A Redo (Sterling Shore 6)

“Wren, it’s late and—”

I cut her off before she says anything else. “Yeah. It is. Unless I’m disturbing Angel, I suggest you let me finish so I can get out of your hair.”

She gasps as though she’s shocked, and I shake my head while pushing to my feet quickly. I never get pissed. Ever. But I’m pissed right now.

I stalk over to her until she has no room and no choice but to look up into my eyes with her sleepy gaze when her back hits the glass door.

“You don’t get to shut me out, Allie. Not ever. We have a daughter together, and yes, I fucked up, but I deserve the right to apologize and try to fix a mistake.”

She starts to speak, but I cut her off again. “You slammed the door in my face. I realize I can’t make up for six years of missing her life. I can’t apologize enough for what I did to you seven years ago, but that doesn’t get to affect Angel’s future. Tonight my daughter went to bed without hearing the apology I came to give her. Not just you. She went to bed without hearing me tell her I’d make it up to her. You didn’t just slam the door on my face, you slammed it in hers. At least I can own my fucking mistakes. You’re too busy staying bitter and holding your nose at such a high angle that you can’t even see that you’re just as human as me.”

Her eyes water, but I turn away, refusing to let them affect me. Erica always made me feel bad for defending myself by spewing tears. I was never allowed to be mad because she was madder. But this is not a relationship like that. And this time I have a daughter who deserves more than for me to just take it.

“You’re right,” she says as I sit back down. That definitely grabs my attention, forcing me to look up at her as she wipes away a tear.

She stands taller, clearing her throat of any emotion, before continuing. “I’m sorry for losing my temper. I’m used to isolating Angel from the rest of my life to keep anyone from hurting her. So I acted rash, and I did like I usually do. Good night. Don’t forget you’re picking her up Sunday for your time with her. Have her home by eight.”

Breathing out heavily, I watch her walk back inside. My life is a ball of chaos these days, and I’m used to more control. With Allie, I lose that control more every damn day.

Chapter 11

WREN

“So everything is better?” Tag asks while lowering down to the chair next to me, watching the waves roll over the beach.

“It’s not better,” I grumble. “But my relationship with Angel is good. I bought her a cell phone after the whole fiasco so that I can at least call her if Allie cuts me off like she did the other day. And I bought myself a new one, too—finally. Should have done that the first day it messed up. I haven’t seen Allie for more than a few minutes since the big blow up five days ago. She’s cordial and smiles, but brisk in her interactions with me.”

“Probably for the best,” Tag says, not sounding entirely convinced.

“Why don’t I believe you?”

He laughs lightly while running a hand through his hair.

“Because you know me as well as I know you. Everyone said you couldn’t seem to keep your eyes off her any time you were in a room together, and that you did all you could to stay out of the room with her.”

Damn nosy bastards.

I start to speak, but then decide to let it pass. Tag knows me well enough to know when I’m lying.

My phone rings, and I juggle it free, swiping the screen and answering a little panicked when I see it’s Angel’s new number.

“What’s wrong?” I ask, my breaths already labored.

Christ. Why am I panicking?

“Mommy was supposed to be here at one to check in for career day, but she’s late, and she’s not answering her phone. I’ll look bad if no one shows up for career day. Can you come?”

Grabbing Tag’s wrist, I glance at his watch to see it’s ten after one, and I rush inside his house, ignoring his panicked expression as he follows me. Everyone’s panicking over a phone call.

I really need to get the hang of this fatherhood stuff.

I grab the first dark blazer out of his closet that matches my jeans and pale blue T-shirt, and I pull it on while walking out the door.

“Yeah, Angel. I’m five minutes away. I’ll be right there.”

“You go on at two. You only have to talk for twenty minutes. Please hurry.”

I smile while promising her I’m on my way, and I hang up while looking back at Tag and Ash who have followed me outside.