Page 111 of The Way We Collide

“It’s so nice to meet you!” Her hand is on my chest, and at least somebody in this house is friendly and warm. “I’ve missed my Haddy boo-boo so much. She’s just my little squishy baby—yes, she is!”

Mimi wrinkles her nose, shaking her head in Haddy’s face, and my daughter lets out the loudest squeal. I chuckle, but her grandfather recoils.

“Honestly, Amelia.” He puts a hand on his chest. “Must you make her scream like that?”

“She’s just happy, Pappy!”

“Don’t call me Pappy.”

“You got it, Pops!”

“Amelia.” His tone is sharp, but neither of his daughters seem particularly intimidated by the tall, elderly gentleman before me.

I’m not completely sold on the guy, but their attitudes soften me. Still, I remember what Raven said about her mother, how she used to be treated, and how her father never stood up forher. So while he might be okay eventually, I’m ready to have her back when she needs me.

Amelia, on the other hand, leans into Raven. “I’ll take her to my room so y’all can do whatever you need to do. Come find me.”

Raven slides her hand down Haddy’s little arm, passing the purple bag to her sister then turning to face her father again. “How haveyoubeen, Dad?”

His expression relaxes as Amelia leaves with the baby, and he takes a step toward the large window at the back of the room.

“I’ve been better,” he sniffs. “I know you aren’t interested in what we do here, but you could come around a little more. At least you could call once in a while. Pretend to care.”

Her gaze slides to mine, and I can tell she’s holding back an eye roll.Pity-party much?“I do care, Dad. I just don’t like being manipulated.”

“Who’s manipulating you?” His tone is offended. “Is it manipulation for a father to want the best for his daughter? Is it manipulation to want my family close in my old age?”

Her jaw tightens, and I take a step forward, between them. “It’s true, my job keeps her away from home.” Clearing my throat, I put my hand on Raven’s shoulder. “But Raven talks about you and this place all the time. She cares about her family.”

It’s not a lie. She’s told me things about him, things she wished she didn’t care about, and it seriously pissed me off. I’m ready to find my baby girl and take them both out of here, but I’m trying to let Raven lead—at least until her business is settled.

The man’s brown eyes search my face, and he takes a beat. “I’ve watched you play, young man. You’re very talented.”

“Thank you.”

“I believe I read you’re originally from south Alabama?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Perhaps you’ll consider moving back to this area in the future.”

My brow lowers. “Eventually, I’m sure I’ll move back to Newhope, but we’re pretty set where we are.”

Raven puts her hand on my arm. “Hendrix’s career plans aren’t up for discussion. We came here to settle my business, so if you would just let me know what I need to do…”

“I don’t understand the rush.” Her dad glances from her to me.

“Hendrix has a game, and I have work.” I don’t like her explaining herself to him.

I don’t like thismanipulation, which is exactly the right word regardless of how he tries to spin it. He should understand her needs and cooperate, make it easier not harder.

Instead, he walks over to the table where a few envelopes are lying. “Donald is the trustee. He’ll want documentation that you’ve met the requirements your mother outlined…”

He glances up at Larry, whose expression is tight. Raven doesn’t seem to notice, but I don’t like these two exchanging glances. I don’t like Larry’s judgmental sneer.

I’m having a hard time not grabbing that guy by the collar and telling him to get the fuck out.Why is he even here?

“I sent the official papers to you and Donald three months ago,” Raven notes.

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