Page 50 of The Billionaire's Catch

He hadn’t seen Alan since the accident, although not by choice. He’d called multiple times, paid all his medical fees and outfitted the younger man’s home to accommodate his new situation. Yet no matter how many times he asked, Alan brushed him off. Now his presence sent anguish through his heart.

But he couldn’t let it show. He plastered a smile to his face. “Alan, how are you?”

Alan smiled back, and somehow it seemed genuine. It couldn’t be, not with all he’d lost. “Actually, I’m doing okay.”

Jason nodded, with no words to reply. How do you say you’re sorry for destroying a future? How do you face one of the most promising ballplayers never being able to play again?

“You don’t believe me.”

Jason jerked. Alan gazed at him, his expression serene, calm, like before the accident. Or, perhaps, somehow more? Jason cleared his throat. “Of course, I believe you.”

“No, you don’t.” Alan wheeled himself closer with his still strong arms. “I should’ve said this right after the accident, but I just couldn’t bear to see you.”

Pain sliced through Jason. “We don’t have to talk if you’re uncomfortable. I understand if you hold me responsible.”

“Of course, I don’t hold you responsible.” The denial was strong, vehement and nonnegotiable. “There’s only one person at fault here, and that’s me. I didn’t avoid you because I blamed you, but because I blamed myself. Both for the accident and how you’ve been vilified. When you refused to comment, the press came up with the juiciest version they could – that you, the star catcher, was somehow responsible.”

Dara inched closer to Jason. She grasped his hand, bringing warmth, comfort and strength.

“I don’t usually remember a whole lot when I drink, but I recall that night perfectly. Maybe because of all that happened, but every last detail is burned in my mind.” Alan’s tone was calm, without accusation, without anger, without incrimination. “Despite what the papers said, you didn’t push drinks on me. You may have bought them, but I made the decision to drink. I could’ve easily stopped like you did. I remember you leaving to call for a ride. I also remember getting impatient and grabbing – no, stealing – your keys while you were gone.” He looked away. “I took the Ferrari without permission. You almost fell from the car while it was moving.”

Jason opened his mouth, but Alan stopped him with a raised hand. “To my inebriated mind, the school bus appeared out of nowhere, but I swerved into their lane. They were a bunch of elementary kids arriving home from a day at the theme parks. If you hadn’t yelled…” His voice broke, as the first bit of emotion finally came. But still no incrimination, and no anger, at least not toward Jason. “It’s a miracle I didn’t kill someone that night. After the accident, I did a lot of soul searching. I might have been an amazing athlete, but inside I was anything but amazing. If the accident taught me anything, it’s the type of man I want to be. I plan to spend the rest of my life atoning for what I did.” Now he met Jason’s gaze straight on. “I’m sorry for everything I did and everything I didn’t do. You risked your life to rescue me and ended up saving dozens of kids. You don’t deserve to be blamed – you deserved to be celebrated.”

“No.” Jason’s voice was barely above a whisper, with all the guilt and anger and self-recrimination the other man lacked. “I shouldn’t have let you drink so much. I should’ve cut you off and made sure you didn’t drive.”

“You can’t control everything.” Alan countered softly. “I wouldn’t have listened. You couldn’t have known I’d steal your keys.”

Dara squeezed Jason’s hand. Instead of anger, only understanding burned in her gaze. “It’s not your fault,” she whispered.

Jason breathed deeply. For the first time, he allowed himself to consider whether he really deserved all the self-condemnation, all the guilt. The future that vanished overnight.

“You haven’t moved on, and that’s my fault.” Alan spoke again. “It may be too late, but I’m going to do what I should’ve done that night. The world will soon know the truth.”

The blood drained from Jason’s face. “That’s not necessary.”

“Yes, it is,” Alan said firmly. “Before I came here, I called the media and shared the true story. By tomorrow, it should be all over the news. I’m finally doing what’s right. It’s time for me to accept the consequences of my actions.”

Jason opened his mouth to retort when the door opened to reveal a petite woman with countless freckles and a friendly smile. She walked straight to Alan, and he beamed when he saw her. “Jason, I’d like you to meet Lucy.”

Jason smiled as he remembered the “annoying friend” Alan grumbled over during that fateful night. He reached out and shook her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Lucy gave a warm grin. “You, too. Alan told me what a wonderful friend you are.”

“Lucy’s been amazing.” Alan took the woman’s hand. “She’s stood by me through everything, even when I didn’t deserve it. She’s the reason I have a new perspective in life. The future is different than I imagined, but I do have one.” He squeezed Lucy’s fingers. “My lawyer said I could fight the charges, but I told him no. I confessed to the judge and took full responsibility. Because it was my first offence and no one else got hurt, I received probation and no jail time. Not that I didn’t deserve it, but I swear I’m going to make the most of my second chance. I’m planning to visit schools to talk about the dangers of drinking and driving, maybe even write a book, with all the proceeds going to victims. I’m hoping my story can prevent another accident.”

“That’s wonderful.” Beyond so, to where words didn’t exist. Alan may have lost something that night, but he’d also grown up. Not only had he taken responsibility, but he was using the experience to do good. “I hope you won’t keep me away anymore.”

“No way, man.” Alan held out his hand. “You won’t be able to get rid of me. Sorry for the attention you’ll get, but at least it’ll be good this time.”

Jason reached down and gave him a handshake… and then a hug. “I’m really glad you’ve turned your life around.”

“Me too.” Alan winked at the woman he clearly adored. “We better go. I have a meeting to attend.” With a last nod, he bid them goodbye, with the promise to get together soon.

Jason turned to the woman he loved. “Thank you,” he said softly. “I figure you had something to do with this.”

Dara shrugged. “He was ready to come. He just needed to find the right time and place.” She exhaled slowly. “Why didn’t you tell me the truth about what happened?”

How could he explain the guilt that had engulfed him since that fateful night? “Even if I didn’t do exactly what the newspapers said, it still felt like my fault. If I hadn’t been there, the accident wouldn’t have happened.”

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