Page 84 of Rebound

I let go and weep with my father. I cry for the scared boy he must have been. I cry for the broken man who’s made himself a prisoner for over a decade because he could no longer face what he had been through. I cry for myself and for dealing with the consequences of what happened to my father. We both stand there and cry for what could have been hours.

“I promise I’m going to get better so I can come to Manhattan and visit.” He sounds hopeful and lets out a laugh.

“I’d really like that,” I say, meaning it.

“And then, I want to come to one of your games, but that might take a little bit longer.” He sounds sheepish, and I can feel him tense in my arms. I wonder if he’s waiting for me to remind him he’s never made the effort before, and he shouldn’t bother.

“The games will be there when you’re ready,” is all I say, and he sighs with relief. He steps out of my arms and gestures for me to sit on the bed. When I do, he sits next to me and takes my hands again.

“I’m proud of you, Seth,” he says. “You’ve always been such a good boy and an even better son. I would have died a long time ago without you. Thank you for not turning your back on me because I know it’s what I deserve, but I’ve always needed you. You’re the best thing I’ve ever done.”

“Dad,” I say. I manage to pull my hands from his and throw an arm across his shoulders. He rests his head on my shoulder. “I’m so sorry. I haven’t been that good. I’ve been awful to you, but if I had known—”

“I didn’t want you to know. Ever. I would have spent the rest of my life without you knowing, but Dr. Reynolds said telling you would help me. And you’ve been so angry with me. Don’t apologize to me for anything, Seth. Like I said, you’re the best son I could have asked for. I love you a lot, Son.”

Chapter 52

Layla

Pete lies on the couch in the living room on his back, snoring as loud as I imagine a drunken sailor snores. Jasmine is in the crib Seth brought down from upstairs, fast asleep and oblivious to her grandfather’s snoring. While they sleep, I prepare snacks and a drink for Seth. After he explained, with Pete’s permission, what they talked about, it took me a good hour to get myself under control.

While he got Jasmine ready for bed, I filled the tub with bubble bath for him and ordered him in. I place everything on a tray and go upstairs. After putting the tray on the nightstand, I go into the bathroom and cackle at the sight before me.

“You had this house built so why didn’t you pick out bigger tubs?” I ask. He’s sitting there with his long arms wrapped around his knees looking completely ridiculous.

“I never took a bath before today, and I’m never taking one again.” I leave him and return with two champagne flutes.

I hand him one and sit on the edge of the tub.

“What are we celebrating?” he asks.

“Pete’s breakthrough and your awesomeness.” I tap my glass to his. He sits back and some of the water splashes me.

“Say you were wrong about me,” he orders.

“I was not wrong. Youwerea whore, but I will concede that I didn’t know everything about you.”

“Say you’re sorry,” he says.

“No way. You deserved everything I said.” I stick my nose in the air and sip my drink. He snatches the glass from me and drinks the rest. Before I can say a word, he snatches my wrist and pulls me into the tub. “You jerk!” I yell. His strong arms go around me and he pulls me between his legs. I give up all attempts to fight him off. I don’t even care about my hair getting wet as I sigh and rest my head on his wet chest.

“I really hate these ugly ass pajamas you wear,” he says. “All of them.”

“They’re hideous,” I agree. “But Gaga got them for me.”

He stays quiet, and I close my eyes as I enjoy the warm water and the strong arms protecting me from all the evils of the world.

“You should stick your hand in the water and pull my dick.” My eyes pop open, and I turn my head to look at him. He looks so serious as he nods his head.

“You pervert. I just told you something touching about my grandma, and you mention your dick?”

“Gaga has horrible taste in pajamas. That’s a fact. What does that have to do with you pulling on my dick?” He stands with me in his arms and steps out of the tub before putting me down. He pulls the wet clothes off, dries my body and wraps the big, fluffy towel around me.

“Come on,” I say, giving him my hand. “Let me take care of you tonight.” When we get to bed, I take off my towel and dry his body with it. Once he’s dry, he gets in the bed, and I put the tray of fruits and cheeses on his lap.

“Thank you,” he says before biting a strawberry. “I would kill for one of those chicken salad sandwiches you make.” Then he rolls his eyes and says, “I’m turning into my father.”

“Then I’ll go make you a couple.” I ignore the statement about his father and bend down to kiss his forehead. After putting on my robe, I leave the room to go make the sandwiches. Other than asking me to help raise Jasmine, this is only the second time he’s asked anything of me. I make three sandwiches and take them upstairs.

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