“They aren’t the Wings though, or even the Bruins for that matter, but whatever. Maybe you’ll get traded.”
“I have time. They can still come for me.”
“Doubt it.”
Letting out a breath, I wonder why I even answer his calls. “Why did you call again?”
“To talk about the teams,” he says. “But if you’re busy, I’ll let you go.”
“It’s not that. It just seems like you’re being a jerk when your son is going into the NHL, and that seems a little insane to me.”
“I don’t see myself being a jerk, Jude Mitchell, I see it as pushing you. I want what is best for you, and the best is not those four teams.”
“That’s only your opinion. I think they are all Stanley Cup-winning teams. That’s awesome.”
“Maybe in your eyes, but I want more for you. Which reminds me–” he says before pausing “–are you still seeing that girl?”
My skin breaks out in gooseflesh. Why is he asking about Claire? “Claire,” I say, reminding him of her name. “Yes, I am.”
“Hmm. I don’t know about her. I feel like I know her from somewhere.”
“I don’t know how, but it doesn’t matter because she’s great, amazing. I love her.”
He scoffs. “What the hell do you know of love, Jude? Nothing. It’s not even a real thing.”
I pause, my heart clanking against my chest. “So you don’t love me? Mom, Jayden, Lucy, Angie, or Jace?”
“Of course I do, but that’s different. What you’re feeling right now is lust, and enjoy that, but don’t get all wrapped up in this girl to where your game starts to suffer. I’ll be watching you, Jude Mitchell. Don’t let her ruin you.”
I don’t know why I let him bother me, why I even care. But that pisses me off to the point of no return. Claire wouldn’t do that. She loves me. “She won’t ruin me. She’s changed me. Made me a better person.”
“You’re still the same person – you’re just trying to impress her for some ass, Jude. Don’t lie to me or yourself. You’re exactly like me. We aren’t made for that stuff and I got stuck. Don’t get stuck, and don’t tell your mother I said that. It’ll piss her off. I love your mother, but that took a long time for me to realize. Don’t make my mistakes. Go into the NHL, enjoy life, and leave her behind. She’
ll hold you back.”
I feel like he’s kicked me in the gut. Who says this to their kid? Doesn’t he want me to be happy? “I have changed, Dad. I’m nowhere near the kind of person you are, and I know that loving someone is not a mistake. Not when they lift you up instead of holding you back. Don’t talk about Claire, my mother, or anyone I love like that. You are lucky to be loved by Mom ’cause God knows you don’t deserve it. I’m going to go into the NHL, and I’m going to do it with Claire beside me. I’m going to be the best player in the world ’cause not only am I a badass player but I’m loved by her.”
He laughs and it makes my skin crawl. “Keep dreaming, kid. You’ll end up with kids and a wife and no NHL in no time.”
I don’t even know what to say. I’m so hurt, so fucking mad. Ending the call, I drop my phone before falling onto my back and squeezing my eyes shut. I don’t know why I let him affect me. Why I even listen to him. He’s a fucking jerk. He doesn’t love me, or anyone but himself for that matter. When everyone realizes this – and leaves him – he’ll die an old, sad man with no one, while all of us are happy and loved. That thought alone has me calming down. His words are like rocks and meant to shatter me, but I won’t allow him that power. I know what I have. I know who I am and what I can accomplish. I can do anything I put my mind to, but with Claire encouraging and giving me her love, I can do it ten times better.
Somehow I think she knew I needed her because my phone dings with a message.
Claire: Just got done with my second class and I find myself watching the clock, hoping it tells me it’s time to meet you downstairs. I miss you.
Smiling, I text her back.
Me: I miss you. I just took a nap, but was woken up by my dad calling. Jerk.
Claire: Ew. Is he being a meanie?
Me: He always is.
Claire: Want to talk about it?
Me: Ur busy, we can talk later.
I wait for her reply but then a picture of her and me kissing comes up because she’s calling me.