Page 91 of Hot Receiver

We walk outside once everyone finishes up their coffee and donuts. Mom and the girls are back at my place. Dad only wanted me to come with him to the meeting. Today is probably the closest I’ve felt to him in years because I feel like he was finally honest with himself and with me, not to mention the strangers around us.

Maybe it’s wishful thinking, but I really believe he wants to get better.

He didn’t fight me a bit when I told him I wanted them all to move up here. Rusty’s break-in really shook him. Sometimes it takes a near tragedy to realize you need to make a major change.

I wasn’t about to let the girls go, and I told my parents that. Even with Rusty and his dim bulb of a brother in jail, there would be others. There are always other demons lurking. No way was I letting him fall back into old patterns with the girls as possible prey.

He didn’t fight me on it. At all. Gone was the stubborn ass who insisted he knew best and how he could provide for his family. He, Mom, and the girls moved into the house I bought them right on the edge of the city, a place where I know they’ll be safe. Zak had a connection at a local car restoration shop and was able to get my dad a job doing what he loves.

I, for one, am sick of losing time, time that can be spent doing normal family things with the people I love instead of me driving hours outside the city to throw cash at criminals who’re holding my dad and sister hostage.

I want them with me.

And they want that, too.

Wecanfix this.

“Zak’s therapist gave him a recommendation for someone who specializes in gambling addiction,” I say as we walk toward my truck. “I made you an appointment.”

“Thank you, son.” Dad lets out a breath. “I can’t believe I let things get this far. I still think about that crazy Rusty with a gun in your face, and it makes me sick to my stomach because I brought it onto you.”

“Yeah, well, you didn’t make it better, but let’s face it, Rusty was always a psycho motherfucker. He always hated me. This just gave him an excuse to come after me.”

“I don’t know what I would have done if I’d have lost you three.” Dad stops, all choked up, and tugs at my arm.

“But you didn’t. Don’t dwell on what could have happened. We’re all fine. You’re doing the right thing by moving here. You’re getting help. You and Mom are going to make a new life here in Cincinnati with the girls.”

“Matthew, I know I never said it enough, but you and the girls and your mom are everything. I’m sorry my head was so buried up my ass to realize all the good I had in front of me. And all the money in the world never could replace you all.”

I look at him. “I believe you, Dad. I know how hard it was for you to admit all of that in front of strangers, no less. I’m…I’m proud of you.”

He reaches for me and pulls me into a tight hug. “And I’m so proud of you. Thank you for always being there for us, for taking care of us when I lost my way.”

“The important thing is you’re finding it again.” I smile, a whiff of his signature cologne, Royal Copenhagen, wafts under my nose.

Anytime I’d smell it as a kid I’d always feel safe and comforted because Dad was nearby. When I got older and smelled it, it made me wish for the days where it was the onlyassurance I’d need that everything would be okay because Dad was around.

Funny, it only ever made me sad, not angry or resentful.

And maybe a little hopeful that one day I’d feel the way I did as a kid again.

Maybe now it’s finally time.

Epilogue

ZAK

“You shouldn’t be disappointed. You had an incredible season, your best yet, if you ask me.”

Matt looks at me and takes a long pull on his beer. “We just missed making the playoffs. One point. I could’ve kicked our way in, for fuck’s sake.”

“Yes, but the Crusaders couldn’t get the ball back. It’s not your fault. You did everything right.”

“Still,” he grumbles. “I’m pissed off. It’s not the way I wanted to end the season.”

Jase and Lucas walk over to where we stand in the crowded bar waiting for Sin City to start their second set of the night.

Matt glowers at Jase. “When’s Bryce getting here to run our noses in the loss?”

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