“I know. I’m just putting it out there in case you do.” He rises to his feet and places a hand on my shoulder. “You are my son, no matter what DNA tests say.”
I wiggle him away. “Sappy doesn’t suit you.”
“I figured as much.” He chuckles, the sound rare and I know it shouldn’t be taken for granted. Lewis Knight doesn’t laugh, at least not genuinely. He doesn’t stand there and offer his hand without expecting something in return.
For the first time in forever, I stare at him through a different lens.
He’s my dad.
While I respect Calvin, Lewis is my dad.
All biological ties be damned.
With that thought, I ask him something I would never ask of other people.
Kim is right, I’m too proud to ask for things. Help, for instance, or a brake to put on my life that’s spiralling out of control.
“Can you stop her?”
“I’ll do everything in my might,” he tells me.
“What if you can’t?”
“Worst-case scenario, we all have to leave the country.”
“Calvin, too?”
“Especially Calvin. He works for the diplomatic circuit and that’s even more scrutinised than politics. No scandals are allowed.”
“Shit.”
“I know, but we have to think about the worst-case scenario. I can always give her money, but she will never stop. Besides, I won’t deal with someone who threatens you.”
“Thanks…I guess.”
“No sarcasm this time?” He smiles.
“Don’t get used to it.”
He squeezes my shoulder. “I need you to focus on you now. Think about that program.”
“Fuck.”
“Fuck indeed, young man. This situation will not go on.”
And the dick Lewis is back. Good to see you again, Dad.
“Kim is worried about you,” he says.
I lift a brow. “Since when are you and Kim pen pals?”
“I told her the other day to tell me if she needs anything. I found her pacing in front of her house earlier and once she saw me, she ran to me and said these exact words, ‘You said to tell you if I need anything, and I do. Whatever you have to give me, give it to Xan. He needs help as much as I do; he’s just too proud to admit it. So don’t give up on him. One day he’ll look back and thank you for it and I will, too.’”
35
Kimberly
I can’t stay still.