Page 115 of Counterfeit Connection

“What I did to you? Son, that pales in comparison to the thievery you and your mother pulled.”

“You would think that. You don’t need to talk. I want you to listen so there’s no misunderstanding what I’m about to say.”

“Good Lord, Griffin. So dramatic. Get on with it already.”

“Father, this will be the last time we speak. I’m done. We’re done. Even if I could forgive all the times you made me feel like I was nothing because I wasn’t Joseph, I can’t forgive what you did to Kaitlyn. She is the most exquisite human being to ever walk this earth. The only thing that surpasses her intelligence is her purity of spirit. She makes everyone around her better simply because she exists. You broke that spirit by callously putting her body on display.

“I thought I wasn’t worthy of her because I let it happen.Youmade it happen. You. It may have started as a ruse, but I knew from the moment I kissed her it was going to be forever for me, even if it wasn’t for her. I’m going to get her back, no matter what it takes. You’ve destroyed enough and now you’ve lost what was left. Because you’re my father, I will always love you. Goodbye.”

I give him no room to speak, no room for guilt.

I hang up the phone and tilt back in my chair. My body feels riddled with anxiety, but lighter at the same time.

“Well done, Shaw. Brilliant.”

My head rotates slowly toward Jason’s voice. “How much of that did you hear?”

“Every word. I know you don’t need it, but you have my full support.”

“Good to know, because I could use your help.”

Chapter 36

Kaitlyn

I’ve had a couple of those nights in a row where I wake up at three in the morning for no reason. I do believe sometimes it is the angels talking to you, but I have a feeling this was more about my body still feeling like it wanted to be on London time. Today, I woke up reaching out to what would have been his side of the bed. I would have sworn the bed was warm.

After trying to fall back to sleep for a couple of hours, I reached for my laptop that was plugged up on the floor. I found a couple of emails in my Orion account from Tobias and one from Bianca. I don’t know why, but the one from Bianca scares me, so I leave it unread.

I finish all the work Tobias had for me and toss my laptop to the end of the bed. The thump wakes an irritated Marilyn. “I’msorry, baby. Come here.” I pat the pillow next to me. She yawns with a big stretch then brings her fluffy body over to me. This cat is the world’s second best cuddler. She used to be my number one. Now that spot is vacant.

The warmth of her body actually lulls me back to sleep for a while. Next thing I know, I hear a gentle knock at my bedroom door before it opens with a gentle squeak. “Kait?”

“Hey, Gilly.” My eyes focus toward the doorway.

“Jason couldn’t sleep so he made a huge breakfast. Can I convince you to come eat with us?”

I sigh a little and sit up, pulling my blankets back. “He’s back? I mean, I don’t know. I don’t really feel like eating.”

“Honey. Your behind is shrinking by the day and you didn’t have a lot to begin with.”

“Gee thanks.” I giggle a little.

“See. That’s better. I’ve missed your laugh. Care for some company before you make me happy?”

“Sure. Climb in.” Gilly pads over quickly, cuddling up with me and Marilyn. “I feel bad. You and Jason have your own home and lives. Joey’s out of his routine.”

“I’m fine. Jason is fine. Joseph is fine. Trust me. I need to make sure you’re fine.”

I snuggle on her shoulder. “Fine is a relative term.”

“I don’t want you to hide here forever.”

“I’m not hiding. I’m healing.”

Gillian strokes my hair softly. “Pixie, I think you’re doing a little of both and more of one than the other.” I feel her take a deep breath. “Do you trust me?”

My head pops up slowly. “What does that mean?”

---