Page 116 of Forever Cursed

“Well, I’m deeply honored. You deserve it, son. You deserve a lot more than I ever provided you.” His voice cracks. “Listen, I found a job that provides good health insurance. I’m finally getting the care I need.”

“That’s great.”

“Care that you said time and time again I needed to get. You were always there, even when you shouldn’t have been. You know me, I hate talking about my feelings, but this is important. I was wrong to fault you for what happened. It’s not your fault she left.”

It’s not your fault she left.

Tears stream down my face, and I’m left trying to control them so I’m not a blubbering mess in the middle of the hall. For so long, I’ve waited for something,anything, to provide closure on that chapter of my life, and Dad just gave it to me.

“We’ll never know why she did it, but I’m tired of dwelling in the past.”

“Me too,” I say before I sniffle.

“I want to be there for you, Rome. I want to make up for all the time we lost while I was stuck in my head. It was wrong of me to place it all on you. You were just a kid.”

“It’s okay?—”

“I’m not asking for forgiveness. This is something I have to prove to you, and I want to start by being there for you. But only if you want me to be.”

“I do. Ireallydo.”

“Thank you. I’ll make you proud. I promise. Now, get out there and celebrate your win. I love you, son.”

“I love you too, Dad.”

I took a moment to compose myself and dry my tears before peeling myself off the wall.

Finding the crew is easy because not only are they loud, they stand out among the lingering fans because they’re my family. I could spot them from miles away if I had to.

I take a few steps forward, and Chrissy lifts her head, meeting my gaze. Not wasting a moment, she leaps off the ledge she was sitting on and runs toward me. I remove my hands from my pockets before she crashes into my chest, jumping into my arms and embracing me with all her strength.

“There’s my girl,” I mumble.

She nuzzles into my neck. I close my eyes and breathe in her delicious scent. After a few kisses against my throat that leave my stomach in butterflies, she pulls back and smiles warmly.

“What’s wrong?” she asks while trailing her fingertips under my eyes.

“I’ll tell you later. For now, want to hear some good news?” I ask as I admire her expression.

“Spill it.” She snickers and leans in closer.

I lean in also, pretending like this is a big secret. “You’re looking at the new captain of the Castle Brook football team.”

“Fucking finally!” she squeals and goes back to hugging me, almost squeezing the life out of me. “I’m so proud of you,” she whispers in my ear before kissing my cheek. “So, so proud of you.”

That’s really all I’ve ever wanted. I wanted Chrissy for so long. For months, the thought of having someone like her was merely a dream. I didn’t think I was worthy, but she helped rewire my brain and showed me the truth.

I squeeze her back, hoping she knows just how important she is to me.

“Are you going to hog him all night?” Max whines from somewhere nearby.

I open my eyes and smile when I find our little family approaching us. Gwen has her hands clasped, and she’s jumping up and down, clearly trying to contain herself. Ash and Zack just smile at me. I’m surprised to see Max. I knew the others were coming, but I thought Max had to work.

“Good to see you, Lawyer Man,” I say.

“Dude, you were amazing! Mom and Dad won’t stop blowing up my phone. They wanted me to tell you that you’re pro material. They can’t wait to meet you tomorrow,” Zack tells me.

“I appreciate that, and I look forward to meeting them.”

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