Page 134 of Coff

I lean back. “I don’t think he’ll have any complaints.”

Leo smiles. “That’s wonderful to hear. What about you?”

“Have at it. As long as you understand, I’m not going to work there anymore.”

“Trust me, he understands. He’s not like your father,” my mom says.

I turn to my mom. “You’re smiling. I don’t remember seeing you smile before. What’s going on?”

She rubs my shoulder. “Because life is good now. Years ago, Leo and I dated. We were serious. But then Leo ended up going to prison,” my mom says.

“And Rocky told your mom lies and tricked her into marrying him,” Leo says.

My mom reaches across the table and places her hand on Leo’s. “Rocky led me to believe that Leo had been unfaithful.” Her smile drops, and she frowns. “He tricked me into marrying him.”

“Why are you telling me this?” As much as I’m not a fan of my father’s, no kid wants to hear how he tricked your mother into marrying him.

“Because you need to know that before Leo went to prison, he ran the family business. This house was meant to go to him after your grandparents died. Rocky knew that.”

“Maureen, don’t waste another thought on that man,” Leo says as he squeezes her hand.

My mom leans back. “You’re right. He’s gone now, thanks to you, and it’s time for us to appreciate our freedom.”

They smile at each other as I’m caught up in her words. “What do you mean thanks to Leo he’s gone?”

Logan frowns.

“It’s nothing for you to worry about,” Leo says.

I glance at Logan, who is watching Leo.

“You were the one who tipped off the FBI about the stash of drugs in that barn,” Logan says.

Leo smiles. “Maybe I was, maybe I wasn’t.” He shrugs. “Maybe I had someone tell Rocky someone was going to rob his stash.” He sighs. “If they all happened to arrive at the same time, well, who knew what might happen?”

I stand up. “You killed my father?”

Leo arches a brow. “You’re angry?”

“Yes, I’m angry! He wasn’t perfect, but he was still my dad!”

My mom stands and puts her hand on my shoulder. “Delaney, this was the same man who controlled you and me. He made you marry that horrible man and work at his business instead of pursuing your true passion, all while he did whatever the hell he wanted. He may have been your father but in name only.”

Deep down, I know she’s right. He never supported me in anything I wanted to do. It always had to be what he wanted. My dad was more concerned with his business than his own daughter.

“Why now?” Logan asks.

My mom and Leo turn their attention to him.

“Why did you decide to set up Rocky now? Why not years ago?”

Leo clasps his hands on the table. “It was time.”

Well, that’s not really an answer.

“And we want you to know, Delaney, that you will always have a home here. If you want.” He’s looking directly at me.

The tea kettle whistles, and my mom gets up.

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