” I started, ready to push the topic again.
But it was Jay who put a hand on my lower back. He looked at me and slowly shook his head.
“It’s ok.” Jay said.
But it wasn’t. Yes, my relationship with my father stepped away from the edge of a steep cliff, but that didn’t solve the very issue we had come to this beach for.
“Ryan, my eyes have been opened today. I need time. I also can’t make any promises right now. There are stake holders and contracts to consider. But I will see what I can do.”
Music kicked up behind us. A queen was about to take to the stage. The protest had begun.
My dad looked over my shoulder then back at us. “Is there still a seat available for the protest?”
My eyes opened wide in shock. Jay made an incomprehensible sound next to me. Like he choked on a drink. “What?” I asked, unsure if maybe I’d misheard him.
“For the protest, is there a seat?”
Okay, now I was getting confused. Did my dad want to celebrate reconciling with me? Because we could do that at a restaurant, not here. “The media’s here, Dad. You’re wearing business attire. You’ll stick out. People are instantly going to talk.”
“It’s ok, I can handle it.”
My jaw dropped so fast it nearly cracked in half. Jay stumbled over his words before he got out an “Excuse me?”
My dad smiled at him. “A lot’s changed today. I still have quite a bit to think over. But if I do end up pulling my funding then the project is dead in the water. Sorry, too soon?”
“So that’s where Ryan gets his dad jokes from,” Jay said, laughing.
My dad joined in. I blinked a couple of times, expecting this all to wipe away and reveal itself as a sweet and surreal kind of dream.
But it wasn’t. We were all still here. “Are you sure?” I asked.
“Yes, yes I am.”
“Thank you, Dad.” I went for another hug. This was the man I knew my dad to be. A compassionate and caring soul, with a few clear faults, but none that he denied or hid.
He was back to being my hero.
Jay nodded enthusiastically. “Then let’s get you a seat. Just go let our stage manager know. Her name’s Maddy. She’s the one over there in the blue shirt.”
“It was great to meet you, Jay. I’d like to invite you over tonight for a dinner. No drama, no police. Just family.”
“I’d love that,” Jay said, my hand back in his. “Thank you.”
“Thank you,” he said.
“And, Ry, I’m sorry for the words I said in my office. It’s impossible for you to be a failure. You’re my proudest accomplishment. And I believe you can conquer anything you set your mind to. I’m excited to see you follow your dreams. Excited to see the magic you bring to your video games.”
“Dad, I’m… thank you.”
My dad gave us both another appreciative and loving look before he went to speak with Maddy, who momentarily seemed shocked as all hell that Chris Redpine currently strode toward her. Heads in the gathered crowd start to turn. They were all going to be just as shocked when he took a seat amongst them.
“Well, that shit was wild,” Jay said, letting out a whooshing breath and a laugh.
I shook my head, trying to believe it was all real. “You’re telling me.” I turned to him, still holding his hand. I put my other on his hip. “I’m so glad my dorm flooded and I had to room with you, even if you were a little grumpy at first. Because now I get to do this.” I pulled him close to me and kissed him, dipping him backward. He sighed into the kiss, his arms loosely wrapping around my shoulders.
“I love you so, so, soo much,” Jay said, looking up into my eyes. I could see entire galaxies reflected back. I wanted to visit each and every one of them.