Page 176 of Return Policy

Awesome

Mark

You doing okay?

A frustrated breath escapes me, guilt settling in my stomach for even considering sharing my game day anxieties with him. It’s like I’m replacing my dad, and that thought alone makes me not want to reply at all…

My mind wanders to the last promise I made Dad before he passed.

“Come here,” Dad says, holding out his hand as he lies in the hospital bed. I slide mine in his cold palm, and he squeezes it weakly. The strongest man I know, withering to nothing before my damn eyes. “There’s gonna be a day here soon… when I can’t be the one to catch you when you fall.”

“Don’t talk like that. You’re gonna get better.”

“No,” Dad croaks, tears brimming his eyes. “I’m not. I’ve made peace with that. And I need you to as well.”

“No, Dad, I—”

“Please, just listen to me, son…” He interrupts my pleas. “I know Mark’s made his mistakes. But I also know that he deserves to know you.”

“Come on, I—”

“I want you to meet him after I pass.”

“Why? I don’t need another dad. You’re my dad.” Tears blur my vision.

“I know that.” He swallows hard. “I’m just asking you to meet him. Give him a chance. I don’t want you to be alone.”

“I’m not alone,” I snap. “I have Mama and Abbs and Nama. I’m fine. Why do I need him?”

“Elijah,” he says breathlessly, his hazel eyes boring into mine. “When you grow up, you’re gonna realize that even your parents aren’t perfect. Mama and I have made our mistakes too… Please, let me go meet the Lord knowing that my boy’s family is growing, not dwindling. You deserve to be surrounded by people that love you. And I know he’ll love you. So I’m begging you, just give him a chance. Can you do that for me, Buck?”

“Yes,” I manage out between sobs. “I can do that for you, Dino.”

We’re almost at the stadium, and time’s running out as I contemplate which answer to send. Theeverything’s goodlie or theI might just kill that motherfucker when I get my hands on himtruth.

I settle for the middle ground.

Me

Just praying I can keep my temper in check.

Mark

You will. Keep a level head and show that idiot you’re the bigger man. We’ll handle him legally. Love you

Me

Love you too.

You deserve to be surrounded by people that love you. And I know he’ll love you.

* * *

“Alright, boys,” Noah shouts as we’re all huddled on the side of the field before the start of the game. “We’re going to go out there and kick AU’s ass. One, because we’re the better team. And two, because they’re a bunch of asshole licking pricks.” The guys chuckle, and Noah winks at me. “Let’s make sure we have a reason to celebrate ringing in the new year tonight!”

The huddle erupts in shouts and howls.

“Stingrays on three!” Noah shouts over the noise. “One, two—”

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