Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 77718 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 389(@200wpm)___ 311(@250wpm)___ 259(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77718 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 389(@200wpm)___ 311(@250wpm)___ 259(@300wpm)
I’ve gotten to know Brett a little better in the time Ares and I have been together. He’s a good man who made a lot of mistakes, but he doesn’t know how to make up for them. He reminds me a lot of my dad in that respect.
And, in some ways, Brett reminds me of myself—in the difficulty he has with alcohol. I understand that about him, which is something Ares never will. Only someone who has to deal with the addiction on a daily basis will understand.
I don’t understand how he could’ve chosen alcohol over his children. I know for sure that is one thing I would never do.
Brett is still sober, and this is the longest stretch. I think he’s in it for the long haul, like me. And, even though he’s sober and trying, his relationship with Ares is still difficult. But I think it always will be. Because Ares can’t find it in him to forgive him for failing them when they all needed him, and I do understand that.
Although I do forgive my dad for letting me down. My relationship with him is getting stronger each day. We’ve talked a lot. Mostly me about how I felt about his failings when I was younger. He’s listened. And he’s working on making up for it. Being a better father to me. There’s no magic fix, but we’re a hell of a lot closer than we once were.
I guess, in a not-so-nice way, what happened with Leo, was the catalyst to finally make my dad start talking to me, opening up.
Speaking of Leo, the police never did catch the people who beat his ass that night.
I heard he left New York and moved to San Francisco for a job there.
He didn’t have much of a career left here. My dad froze him out of the press for the Giants, and my dad knows all of the other teams’ coaches. After a few words in people’s ears, Leo was blocked out of their press access, too.
I can’t say I was sorry to see the lying, deceptive scumbag leave New York.
And I’m still sober, if you were wondering. I got my one-year chip a while back. I’m hoping to be a sponsor one day. Luke continues to be my sponsor, and I see him on the regular and go to weekly AA meetings. I still need Luke’s support as my sponsor and friend. He and Ares get along really well, too, which is great.
I still have moments from time to time where I think I need a drink, although not as often as they once used to be.
And Ares is there for every single one.
He’s my rock. My strength.
I look at him and remember all the reasons I don’t want to drink. All the reasons I need to stay sober.
I had my gallery showing, and it was a huge success. Ares insisted that we display our painting. So, I did. Of course, it wasn’t for sale, as it already had an owner. But it was right to see it there among my other paintings.
Moira was thrilled to see it hanging with my other art.
Everyone came that night to support me. Ares and my dad were there along with Missy, Lo, Zeus, Cam, and Kaden. Every member of the Giants team, including players and staff. Mary, my dad’s PA, came along with her husband, Ted.
Dec was there. It was because of him I had a place in the gallery. And there were all the industry insiders that Moira had invited.
I sold out of every painting that night.
Ares and I celebrated afterward in bed.
It was a really, really good night.
I’ve had two more gallery showings since then. Both equally as successful. I’m more and more in demand, meaning I’ve had to reduce my time on the shop floor at the gallery to spend more time painting.
Although I’m still painting out of my apartment. I could really do with a studio.
Music starts to play—an acoustic version of Rihanna’s “Umbrella.” Everyone stands and turns to watch the bride come down the aisle.
First down the aisle is Gigi; she’s holding Thea’s hand, who just recently started walking. They both look gorgeous. Just like their mom. They have on bridesmaid dresses in a striking shade of blue. The color reminds me of Ares’s eyes. The Kincaid eyes.
Gigi and Thea both have those striking blue eyes, and then I realize that Cam must have matched the color of the dresses to their eyes.
I can understand wanting to do that. I love Ares’s eyes. In a non-creepy way, of course.
Missy follows behind them, wearing the same color dress as the girls.
She catches my eyes and smiles at me. She graduated from Dartmouth and is in New York permanently. It’s good to have her home. We’ve gotten even closer over time. She’s like the sister I never had and always wanted.